I just answered a question on another blog about "fallen arches" are decided this was a topic that needs to be addressed - even if I have done that before!
Fallen arches are not normal. Usually it happens when the tendon that holds and supports the arch (the posterior tibial tendon) weakens or tears. This tendon can weaken with age, weight gain or flat feet. The problem is very subtle at first and may just present itself as subtle aching of the inside ankle and/or arch.
If diagnosed early on, simply supporting the tendon and the arch with custom orthotics is usually all that is needed; but if the tendon continues to be stressed without support it can tear or even rupture.
I currently have a patient who's tendon partially tore during her second pregnancy and she had been suffering for year until it finally ruptured.
Sometimes physical therapy is helpful, but if the tendon has tears and scar tissue, surgery is generally needed. The good news is that people do GREAT after repair of the tendon. Actually, that is the case with any tendon. If there is prolonged pain, there is always pathology. Once surgery addresses the pathology (tears or scar tissue) the person does great.
The only other consideration is what to do to stop the stress on the tendon after it is healed. Custom orthotics are used but it is also possible to have a stent inserted into the joint that supports the arch for a more permanent type of support. This surgery is a simple procedure that should be considered with this problem.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Why Some Shoes No Longer Fit
I was getting ready for an upcoming trip and all set to pack my red/black/white floral skirt and my really cute red peep toe pumps that I haven't worn in awhile and slipped them on to make sure they still looked cute. But I got a surprise - they were no longer comfortable!
The fit of a shoe may change for a number of reasons. First of all, anyone with deformities such as bunions or hammertoes may find that shoes are suddenly causing more pressure and tightness around those deformities. This is usually a sign that those deformities are advancing, even if there is no pain associated with them. Custom orthotics made by a podiatrist can help reduce the progression of bunions and deformities.
Swelling of the feet often occurs in the summer months due to the heat. Swelling can tightness in shoes that were once comfortable. Swelling can also be due to a tendon problem or injury and should be evaluated by a podiatrist if persistent. Lower leg swelling that is continuous can be due to systemic problems, vein problems or even kidney or heart problems and should be evaluated by your primary care physician.
And finally, foot size can change as we get older. Pregnancy can cause the ligaments and tendons of the foot to stretch which may make the foot longer. The tendon that holds the arch commonly becomes stretched, torn or injured in people that have a flexible flat foot or are overweight. It is very important to see a podiatric physician if you develop pain in the arch with or without swelling!
So, I went shopping to set to find comfortable black sandals that I could wear with multiple outfits and I ended up finding really cute red sandals. Happy Day - red shoes make me happy!! It quickly became a really happy day when I saw the price of those red shoes!!
The fit of a shoe may change for a number of reasons. First of all, anyone with deformities such as bunions or hammertoes may find that shoes are suddenly causing more pressure and tightness around those deformities. This is usually a sign that those deformities are advancing, even if there is no pain associated with them. Custom orthotics made by a podiatrist can help reduce the progression of bunions and deformities.
Swelling of the feet often occurs in the summer months due to the heat. Swelling can tightness in shoes that were once comfortable. Swelling can also be due to a tendon problem or injury and should be evaluated by a podiatrist if persistent. Lower leg swelling that is continuous can be due to systemic problems, vein problems or even kidney or heart problems and should be evaluated by your primary care physician.
And finally, foot size can change as we get older. Pregnancy can cause the ligaments and tendons of the foot to stretch which may make the foot longer. The tendon that holds the arch commonly becomes stretched, torn or injured in people that have a flexible flat foot or are overweight. It is very important to see a podiatric physician if you develop pain in the arch with or without swelling!
So, I went shopping to set to find comfortable black sandals that I could wear with multiple outfits and I ended up finding really cute red sandals. Happy Day - red shoes make me happy!! It quickly became a really happy day when I saw the price of those red shoes!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Summer Shoes - Flip Flops are NOT the Answer!!
With the weather improving, more and more people are participating in their favorite outdoor activities and for many people, the flip flop is the first shoe they reach for. Easy to put on, airy and light weight– flip flops seem like the perfect summer shoe!
But, all flip flops are NOT always the best choice for your feet
Sometimes, it IS appropriate and safe to wear flip flops. For example – its fine to wear them to the beach and the pool, relaxing outside in your own back yard, or at a party where you won’t be walking too much.
But most flip flops are not appropriate for walking, biking, doing lawn work or for other athletic activities. Flip flops should not be your go to shoes in the summer!
For those who might over use these flimsy non-supportive shoes, you risk
• Tendonitis
• Heel pain
• Stubbing or jamming toe
• Ankle injuries
• Foot lacerations
Not all flip flops are bad, but most are.
Those that can easily be bended in half from toe to heel and twisted as well will not provide adequate support for normal daily activities.
