Items filtered by date: February 2024

In our modern world dominated by concrete and cement, the demise of shoes seems unlikely. This reliance, however, has led to chronic back and foot pain. Podiatrists play an important role in addressing these issues. Wearing improper or ill-fitting shoes can lead to various problems, from bunions to muscle tension and even plantar fasciitis. Choosing the right shoes involves considering factors like foot swelling throughout the day and ensuring proper fit and support. Additionally, rotating shoes to engage different muscles and replacing worn out ones are important practices. A podiatrist can offer personalized advice and treatments to alleviate foot pain and prevent future issues, emphasizing the importance of footwear in maintaining healthy and pain-free feet. If you would like guidance in making sure you get the right sized shoes that fit your feet well, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Recognizing the early signs of an ingrown toenail can help you to avoid more serious complications by getting quicker treatment. One of the first signs is tenderness or pain along the edge of the toenail. You may feel it most when you walk or apply pressure to the area. As the condition progresses, redness and swelling may develop around the affected toenail, indicating inflammation and potential infection. The skin along the edge of the nail may become irritated or appear puffy. If there is pus or discharge appearing at the edge of the nail, the ingrown toenail has likely become infected. If you have an ingrown toenail, or struggle with recurrent ingrown toenails, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat the condition and prevent complications from arising. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dan Kirk, DPM of Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

High heels significantly impact walking, with notable effects on gait, biomechanics, and control. Wearing high heels can alter the way people walk in several ways, presenting valuable insights for both designers and podiatrists. The primary changes observed in high-heel walking encompass alterations in the foot's rollover function, modifications in ankle and knee joint dynamics, and shifts in lower back posture, accompanied by compromised step length and balance. The heightened heel height forces the foot into an increased plantar flexion, which, in turn, augments knee flexion and causes an increased curvature of the lower back. Understanding the biomechanical adjustments associated with high heel-wearing is vital for designing more comfortable and less detrimental footwear, in addition to addressing potential musculoskeletal issues arising from prolonged use. If you enjoy wearing high heels and want to continue wearing them while paying attention to your feet and body, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss this topic further.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Plantar heel pain is a widespread problem that affects many people from different backgrounds. It can make life difficult for those who are affected by it. A common issue is plantar fasciitis. Some studies have linked heel spurs to plantar fasciitis. People with type 2 spurs, or posterior calcaneal spurs, seem to have more pain before and after surgery, and their foot function is not as good as those with other types of spurs. Type 2 heel spurs are categorized based on their location and are typically found on the back of the heel, just above the insertion point of the Achilles tendon. They are more likely to cause plantar fasciitis. Type 2 heel spurs are differentiated from type 1 heel spurs, also known as inferior calcaneal spurs. They are found on the undersurface of the heel bone, and type 3 heel spurs, or superior calcaneal spurs, which are found on the upper surface of the heel bone. If you have a heel spur that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to understand what type of heel spur you have and how your pain might be relieved.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Bluffton and Celina, OH . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.