Items filtered by date: February 2022

A normal stride, or way of walking, includes five distinct phases: Heel-Strike, Support, Toe-Off, Leg Lift, and Swing. In the Heel-Strike phase, the leading foot makes contact with the ground heel first. The rest of the foot then follows suit in the Support phase, contacting the ground while forcing pass through the leg. In the Toe-Off phase, the foot prepares to leave the ground starting with the heel and ending with the toes. Once the foot is off the ground, the lower leg works to raise it during this Leg Lift phase to prepare for the final phase: the Swing phase. In this phase, the raised leg moves in a forward motion, propelling the body forward. There are various foot conditions that can alter this normal pattern of walking, as well as neurological conditions, skeletal deformities, medical conditions, obesity, arthritis, sensory or motor deficiencies, peripheral arterial disease, and more. If you believe your gait is being compromised in some way, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform a biomechanical gait analysis and discuss ways to help correct any abnormalities.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor 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 offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on your feet, may sound very concerning, but it can actually be preventable. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives, grows, and thrives in warm, moist environments. Public pools, showers, and locker rooms are prime locations to pick up this fungus. Avoiding it can be as simple as wearing shoes when frequenting these areas and keeping your feet clean, dry, and cool. Athlete’s foot can also spread from person to person through direct or indirect contact. It is strongly suggested that you avoid sharing personal items, such as shoes, socks, and towels, with other people. For more information about athlete’s foot, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel fissures are cracks in the skin on your heels. For many, these cracks are simply a cosmetic concern, but for some people, the skin can become extremely dry and crack deeply. This can cause discomfort or pain, especially when you stand or walk., and the fissures may even bleed. Cracked heels have many potential causes. These include environmental or lifestyle factors, like living in a dry climate, taking excessively hot showers, or wearing open-back shoes, and underlying medical problems, such as diabetes, eczema, or a fungal infection. If you have dry, cracked heels that are bothering you, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys otherwise healthy nerve cell linings in the brain and spinal cord. This impairs nerve function and causes symptoms throughout the body – including in the feet. Many people who have MS suffer from dysesthesia, or abnormal sensations in the skin. When dysesthesia affects the feet, you may experience symptoms ranging from a mild itching or burning sensation or pins and needles, to a severe feeling of the feet “being on fire” or “electrically shocked.” Despite any sensations of heat, the feet themselves will remain cool to the touch. This is because the burning sensations are caused by impaired nervous system functioning. Fortunately, there are things you can do to relieve pain, such as wearing special pressure socks. If you have MS, a podiatrist can help you manage your foot health. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.