Items filtered by date: May 2023

There are many hazards that exist in the workplace which can injure the feet. This can be in addition to the general aches and pains the feet can endure during a typical workday, and it is beneficial to implement methods that can protect the feet. This can begin with wearing shoes that are acceptable for the job, in addition to ensuring they fit correctly. It may help to choose a shoe that has a multi-layer insole that can provide extra support. Many people wear work shoes that have a wide toe box, which can give the toes ample room to move freely in. Jobs that require safety toed shoes have a steel tip on the ends, which is adequate in protecting the toes while tripping, or if a heavy object falls on the foot. There are various types of shoes that can be purchased for the work environment. If you would like more information about this, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with expert knowledge.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Finding running shoes for people who have flat feet may be challenging. There can be differences of opinion as to what type of running shoe to purchase. Many stores that sell these types of shoes may suggest a shoe that has extra arch support. Conversely, sports injury experts may advise a different type of shoe. The majority of people will come to the conclusion that the choice depends on their range of motion and what type of foot they have. People who are born with flat feet may opt to choose a shoe that has minimal arch support, and this may benefit the entire leg. A collapsed arch is defined as a muscle weakness, and additional arch support may be a good choice. If you are a runner with flat feet and are seeking knowledge about what type of shoes to buy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can give you the advice you are seeking.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 Hallandale Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A vessel is essentially a kind of tube that facilitates the movement or circulation of blood throughout the body. The blood in the body needs to reach the feet, among the other different parts of the body. There are several different vessels that help facilitate blood circulation to the feet. For example, the popliteal artery is one of the most important vessels in this context. Other important vessels include the posterior tibial artery, anterior tibial artery, peroneal artery, plantar arteries, and the dorsalis pedis. All of the aforementioned vessels are critical to promoting blood circulation and therefore might be affected if an individual has particularly poor blood circulation to the feet. If you are someone that struggles with poor circulation in the feet or wants to learn more about the vessels in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

A stress fracture is a broken bone. There are several types of fractured bones, and stress or hairline fractures generally happen gradually. The feet are a common place for stress fractures which typically result from overuse. People who enjoy running may experience stress fractures, but they may be prevented when proper warming up and cooling down are practiced. Research has shown that people who frequently wear high heels or other shoes that do not fit correctly may develop stress fractures from the consistent pressure the feet endure. Additionally, this type of fracture may happen from increasing running speed and distance too soon, as the feet need time to adapt. Patients who perform weight training on opposite days may notice their bodies becoming stronger, and running can become easier. If you develop a stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment for you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Many people endure the pain that can come from wearing high heels. This can be a result of the foot being forced into this type of shoe, and ending up in an unnatural position. This can cause the toes to push together as the heel extends up. Many women have discomfort from wearing high heels after approximately an hour, and may tend to ignore the pain. Wearing high heels can add sleekness to the leg, and the body can appear to be thinner and taller. Despite these favorable qualities, research has indicated that frequently wearing high heels may change the muscle balance surrounding the ankle joint, possibly leading to instability. High heels can push the center of gravity in the body up and forward, and changes to the posture may be needed to help maintain proper balance. If you would like additional information about the pros and cons of wearing high heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you in determining if wearing high heels is right for you.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 office located in Hallandale Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.