Pronation and supination are essential movements of the foot during walking and running, each playing a significant role in your overall gait pattern. Pronation involves the inward roll of the foot as it makes contact with the ground. It helps absorb shock and distributes your body weight evenly. In contrast, supination refers to the outward roll of the foot, providing stability and leverage as you push off. While both of these motions are normal, excessive pronation or supination can become problematic. The result includes increased wear on your shoes, ankle instability, and pain in the knees, hips, or lower back. Abnormal pronation can strain your feet as well as affect your posture. A podiatrist can assess your gait and identify any biomechanical imbalance. Treatment may include custom orthotics or specialized exercises to help restore proper foot function. If you have foot pain related to an abnormal gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis and 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.

Topical treatments are the first line of defense against athlete's foot, a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. These treatments are designed to target the fungus directly, helping to clear the infection and relieve symptoms such as itching, burning, and scaling. Mild antifungal creams, sprays, or powders containing active ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine are commonly used. These medications work by disrupting the fungal cell membranes, effectively eliminating the infection. It is important to apply these treatments consistently for the duration recommended, even if symptoms begin to improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. In addition to medicated creams, keeping the feet clean and dry is critical. Using antifungal powders in shoes and socks can help prevent reinfection. For persistent or severe cases, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Preventing diabetic foot infections is imperative for individuals with diabetes, as they are more prone to sores and wounds on their feet. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to neuropathy, and reduce blood flow, making it harder for injuries to heal and increasing the risk of infection. Without proper care, even small cuts or blisters can develop into serious infections. To prevent these issues, diabetic patients should perform daily foot inspections, checking for any cuts, redness, or swelling. Moisturizing regularly can help to prevent dry, cracked skin that can become infected. Wearing properly fitting shoes that do not cause pressure points or blisters is essential, as is keeping feet clean and dry. Avoiding extreme temperatures protects against burns or frostbite, which can go unnoticed due to nerve damage. Nails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails, which can also become infected. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist to manage your foot health and address any concerns before they escalate.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Stretching the arch of the foot can alleviate discomfort and improve flexibility. One simple method involves sitting in a chair and placing one foot over the opposite knee. Gently use your hand to pull your toes back toward your shin, feeling a stretch along the arch. Another effective stretch involves standing and placing one foot behind you on a low step, keeping the heel on the ground while leaning forward slightly. This helps to stretch the muscles and tendons along the bottom of the foot. Additionally, rolling a tennis ball under your foot while seated can help release tension in the arch. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists  from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.