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Items filtered by date: October 2022

Saturday, 29 October 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

The pain and discomfort from having flat feet may vary from person to person. There are some patients who do not have pain at all with this condition, whereas there are patients who have difficulty in completing daily activities with flat feet. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally forms during the teenage years. For those people who approach adulthood with flat feet, there may be existing medical conditions that can cause it. These are generally hereditary, and can include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome. A proper diagnosis consists of having CT and MRI tests performed, and it is beneficial to have an X-ray taken that can determine if there is arthritis in the feet. Relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn, which can make it easier to complete daily activities. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly fit you for orthotics, in addition to providing you with other helpful relief options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What is Flexible Flat Foot?
Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

About the Four Types of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a highly contagious fungal infection, also called tinea pedis, that usually begins in between the toes. The fungus thrives in moist, warm, and dark places. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include an itchy rash that also may sting and burn. Further, it may develop into blisters that are filled with fluid and can become painful. In addition, the skin around the infected area can become dry, cracked, and scaly. The most common form of athlete’s foot is a toe web infection that often targets the spaces between the 4th and 5th toes. A moccasin-type infection usually covers the bottom edges of the heels and feet. A vesicular infection, characterized by small fluid-filled blisters, can form anywhere along the bottom of the feet. An ulcerative infection, which is both rare and extremely uncomfortable, consists of painful open sores that can form on the bottom of the feet or between the toes. Luckily, athlete’s foot is easily treatable with creams, lotions, powders, and sprays. If you are experiencing difficulty with an athlete’s foot infection, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist for advanced treatment options. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Athlete's Foot
Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

How Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

Repeated pressure on the posterior tibial nerve is often the reason for the foot condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. This nerve is located inside the tarsal tunnel that is found near the ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can occur when the nerve becomes inflamed. It can happen to people who have flat feet, diabetes, or who have endured an ankle sprain. The symptoms that patients can experience can consist of a burning sensation, a feeling of pins and needles, or may feel like an electric shock. The treatment for this condition can vary from wearing braces or splints to having surgery, and this depends on the severity of the ailment. Custom-made orthotics may be worn to alleviate some of the pressure from this syndrome. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can determine why you have it and choose the best treatment option for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

Stretching for Standing All Day

Sometimes due to one’s profession or lifestyle, an individual may be expected to stand for prolonged periods of time without otherwise moving or engaging in physical activities. This static position has its own risks of potential health problems, including lower back pain, foot pain, and achy knees. One way to address the problem of standing in a static position for long periods of time is to stretch because stretching can reduce tension in the muscles. For example, to reduce tension caused from standing, you may choose to perform the standing lunge calf stretch. This can be done by standing in front of a wall, putting one’s hands against the wall, and then repeatedly moving one foot behind the other in a lunge position. You ought to feel a stretch in the calf. This should be repeated on both feet. If you want to learn more about how stretching can address problems caused by standing all day, contact a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Stretching Your Feet

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