Items filtered by date: March 2023

People who are lacking an arch in their feet are known to have flat feet. All babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops in the teenage years, but this may not happen in some adults, possibly due to genetic factors or if they have endured a foot injury. Additionally, there may be existing Achilles tendon conditions or muscle problems that may lead to having flat feet. This ailment is easily diagnosed by undergoing a physical examination in addition to having an X-ray performed. It is beneficial for patients with flat feet to wear supportive shoes and refrain from wearing shoes that lack arch support, such as flip-flops. Adults who have flat feet may need additional support, and this may include wearing custom-made orthotics. If you are experiencing aches and pains from having flat feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with relief techniques.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor circulation often affects the feet. Patients who have this condition may notice a tingling or numbing sensation in different parts of the foot, and the ankles may be swollen. It may be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, or poor digestion. Additionally, as people age, they may become more sedentary than in prior years, causing less blood to pump through the body. When the circulatory system works well, oxygen and nutrients are sent to all areas of the body, and poor circulation may cause a lack of proper blood flow. People who have poor circulation may notice there is less hair on their legs, and their feet may feel cold. Patients may notice mild improvement when they begin a gentle exercise routine, such as swimming or walking. It is beneficial to start slowly, and gradually increase the activity level as the body becomes accustomed to moving. If you have poor circulation, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with additional relief options, and determine what the best treatment is for you.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM of Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

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 offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Obese children are subject to high stress on their growing feet, which can lead to developing a structural foot deformity. In a study of obese children, flat feet, a limited range of motion in the ankle, and greater pain were more prevalent among them. It is beneficial that losing weight is a goal for obese children if they want to walk, run, and participate in activities pain free. A healthy diet geared towards weight loss and participating in exercise are the best ways to lose weight.  Subjecting feet to more pressure over time can lead to chronic foot problems. If your child is overweight or obese, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can help them choose the right footwear, in addition to recommending an exercise plan that will help them lose excess weight.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An individual can experience many different types of pain in the feet in many different areas of the feet. The particular kind of pain that a patient feels, and where it is located, might tell a podiatrist important information about the nature of the underlying condition. One area of the foot where an individual might experience pain is on the top of the foot. Someone living with this type of pain might feel mild or severe pain, and it might arise when walking or standing still. There are several different conditions that might explain why an individual experiences this kind of pain. For example, overuse activities might be the primary culprit behind pain of this sort. This is to say that activities such as running and jumping might be contributing to pain on the top of the foot. If you are someone that struggles with this kind of pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist today.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kristopher Jerry, DPM  from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.