Items filtered by date: July 2022

The medical name for pain in the ball of the foot is referred to as metatarsalgia. The bones that connect the ankles to the toes support the weight of the body and can become painful. This condition can be caused by wearing shoes that lack adequate support or by medical conditions that may include arthritis, gout, and bunions. People who engage in high-impact sporting activities may experience this type of pain too. Obesity may be a contributing factor to developing metatarsalgia, in addition to having an unusual bone structure. The symptoms that people may experience can consist of shooting pain, a tingling or numbing sensation in the toes, and it often feels like a small stone is under their foot. Mild relief may come from frequently resting the foot and temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain. If you have any type of foot pain and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor 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 offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The age-old question of what type of shoes to wear for walking, especially fitness walking, continues. While runners have different needs compared to fitness walkers, and some running shoes would not be appropriate for walking, some of the shoes designed for walking can be even worse. Some walking shoes are made more for comfort and work purposes than walking for fitness. These types of shoes are highly cushioned to relieve stress from standing and may be heavy and not as flexible as needed. Running shoes tend to have more of the latest developments in technology with respect to cushioning for fitness walking, as well as motion control, and support. When choosing a running shoe for fitness walking, running stores can help you determine if you need motion control shoes, stability shoes, or neutral, lightweight trainers. The shoe you get should bend some and be able to be flexed at the forefoot. Look for shoes of 10 mm or less of a heel-to-toe drop. Make sure the heel of the shoe is undercut and angles in from the heel to the ground rather than being flared. Most importantly, make sure they feel comfortable. For additional help picking the right shoe for your particular foot and the needs of fitness walking or any other exercise you plan to embark upon, visit a podiatrist, who can examine your feet and gait and make specialized recommendations.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

Keeping the feet strong and flexible can help prevent and relieve foot and ankle pain, as well as reduce the risk of injury. Most foot exercises are simple and do not require complicated or expensive equipment to perform. Some easy exercises to increase flexibility and help maintain the strength and mobility of the feet include toe raises, points, the big toe stretch, toe splay, toe curls, marble pickup, sand walking, and toe extensions. Doing such exercises, wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, not overdoing anything that puts pressure on the feet, and practicing routine grooming of the feet will all help to get the most life out of feet for a lifetime. If you need help with learning how to exercise the feet or how to properly care for them, consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions and treat issues related to the feet and ankles.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor 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 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 one, 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 and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Running is generally thought to be good for overall physical fitness, especially as it applies to cardiovascular health. It also leaves the runner open to several injuries, including plantar fasciitis, bruised heel, and a stress fracture of the heel bone. Other common foot problems associated with running are bunions, ingrown toenails, blisters, and metatarsal stress fractures. These foot conditions can further contribute to pain and discomfort in other body parts like the ankles, legs, knees, and back. Dealing with injuries from running becomes part of a runner’s life and paying attention to your feet is paramount in maintaining a healthy body. Establishing an ongoing relationship with a podiatrist is a wise choice for anyone who intends to make running a part of their life. Signs that it may be time to make an appointment include severe pain when walking, apparent swelling or bruising, and a feeling of numbness or tingling. A podiatrist can examine your feet to determine the cause of your symptoms and offer appropriate treatment plans.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.