Items filtered by date: February 2023

It is perhaps true to say that we do not think about whether we use our legs in the same manner, or whether our feet feel the same way against the floor. It is likely that we assume everything on both sides of our body functions in the same way. However, most of us have one leg or foot that is stronger than the other. The stronger side often leads in performing specific tasks, including climbing stairs, jumping, or participating in sporting activities. Those who perform multiple activities are probably less likely to notice a dominant side as a result of frequently engaging both sides. Whether we have a dominant side or not can be immaterial, but it may become a problem to have a strength discrepancy on one side of the body, especially as we age. Simple exercises involving touch can help to reestablish a connection with our weaker, less dominant side. For example, practicing a basic step-up with one leg at a time will show us how it feels on each leg and foot. This can help us strengthen the non-dominant side by practicing the step-up more often with that side. Paying attention to the various ways we use our bodies can make it easier to stabilize the pattern that equalizes the feet and legs. This will help us balance and feel more comfortable using both sides of our bodies. If you are interested in learning about how your feet function and what you can do to strengthen your non-dominant side, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When an individual breaks their toe, this is known as a toe fracture. It might be due to a sudden impact or slow, repeated pressure over a long period of time. Regardless of the cause, many patients who have broken toes often look for the best way to treat this annoying condition. There are many different ways to mitigate the pain caused by a broken toe and address the condition. To improve mobility, many individuals with broken toes might use a knee scooter to help them get around. Walking with this knee scooter might help the patient move without putting weight on the impacted foot. It is important to know that this kind of scooter is optimal for outdoor use. When using the scooter to get around inside the house, it might prove to be slightly cumbersome when navigating tight corners. Consider contacting a podiatrist today for more information.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is said that an individual has poor circulation in the feet when there is less blood flowing to the feet. As a result, individuals might feel any range of symptoms such as cold feet, a pins and needles feeling, or pain and achiness. Many parents of newborn babies often have many questions about whether and to what extent their baby might be experiencing any kind of poor circulation in the feet. For example, sometimes baby’s feet might experience poor circulation and turn a slight purple shade as a result. Interestingly, it is not always a serious sign if a baby exhibits some degree of reduced circulation in the feet. However, it is always best to consult with a health professional like a podiatrist, especially if your baby demonstrates a blue-ish tongue, which may be a more serious sign of an underlying problem. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information about your baby’s foot health. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual engages in physical exercise, it is important for them to use proper form so that they do not exacerbate any kind of underlying foot pain. One important form of exercise that can potentially illuminate existing foot pain is rowing. Whether you are using a rowing machine or rowing a boat in an actual body of water, you might feel existing foot pain while rowing. Luckily, rowing itself as a form of exercise is not terribly hard on the feet. In other words, rowing does not exert a lot of pressure on the feet. However, if you already have a stress fracture of some sort, rowing might make the foot pain particularly poignant. If you have foot pain on the ball of your feet while rowing and there are signs of swelling or redness, it is possible that you might have a stress fracture of some kind. Additionally, stretching the feet might be a way to mitigate pain during rowing. Contact a podiatrist today if you are a rower and are concerned about foot pain.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.