Specific ways of walking, known as gait, affect how the feet, toes, and ankles bear weight. When pain appears in one area, such as toes, forefoot, midfoot, or heel, the body often shifts pressure to other areas without conscious effort. For instance, heel pain may lead to less pressure at the back of the foot but more under the forefoot. Pain in the arch can cause more force through the middle of the foot to maintain balance. If toes or the ball of the foot hurt, the push-off of each step becomes weaker causing other parts of the foot to take over. This can lead to discomfort in the feet or ankles. A podiatrist can carefully evaluate your gait, or walking pattern, identify where pressure is uneven, and recommend treatment to bring balance back to your foot function. If you have foot pain that may be related to changes in gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. 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 Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot cramps during swimming can interrupt your routine and cause sudden pain. Common causes include dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, particularly low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium. The repetitive motion and extended foot pointing during swimming can also strain foot muscles. To help prevent cramps, stay well hydrated, maintain a balanced diet rich in essential minerals, and stretch your feet and calves before entering the water. Gentle warm-up exercises improve flexibility and circulation, reducing the chance of cramping. A podiatrist can evaluate recurring cramps, assess muscle health, and suggest personalized stretches. If you frequently experience foot cramps while swimming or during other activities, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to uncover the cause and find relief through targeted care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors 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 office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often due to long-term strain on foot muscles and ligaments. It is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis and may not cause symptoms, but when it does, it can result in sharp pain during walking or standing. Risk factors include obesity, flat feet, high-impact activities, and wearing poorly fitted footwear. A podiatrist can assess heel pain through imaging and physical evaluation, then recommend treatments such as orthotics or stretching exercises. If you are experiencing persistent heel discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a personalized plan to relieve pain and prevent further complications.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

White spots on toenails can appear for several reasons and may vary in size and pattern. Small white dots are often the result of minor injuries to the nail matrix, which can occur from pressure or trauma. Larger white lines running across the nail may suggest more significant damage or stress to the nail bed. Fungal infections can also cause discoloration, thickening, or changes in nail texture. In some cases, white spots may indicate a mineral deficiency or exposure to heavy metals. A podiatrist can examine the nails to determine the underlying cause, provide appropriate treatment, and offer guidance on nail care. If you have toe pain or notice white lines or dots on your toenails, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.