Items filtered by date: May 2021

Unsightly toenails or cracked heels? If your feet are still suffering from the harshness of this past winter, schedule an appointment to give them the care they need.

The ankle is a joint that connects the foot with the leg. When this joint becomes damaged from severe arthritis, joint replacement surgery may be an option for some patients to reduce pain, improve mobility and increase joint stability. In this type of surgery, the damaged surfaces of the bones in the ankle joint are removed, the bones are smoothed, and joint parts are replaced with prosthetic components. If you have end-stage arthritis in your ankle joint, consult with a podiatrist who will examine you and make a determination regarding whether you are a good candidate for joint replacement surgery.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

An important part of proper workout gear are the shoes. It is beneficial to choose the right running shoes to ensure proper gait, in addition to possibly preventing painful foot conditions from developing, including bunions and corns. Many shoes are not interchangeable, and what is perfect for one sport may not necessarily be adequate for another. Research has indicated shoes that are flexible and have ample cushioning generally bring comfort and enjoyment while participating in running and jogging activities. People who like to hike can benefit from shoes that have extra support, and this can be helpful in uneven terrain. If you would like more information about methods to choose the best shoe for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Strong and flexible feet are essential to runners. Feet are the part of the body that strike and engage with the ground, and provide the foundation on which the body relies to complete and sustain the running movement. With 26 bones in each foot, nearly one quarter of all the bones in our bodies are located in the feet, not to mention muscles and tendons. Strong arches are an important component in the propulsion action the feet and legs perform during running and also help the foot’s ability to adequately absorb high-impact forces which is critical to preventing injuries. Sometimes, runners either need to compensate for flat feet, or they can develop fallen arches over time. There are exercises a podiatrist can suggest to help you strengthen your foot muscles, as well as custom orthotics to give you the proper arch support you need while running. Additionally, they may present a surgical option to correct flexible flatfoot.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists 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 Weybridge, UK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Having an abnormal foot structure, like flat feet or high arches, may be a contributing factor in the development of the condition known as plantar fasciitis. Additionally, this ailment may develop from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. This ailment is defined as an inflamed plantar fascia and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Research has shown that patients who are obese may also develop plantar fasciitis, and this may be a result of the added weight the feet must endure. A typical symptom that is associated with this condition can consist of severe heel and arch pain, and it may be more prevalent in the morning upon rising. Some patients have found mild relief when specific stretches are frequently performed, as this may help to heal the injured plantar fascia. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward treatment options that are correct for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our clinicians  from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your podiatrist right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis