Common Foot and Ankle Problems

Here are some of the most common reasons for foot and ankle problems:

• Injuries
• Congenital foot deformities that occur at birth and can be hereditary
• Infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
• Arthritis affecting one or multiple joints
• Tumors, abnormal growths, and neoplasms
• Issues that arise from ill-fitting or improper footwear, stress, or mechanical changes

Here is a list of some common foot and ankle problems people experience:

Bunions: A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint that results from bone misalignment or repositioning at the joint. Although bunions occur most frequently at the base of the big toe, they can also arise on the outside of the foot at the base of the small toe.

Fractures: Bones are susceptible to two kinds of fractures: stress and general. Stress fractures are small fissures or cracks in the surface of the bone and usually occur in the forefoot, or the area from the mid-foot extending to the toes. General fractures travel into the bone beyond its surface and can be stable or displaced, as well as closed or open. Stress fractures can become general fractures if not properly treated.

Hammertoe: Hammertoe occurs when the second, third, or fourth toe bends at the middle joint, often as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Genetics, arthritis, and muscle imbalance can also cause hammertoe. With hammertoe, the toe bends downward, rather than pointing straight forward.

Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fibrous tissue that runs along the arch of the foot to connect the heel bone and ball of the forefoot. Heel spurs are not the same as plantar fasciitis; however, the two are often associated. Since the plantar fascia is subjected to great amounts of impact and pressure while supporting the foot’s arch, it can become inflamed and irritated. In some cases, it begins to deteriorate.

Heel spurs: Spurs are outgrowths of bone. In the feet, they most commonly occur in the heel. The spurs usually develop in areas subjected to constant pressure. Heel spurs, or bone spurs in the heel, occur on the bottom of the heel bone as a result of calcium deposits forming over time. They frequently accompany the condition plantar fasciitis.

Ingrown toenails: Ingrown toenails, known as onychocryptosis, most commonly occur on the big toe and are caused by pressure that drives the edge of the nail into the surrounding skin. This results in pain, redness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes, infection. Clipping the toenails too short or exercising poor foot hygiene can also lead to ingrown toenails. Runners and those with toe deformities can also be prone to ingrown toenails.

Neuromas: Neuromas are benign growths of nerve tissue, or nerve tumors, that form when the nerves are irritated by surrounding tissue rubbing against them. Symptoms of a neuroma include intense pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, and/ or a burning sensation in the toes and forefoot area. Neuromas most frequently develop between the third and fourth toes.

Sesamoiditis: In the foot, there are two sesamoids underneath the top of the foot and near the big toe that allow the big toe to move up and down freely. These help with push-off activities such as walking, running, and climbing. Since the sesamoids are exposed to excessive force and pressure during weight-bearing activities, sports, and exercises, they are often prone to injury and trauma, as well as stress from overuse or from standing on hard surfaces for prolonged periods. Sesamoids can fracture or become inflamed.

Ankle Sprain: When the ankle bones twist or receive too much force, the ligaments surrounding the outside of the bones may suffer from over-stretching or tearing, resulting in a painful ankle sprain. There are different levels of severity when it comes to ankle sprains, and if the sprain is not properly diagnosed and treated, it can cause permanent, lasting ankle trouble.

Shin splints: Shin splints, a common condition, happen when the muscles or tendons surrounding the leg bone become inflamed, irritated, and painful, which can result from overuse, a collapsing arch, stress fractures in the lower leg bones, or imbalance between opposite leg muscle groups. Shin splints can be prevented by properly stretching prior to and after exercise, sports, or activity. Corrective shoes or corrective orthotics can also be used to prevent shin splints.

It is important for a patient to seek medical care as soon as possible, as immediate, proper diagnoses, treatments, and care can prevent problems from worsening or resulting in permanent damage.

Our QUADRASTEPS Foot Orthotics for adults can address discomfort from many common foot problems, see your practitioner and find out your Foot Type! Each Foot type has it's own unique foot pathologies, and each one treats a different set of symptoms.

Get relief TODAY! Find a practitioner who dispenses QUADRASTEP foot orthotics.

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Are You Concerned About Your Child's Feet?

You are not alone. It is not uncommon for parents to be concerned about their child's feet!

