Flat Feet (over pronation)

Flat feet are a common condition of the foot structure.
In infants and toddlers, prior to walking, the longitudinal arch is not developed and flat feet are normal.
Most feet are flexible and an arch appears when children begin standing on their toes. The arch continues to develop throughout childhood, and by adulthood most people have developed normal arches.

Flat feet are generally associated with pronation, a leaning inward of the ankle bones toward the center line. Shoes of children who pronate, when placed side by side, will lean toward each other (after they have been worn long enough for the foot position to remodel their shape). 

Many people with flat feet do not experience pain or other problems. When pain in the foot, ankle, or lower leg does occur, especially in children, the feet should be evaluated.

Painful progressive flatfoot, otherwise known as tibialis posterior tendonitis or adult-acquired flatfoot, refers to inflammation of the tendon of the tibialis posterior. This condition arises when the tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn. Left untreated, it may lead to severe disability and chronic pain.
People are predisposed to tibialis posterior tendonitis if they have flat feet or an abnormal attachment of the tendon to the bones in the midfoot.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, icing, physical therapy, supportive taping, bracing, and orthotics are common treatments for painful progressive flatfoot.
Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In some cases, a surgery may need to be performed to repair a torn or damaged tendon and restore normal function.
In the most severe cases, surgery on the midfoot bones may be necessary to treat the associated flatfoot condition.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Bunions

Bunions are an enlargement of bone at the base of the big toe. 

• Bunions form when the toe moves out of place.
• The enlargement and its protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear.
• Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Valgus).
• The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation.
• In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Valgus.
• Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe.

Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. 

• The skin over the toe becomes red and tender.
• Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk.
• Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult—all contributing to chronic pain.

Bunions are hereditary in most cases and can be aggravated by shoes rather than caused by shoes.
Foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, flat feet, and pronated feet can contribute to their formation.
It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries. 

Treatment for Bunions 

Because they are bone deformities, bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is twofold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritations, and second to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:

• Protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
• Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
• Changing to carefully fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.
• Orthotic devices—both over-the-counter and custom made—to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
• Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
• Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly. This is often recommended for adolescents with bunions, because their bone development may still be adaptable. 

Surgical Treatment 

Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please don't hesitate to contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at  http://www.familyfootcare.info/. 

 

Basic Foot Care Guidelines

1. Don't ignore foot pain. It is not normal. If you experience any type of persistent pain in the foot or ankle, please contact our office.
2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet may indicate Athlete's Foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
3. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; this can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet, because they are more prone to infection.
5. Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest, and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
6. Select and wear the right shoe for each sport or activity that you are engaged in (e.g., running shoes for running).
7. Alternate shoes—don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
8. Avoid walking barefooted. Your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sunblock on your feet.
9. Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments. Self-treatment may turn a minor problem into a major one.
10. If you are a diabetic, please contact our office and schedule a check-up at least once a year.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.


 

Blisters and How to Prevent Them

Most blisters on the feet are caused by friction and do not require medical attention. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid built up in the blister is simply absorbed back into the tissue. You can soothe ordinary blisters with Vitamin E ointment or an aloe-based cream.

Do not puncture a blister unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated. If you have to pop a blister, use a sterilized needle or razor blade. Wash the area thoroughly, then make a small hole and gently squeeze out the clear fluid. Apply a dab of hydrogen peroxide to help protect against infection. Do not remove the skin over a broken blister. The new skin underneath needs this protective cover. Cover the area with a bandage and mild compression.

If the fluid is white or yellow, the blister is infected and needs medical attention.

Preventing Blisters

You can prevent blisters by breaking in new shoes gradually, and putting petroleum jelly or an adhesive bandage on areas that take the rub—before the blister happens. Wear socks that have heels instead of tube socks (they bunch up and cause blisters). Acrylic and other synthetic-fiber socks are good choices. Be sure to wash and dry your feet daily to prevent bacterial infections, such as Athlete's Foot.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

What is turf toe?

Turf toe is a sprain of the great toe joint, occurring when the joint over-extends.
It is a common football injury with a high prevalence on artificial turf. Thus providing the name of the condition, it is not exclusive to football. However, turf toe can occur anytime the joint is already extended.
A force pushing you backwards will jolt the joint into suddenly hyperextending. Over time this one-time injury can cause breakdown of the joint. The motion in this joint will become limited and painful. A spur, known as a dorsal bunion, often forms on the top of the metatarsal bone. This becomes arthritis, further restricts the joint and causes additional pain.

Turf toe is progressive and gets worse with time and continued activity. The sooner it is treatment, the faster it will improve and have the pain controlled. If you are concerned that you have turf toe, or any other foot injury from sports, visit your podiatrist for immediate treatment.

If you have any question about problem with your foot, please contact our Family Foot Care at
704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.