Foot biomechanics is an area of foot care that examines the structure, function, and motion of the feet. When these factors are carefully examined, they can provide more information about potential causes of foot and ankle pain and help your chiropodist find the best treatments for the unique needs of your feet.
The study of biomechanics dates back to ancient times but became more well known in modern history when findings claimed that changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and foot can lead to positive clinical outcomes when treating various foot and ankle conditions.
The advent of modern technology, such as computer analysis, has continued to expand on these discoveries and helps medical professionals make informed decisions about patient care. Understanding the biomechanics of the feet can help in the diagnosis of various conditions and prescribing targeted treatments that reduce or eliminate pain. For example, a chiropodist can analyze your gait, or walking pattern, and determine if there are any abnormalities that can be treated with custom orthotics or footwear modifications.
Within the intricate architecture of the human foot, a symphony of joints and bones collaborates harmoniously to support our daily movements. The foot's foundation comprises 26 bones, meticulously arranged to form arches and curves that absorb the impact of each step. These bones are connected by a network of joints, facilitating flexibility and mobility. The ankle joint, a pivot point, enables the foot to flex and extend, while the subtalar joint beneath it allows for side-to-side movement. Ligaments, acting as sturdy bands, connect bones and provide stability. The metatarsophalangeal joints at the ball of the foot permit weight distribution during propulsion, allowing for a smooth transition from heel to toe. This intricate interplay ensures the feet's adaptability to various surfaces and activities, highlighting the remarkable biomechanics that comprise our every stride and step. If you are seeking additional information about the intricacies of the bones, joints, and ligaments in the feet, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist.
The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you’re suffering from foot pain, it’s important to note the locations and quality of your foot pain. Pain can affect any part of the foot, including the top, bottom, side, heel, or toes. The pain may be sharp, stabbing, dull, achy, burning, or stinging, and can come on suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Pain in the top, bottom, or side of the foot can have many causes. In addition to the type of pain and its location, it’s also important to note when the pain started, what you were doing at the time, and what aggravates the pain. For example, pain in the top of the foot that worsens with physical activity or weight-bearing, that has gradually gotten worse over time, and is accompanied by swelling and tenderness could be indicative of a stress fracture.
Pain in the heel is a frequent concern, especially among patients who participate in sports, run, or wear high heels. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heels to the toes, can cause stabbing heel pain. The pain is usually at its worst upon taking your first few steps in the morning or after a long rest and can radiate to the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is also often associated with heel spurs, bony outgrowths on the heel bones that can be painful if they poke into the surrounding tissues.
Foot pain can be caused by not only injuries but also problems with the biomechanics of the feet and underlying health problems, like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. If you’re experiencing foot pain, please seek the care of a chiropodist near you.
Sharp foot pain can stem from various causes, with ill-fitting shoes being a primary factor. Investing in well-fitted footwear is essential. High heels, in particular, exert excessive pressure on the toes, potentially leading to sharp foot pain. Medical conditions that contribute to sharp foot pain, including diabetes, leg deformities, and neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease. Pushing your body beyond its limits through excessive exercise is another underestimated cause of sharp foot pain. Plantar fasciitis, a common source of sharp foot pain, involves inflammation of the tough fibrous tissue, the plantar fascia, resulting in discomfort, especially during the morning and in the bottom and front of the heel. This condition may lead to heel spurs, bony projections that can increase the pain. Seeking immediate attention from a chiropodist when you experience sharp foot pain is important, especially when dealing with conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Diagnosis through X-rays and appropriate treatments can help alleviate sharp foot pain and restore mobility. For assistance in dealing with foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.
Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including:
Plantar fasciitis
Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
Arthritis
Flat feet
Ingrown toenails
Symptoms
The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you.
Common types of foot pain include:
Heel pain
Arch pain
Toe pain
Ball of foot pain
Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation
Diagnosis
A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Obesity can affect the feet in a variety of ways. Your feet bear the weight of your body, carrying you through life. When the feet are under immense strain from excess weight, they are more prone to both chronic and acute injuries. Over time, the pressure from excess weight can cause the feet to flatten and widen as the arches of the feet slowly collapse. This can not only increase your shoe size, but also lead to foot pain, difficulty walking, and a dysfunctional gait or walking pattern. A variety of foot and ankle injuries are common in obese individuals. These include plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis, which can both become chronic. The reduced mobility from foot pain can also decrease your quality of life, make it more difficult to exercise, and lead to further weight gain.