Ever wonder if foot orthotics would help your child? Does your child have poor balance or coordination, awkward gait, or tend to trip and fall? Do they habitually walk on their toes or walk with their feet turned in (“intoeing”)? Does your child fatigues easily and often want to be carried? Do they have any pain related to walking, or has frequent or severe growing?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions, it's possible that littleSTEPS® foot orthotics will lessen symptoms by providing a straighter, more normal aliment when they walk, run or play.

Consider Genetics! Many adults recognize that they have feet genetically similar to their parents, but many not realize that they might have passed on these same foot traits to their children! Help your children avoid acquiring your foot problems by having their feet screened by a qualified clinician who can help you determine if treatment should be considered.

Foot Facts:

• It is normal for a child's foot to appear flat up until about the age of 2 due to a thick layer of baby fat that fills the arch area. As long as the child is otherwise healthy, and the foot is flexible and free of pain, then no treatment is necessary.
• A child's arch becomes more apparent around the age of 3 when the fat pad begins to disappear. At this age it is normal to observe a good arch when the child is sitting or lying down. Upon standing however, the arch may look very low. In most cases, this may be completely normal.
• It is uncommon for children to complain of foot pain. Be aware that “Growing Pains” are not always normal and may be a sign that your child may have an unstable foot. Any child complaining of pain should be seen by their doctor to rule out a potentially serious condition and to determine if they are a candidate for foot orthotics.

What Can Be Done?
There are many things that can be done to manage your Child's condition. Your healthcare provider can help diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Intervention may include balance and coordination exercises, in addition to littleSTEPS® foot orthotics for kids.

Need help finding a provider that carries littleSTEPS®? Try our FIND A PRACTITIONER Tool or EMAIL us for a recommendation!

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10 Reasons why orthotics aren’t just about feet!

10 Reasons why orthotics aren’t just about feet

1. Everything starts at the ground – just like a house

2. Proper alignment prevents future issues, less pressure on ankles

3. Less fatigue throughout the day helps you stand longer

4. Proper Biomechanics makes for more efficient movement

5. Better weight distribution

6. Orthotics can help you run longer

7. Shoes will not wear out as quickly

8. Orthotics take pressure off your joints and help your feet properly carry your weight

9. Prevent injuries – orthotics can help those with existing injuries move easier

10. Can prevent calluses and corns that come from abnormal weight distribution

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Do You Know that littleSTEPS are the MOST CORRECTIVE Children's Prefab on the Market?

Children with flat feet and other foot problems often have difficulty walking, running, or playing sports due to pain and/or impaired coordination. littleSTEPS® products are specifically designed for kids to deliver a prescription based correction, the closest you will find to custom!
littleSTEPS® are composed of a unique blend of thermoplastic materials specifically chosen for kids to provide optimal strength and support to resist twist and torsion, yet soft enough for optimum comfort -with a non-skid soft edge feel.

littleSTEPS® foot orthotics:

 Support Flat Feet and Improve Posture

 Control Heel Pain/Sever's Disease

 Help Reduce Growing Pains

 Are Effective for Toe Walking

 Improve Low Muscle Tone and Strength

READ MORE AT:
http://www.nolaro24.com/patient/lspatient.html

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Why Do Your Child’s Toes Point Inward When They Walk?

By Brandon Macy, DPM, Clark, NJ

Many parents notice that their child’s toes point in when they walk—also known as an “intoe gait”.  At times it is also referred to as being “pigeon toed”. It can look awkward and sometimes a child can not only look clumsy, they may indeed trip and fall more than is usual.

There are several reasons toes point inward and sometimes more than one can be at play.  The key to treating is to identify the source of the problem.  

Most commonly there are biomechanical issues at the root of the problem. Disproportionate hip rotation where they turn inward more than outward is often the problem.  As similar situation can also happen at the level of the knee. There can also be torsional problems of the leg or thigh bones.

Within the foot, if the front part of the foot is tilted towards the outside as compared to the back part of the foot, the forefoot will rotate or flop inwards as the ball of the foot lands in the gait cycle.  Alternatively, due to congenital issues the front part of the foot can turn inward as compared to the back part of the foot. Known as metatarsus adductus, this is treated by serial casting in the very young and may become a surgical problem if older.

How is the intoeing best treated? By utilizing an orthotic—often one of our LittleSteps children’s orthotics which help balance the foot properly.  Very often we’ll use a specialized orthotic called a gait plate for a while and this helps encourage the foot and leg to turn outward and function more normally.

