Recent studies that have been conducted in the United Kingdom indicate approximately half of pregnant women are influenced by society to keep up with the latest fashion trends. This consists of choosing to wear inappropriate shoes that include high heels and flip flops during the majority of their pregnancy. When these types of shoes are frequently worn, the risk of falling may increase. This may be a result of hormonal changes that occur within the body, causing the ligaments and muscles to stretch and become soft. Pregnant women may feel more secure when flip flops are avoided, and shoes with a lower heel are worn. It is beneficial to choose shoes that have the proper amount of cushioning, as this is often helpful in providing adequate support. If you would like additional information about how to choose the correct shoes to be worn during pregnancy, please consult with a podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Frank Stoddard, DPM from Massillon Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Massillon, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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The purpose of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf muscles to the heel. This enables the patient to point and flex the foot, which is necessary in performing daily activities. If this tendon should become injured as a result of suddenly stepping off of a curb, intense pain can be felt in the back of the leg. Additional symptoms can include stiffness in the affected leg upon arising in the morning, and it may become swollen as the day progresses. Additionally, Achilles tendon injuries can occur if exercising is done on an uneven surface, consistently wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or if a new sport is started. Moderate relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and this may help to reduce a portion of the swelling. If you feel you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Frank Stoddard, DPM of Massillon Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Massillon, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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Have you recently gone on vacation, and walked more than you usually do at home on a day to day basis? Do you now have pain in your ankle or foot? Stress fractures don’t only occur in people who run and exercise daily, because anyone is at risk. Typically, this type of injury can be caused by a sudden increase in physical activity. Examples are an increase in exercise frequency, running on a different surface, and even changing your shoes can all be causes of a stress fracture. A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, or severe bruising within a bone. To prevent stress fractures, it is suggested that you implement a proper nutrition regiment, wear shoes that fit correctly, and start slowly when beginning any new exercise routine. If you believe you have a stress fracture, it is strongly advised to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Prior to your appointment, it is suggested that you elevate your foot which may help to relieve swelling.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Frank Stoddard, DPM from Massillon Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Massillon, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Babies feet are generally flexible when they are born. There are numerous bones, joints, and ligaments that hold the feet together, and will become stronger as walking begins. This typically happens between eight and eighteen months of age. Research has indicated it is beneficial to have your children walk barefoot while they are indoors. The overall strength of the foot may be developed as a result of the grasping action the toes will provide. When it is time to walk outside, wearing the proper footwear will help the child to balance as the feet become stronger. These shoes should consist of having soles that are flexible and flat, and it is recommended that there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you notice your child’s feet are turning inward or outward, it is advised to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly assess your child’s feet.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Frank Stoddard, DPM of Massillon Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Massillon, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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The medical condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis is known as excessive sweaty feet. Patients who are affected by this ailment have endocrine glands that produce large amounts of sweat throughout the day. Research has indicated it may be helpful to keep a written log on how often sweating episodes occur. It may be easier to notice if there are any emotional triggers, or from the foods that are eaten. Moderate relief may be found when cotton socks are worn, and this may help to absorb existing sweat. Research has indicated it is beneficial to drink plenty of fresh water daily, which is known to regulate body temperature. If you are afflicted with plantar hyperhidrosis, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you to the correct treatment options.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Frank Stoddard, DPM of Massillon Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Massillon, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Research has indicated that people of all ages fall, and it may be more common among people who are sixty-five or older. If falling should occur, the feet may endure a fracture or a sprain, which can make daily activities difficult to complete. Older patients may experience a loss of balance, and their eyesight may diminish as the aging process occurs. Additionally, elderly people may have spinal disorders which can lead to falling. It may be helpful for seniors to incorporate a gentle stretching and exercise program into their daily routine, which can gradually increase muscle strength. There are methods that can be implemented which are beneficial in preventing falling. These can include removing any loose carpeting, increase lighting in the home, and installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area. It is recommended to have a physical examination performed which can be beneficial in updating current medication. If you would like additional information about how falling can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Frank Stoddard, DPM from Massillon Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Massillon, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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