Items filtered by date: April 2023

When a woman becomes pregnant, it can be especially important for them to maintain proper foot health. One condition that might occur during a woman’s pregnancy is known as athlete's foot. This particular condition of the foot may develop when a woman becomes pregnant because the pregnancy can often make a woman sweat profusely, causing the feet to become moist and susceptible to fungal infections. If you are a pregnant woman with athlete’s foot, your medical professional might advise you against using certain over-the-counter antifungal medications incompatible with pregnancies. If you are demonstrating any of the signs of athlete's foot, such as itching, redness, or flaking, then it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for immediate attention.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Stretching the feet as part of one’s everyday foot care routine can yield significant benefits. For example, stretching the feet can improve stability, flexibility, and mobility. However, certain groups of individuals stand to benefit even more from frequently stretching the feet. Namely, individuals living with a foot condition known as flat feet may notice positive results from performing foot stretches. The reason for this is that certain stretches can strengthen the arch of the foot, resulting in a potential reduction in pain. Therefore, individuals with flat feet may consider performing towel scrunches, toe extensions, and heel raises. If you are someone looking to improve the general health of your feet through foot stretches, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for advice and treatment.

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

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Some people notice small signs that they may be developing a bunion. It may be more difficult to take long walks, and wearing high heels may prove to be painful. Bunions develop gradually, and can happen for genetic reasons or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. This can cause the side of the big toe to rub against the shoe, and a small, hardened bump may form. A bunion is considered to be a deformity, and it may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. A callus or corn may form on top of the bunion, and the toe may be red and difficult to move. Temporary relief may be found when the shoes that are worn fit correctly. Some patients place a protective pad over the bunion, which may help to protect it against developing calluses. Wearing custom made orthotics may help to reduce existing discomfort, and performing specific foot exercises may prove to be beneficial in strengthening the foot. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief solutions. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Pes planus is the medical term for the condition known as flat feet. Flat feet are also referred to as fallen arches and are common among infants and young children. Most babies are born with flat feet, and their arches begin to develop between the ages of 2 and 3. Studies show the most common type of flat feet is flexible flat feet. With this condition, the arch is visible when the foot is lifted and disappears when the foot is placed on the ground. An injury can also cause additional problems like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which generally occurs during adulthood. The tendons that support the arch can become weak and flat from a lack of adequate support. Flat feet can be caused by genetic reasons or possibly from existing medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy. If you have this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, which may include wearing custom-made orthotics.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors 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 office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.