Obesity is also associated with a host of systemic health complications that can affect the feet. Obese people may be more at risk of developing gout and arthritis, which damage the joints. There is also an increased risk of diabetes and poor circulation. Together, these conditions can lead to the development of diabetic foot wounds, which heal slowly and poorly and can cause serious health complications should they become infected.
Making healthy lifestyle changes is one way to prevent the foot problems associated with obesity. Reduce weight (and the risk of gout) by eating a healthy diet and exercising. Wear shoes that fit properly and support your feet. Your chiropodist may suggest orthotics, medications, or other treatments to address any foot pain and to improve your overall mobility and quality of life. To learn more, consult with a chiropodist near you.
Obesity exerts a profound influence on the health of our feet, a fact often underestimated in the broader conversation about weight-related health issues. The excess body weight borne by those individuals who are obese places an extraordinary burden on the feet, subjecting them to increased pressure and stress. This heightened load on the feet can lead to a range of debilitating conditions, ranging from arch collapse and plantar fasciitis to osteoarthritis. The intricate network of bones, muscles, and ligaments in the feet can gradually succumb to the relentless strain, possibly resulting in chronic pain and reduced mobility. Moreover, obesity amplifies the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, further compounding the toll on foot health. If you have developed foot pain as a result of being overweight, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can help you to manage this condition.
Being obese affects every part of your body, and your feet are no exception. Because they bear the full weight of your body as you go about your daily life, your feet are under a lot of pressure. Carrying excess weight can strain the feet and cause a variety of unpleasant side effects. If you are obese and concerned about your foot health, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Obesity can:
Cause foot pain
Increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries
Reduce mobility
Make the feet wider
Flatten the arch
Make gout more likely
Make arthritis more likely
Increase the risk of diabetes
Your chiropodist may suggest lifestyle changes to address foot and ankle problems that are caused by or affected by obesity. These may include changes to your diet, exercise, and footwear, as well as wearing orthotics. The treatments for specific injuries or health problems will vary depending on what they are, but weight loss is often suggested to decrease strain on the feet. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.
The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling.
Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry.
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that can cause itching, burning, and discomfort. Prevention is key to keeping this irritating condition at bay. Firstly, keeping your feet clean and dry is essential. Wash them daily with soap and water, ensuring they are dried thoroughly, especially between the toes. Fungi thrive in damp environments, so maintaining dry feet is your first line of defense. Choosing the right footwear is equally important. Opt for shoes made of breathable materials and moisture-wicking socks to help keep your feet fresh and dry. It is beneficial to refrain from walking barefoot in public places, especially in locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers. Wearing flip-flops or shower shoes can protect your feet from infection. It is helpful to avoid sharing socks or towels. Fungal infections can spread through contact, so avoid borrowing or lending these items. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can offer you successful treatment options, in addition to effective prevention techniques.
Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person.
Symptoms
The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include:
Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet
Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet
Scaly, red rash on the foot
Blisters
Foul odor
Treatment
Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both.
Prevention
Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices.
You can prevent athlete’s foot by:
Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day
Wearing shoes when walking in public areas
Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others
Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The toes are hard at work every time you stand, walk, run, hop, skip, or jump. They help to push the foot off the ground and to keep you balanced. When a toe is in pain it can negatively impact your normal daily activities. Among the numerous causes for toe pain, the chief one is trauma, such as stubbing a toe or dropping something heavy on it. This often causes severe bruising and affects your ability to bear weight. Other common causes of toe pain are bunions, hammertoes, nerve damage, and toenail problems. In addition, toe pain can be caused by gout (a type of arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or warts. Further causes include toenail infections, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot infections. Treatment by a chiropodist varies according to the underlying cause of the pain. In case of a broken or severely bruised toe, the remedy is usually to brace or splint the toe. Certain medications can be prescribed to relieve pain and injections may be administered. X-rays and imaging tests may be performed to determine the cause and severity of the toe pain. Custom orthotics may also be prescribed and fitted to counteract toe deformities or other problems. If your toe pain continues or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.