If the “toe thong” is made inexpensively, either by design or material, you can also experience blistering in between the toe area because. This is a very common problem with flip flops. You want to make sure there are no seams that would cause irritation and its best when the material is soft. Blistering can also occur with constant slippage of an ill fitting flip flop.
Not all flip flops are bad however. Some flip flops have a more structured, solid arch support and make with a more sturdy material. Look for ones that bend at the ball of the foot and do not twist easily. Thicker soles and padding can be found in some flip flops. Look for those that have somewhat of an arch, a deeper heel cup and a soft and natural toe thong.
Go to http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community&id=8173033 to see my discussion of better flip flops with Linda Yu and Sylvia Perez on a recent ABC Chicago News story.
Any sandal or flip flop that forces you to scrunch your toes or use your tendons abnormally is not a shoe you should be wearing.
Any shoe related problems should not be ignored. The bottom line is that no matter what shoe you wear, if you have foot pain, see a podiatric physician- foot pain is never normal!
But, all flip flops are NOT always the best choice for your feet
Sometimes, it IS appropriate and safe to wear flip flops. For example – its fine to wear them to the beach and the pool, relaxing outside in your own back yard, or at a party where you won’t be walking too much.
But most flip flops are not appropriate for walking, biking, doing lawn work or for other athletic activities. Flip flops should not be your go to shoes in the summer!
For those who might over use these flimsy non-supportive shoes, you risk
• Tendonitis
• Heel pain
• Stubbing or jamming toe
• Ankle injuries
• Foot lacerations
Not all flip flops are bad, but most are.
Those that can easily be bended in half from toe to heel and twisted as well will not provide adequate support for normal daily activities.
If the “toe thong” is made inexpensively, either by design or material, you can also experience blistering in between the toe area because. This is a very common problem with flip flops. You want to make sure there are no seams that would cause irritation and its best when the material is soft. Blistering can also occur with constant slippage of an ill fitting flip flop.
Not all flip flops are bad however. Some flip flops have a more structured, solid arch support and make with a more sturdy material. Look for ones that bend at the ball of the foot and do not twist easily. Thicker soles and padding can be found in some flip flops. Look for those that have somewhat of an arch, a deeper heel cup and a soft and natural toe thong.
Go to http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community&id=8173033 to see my discussion of better flip flops with Linda Yu and Sylvia Perez on a recent ABC Chicago News story.
Any sandal or flip flop that forces you to scrunch your toes or use your tendons abnormally is not a shoe you should be wearing.
Any shoe related problems should not be ignored. The bottom line is that no matter what shoe you wear, if you have foot pain, see a podiatric physician- foot pain is never normal!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Resolution#11: Don’t believe rumors and don’t be afraid of the unknown
If foot surgery is recommended to you, there is no reason to panic. Foot surgery is designed to not only treat existing conditions, but to prevent further ones as well. Foot surgery rarely requires you to be off your feet for more than a few days, although some surgeries may require you to either have a cast or use crutches for up to several weeks. Our patients find that pain is usually mild after foot surgery, if at all. Our surgeons have the education, training and experience you want in a physician! When performed by either Dr. Marlene Reid or Dr. Lawrence Kosova, your feet and ankles will be in good hands!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Resolution #10: Don’t let flatfeet slow you down!
When kids complain about their legs feeling tired, it’s often because of flat feet; flexible flat feet to be exact. While it may look like they have arches, flexible flat feet lose their arch when they bear weight during walking. The muscles have to work harder than normal and tired feet and legs are a common complaint. Adults suffer from problems from flat feet as well. Bunions, hammertoes, arthritis and heel pain develop over time due to the instability of flexible flat feet. Tendons in the arch are commonly affected in adults with flat feet. Many women over the age of forty have this problem but men can develop it as well. The tendons can become inflamed, tear, develop scar tissue and even rupture all because of the lack of support. There are so many ways to treat the symptoms of flat feet now – ways that do not involve the extensive reconstructive surgery that was once the norm. Dr. Reid and Dr. Kosova have had special training in a simple procedure that uses a stent to keep the arch from collapsing that many of our patients are benefiting from.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Resolution #9: Clear out that fungal infection once and for all!
2011 brings much good news for fungal nails! New laser treatments are now being used to attack the fungus within and beneath the nails and are showing great success and Family Podiatry Center is the first (and one of the only) offices to offer it in the western suburbs! It’s no longer necessary to decide if the anti-fungal pills are worth the risk – laser treatments for fungal nails will change the way we look at our toe nails!
The laser we are using is a dual wave length laser that acts by destroying the fungal cells within the nail and the skin beneath the nail. The results we have been seeing are dramatic. The advantage for this laser is that you only have to treat the nails that have the fungus so it is more economical than outer options.
The laser we are using is a dual wave length laser that acts by destroying the fungal cells within the nail and the skin beneath the nail. The results we have been seeing are dramatic. The advantage for this laser is that you only have to treat the nails that have the fungus so it is more economical than outer options.
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