Asymmetrical hip rotation is made worse when a child in the “W” position with their feet outside their hips.  They should be encouraged to sit cross-legged and to participate in activities such as skating or horseback riding to increase external hip rotation. We may also recommend certain exercises and possibly refer for physical therapy to help strengthen and balance the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

The takeaway point is this: don’t let well meaning people tell you to let your child “grow out of” intoe issues!

For more information or an appointment, visit Dr. Macy's website at www.clarkpodiatry.com. 

"At Clark Podiatry Center and the New Jersey Children’s Foot Heath Institute, we want to keep you and your child walking!"

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Spring Sports Injuries

It's almost springtime, and with that our kids are just ending basketball season and getting ready for baseball season. While we love having our kids participate in organized sports, they are more susceptible to injuries than you might think.

Basketball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Basketball players put a lot of stress on their feet which can lead to injuries to the foot and/or ankle from jumping, running, quick starts and stops, and contact with other players. Some common problems that can arise from playing basketball are:

• Ankle sprains that can damage the ankle ligaments, and can be associated with peroneal tendon injuries, fractures, and chronic ankle instability. 
• Overuse and can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents. 
• Fracture of the fifth metatarsal base, which can be due to the constant, running and jumping, as well as foot structure.

Baseball Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Every year, approximately three million children play baseball in the USA. Many of these kids play from elementary school throughout their middle and high school years. Common problems that can arise are:

• Ankle sprains that may occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a qualified clinician to determine the extent of injury. Untreated they can lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains.
• Overuse by focusing on only one sport can cause Achilles tendinopathy or heel pain such as plantar fasciitis, or calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents. 
• Stress fracture
• Catchers are prone to plantar fasciitis from squatting constantly
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Anterior Ankle impingement (especially in catchers)
• Bruising can occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players
• Cleats can cause aggravation of neuromas, sesamoids, bunions and hammertoes. It is important to make sure that cleats are fitted properly by someone trained to do so.
• A common injury seen in pitchers and catchers is ingrown toenails. If ignored, they can lead to a nail infection and cellulitis.

 Some Common Signs of Foot Problems:

• Your child has poor balance or coordination, awkward gait, or tends to trip and fall.
• Your child habitually walks on their toes or walks with their feet turned in (“intoeing”) for no known medical reason.
• Your child fatigues easily and often wants to be carried.
• And Yes, If you child has any pain related to walking, or has frequent or severe growing pains.

Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries in Kids

The growth plates in children’s bones are not mature until their later teen years, and these immature bones, as well as the surrounding tendons and ligaments, are more susceptible to both traumatic and stress injuries. 

Proper footwear, including shoes specifically designed and constructed for one specific sport, is also an important part of preventing sports injuries in kids.

Foot orthotics can be a part of your injury prevention scenario, and if you see any signs of difficulty or pain when your child is playing sports, they should be evaluated by a certified clinician immediately.

It’s important to choose the correct foot orthotic for your child. Consider littleSTEPS® foot orthotics for kids up to teens, and QUADRASTEP® foot orthotics for older teens. They are the closet to prescription foot orthotics that you can get in a prefab and they are more affordable than custom orthotics!

To FIND A PRACTITIONER in your area click HERE

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Stride into Spring with Stride Pedorthic Center!

It’s 2019 and most of you have made resolutions to focus on your health and fitness. We can HELP! As you get off the couch and get out your athletic shoes, you should be thinking about orthotics for optimal comfort and performance.

STRIDE® Pedorthic Center is located in Middlebury, CT and offers a total experience, from a visit with one of our certified Pedorthists to finding the right shoe and orthotics to go into that shoe.

Using STRIDE'S® patented evaluation methods, our clinicians identify your foot type and explain the pain and injuries to which you are most susceptible.

They will give you a complete biomechanical evaluation and a thorough gait analysis to measure how you walk and how your body moves through the phases of gait, to form a complete picture of how you walk and move. Then they will help you find the right foot orthotic for your unique way of moving.

STRIDE® Pedorthic Center also has a great assortment of shoes, sandals, and accessories for every need and foot type, as well as diabetic shoes and orthotics.

STRIDE® Pedorthic Center is your destination for injury prevention, pain relief, body wellness, intelligent footwear fitting and orthotic correction.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 203-758-8307.

Visit them at:

STRIDE® Pedorthic Center

80 Turnpike Drive, Unit 1

Middlebury, CT 06762

stridepedorthiccenter.com

tonyb@stridepc.com

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