November 2022

Understanding the biomechanics of the human foot can be exceedingly helpful to individuals seeking to improve their ability to care for their feet. One important biomechanical concept to understand about the feet is how the forefoot functions. The forefoot is described as encompassing the ligaments, muscles, and metatarsal bones located at the front part of the foot. Also within the forefoot are the phalanges, also known as toe bones. There are many other important bones and entities that make up the forefoot and serve important functions. For example, the sesamoid bones located underneath the base of the big toe joint are also found within the forefoot. Certain afflictions of the foot can have a particular impact on the forefoot. Namely, sesamoiditis, toe pain, hammertoe, and claw toe all primarily affect the area. For more information about the forefoot, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One of the most painful foot conditions is considered to be an ingrown toenail. It happens when the nail grows into the sides of the skin instead of over it. The noticeable signs that an ingrown toenail has developed can include pain when the affected nail is touched, swelling, redness, and a discharge may come from the nail. There are various reasons why an ingrown toenail can develop, consisting of wearing shoes that are too tight, having feet that sweat profusely, or cutting the toenails incorrectly. Some patients find it helpful to soak the affected foot in warm water, and this can make it easier to pull the nail away from the skin. This is a temporary solution, and should not be confused with consulting a podiatrist for permanent relief. This type of doctor can prescribe an antibiotic for an existing infected nail, and offer treatment that may include surgery. It is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you the best way to find permanent relief. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Repetitive pressure on the feet can cause stress fractures, which are tiny hairline cracks in the bones. The long bones of the feet, known as metatarsals, are the most common location of stress fractures. Heavy training or exercising for long periods, such as getting ready for a marathon, increases the risk of getting stress fractures. Women are more likely to sustain stress fractures than men because of lower bone density. Symptoms, which usually develop slowly, include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. The first and best way to handle stress fractures is to stop the activity that caused them. If symptoms last more than a week after that, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist who can examine the feet using X-rays or other imaging tests. Once the severity of the fractures is understood, the podiatrist can offer further treatment solutions, including medication, a walking boot or brace, and in extreme cases, a cast or splint. As an active athlete, it may be wise to add a podiatrist to your medical team.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

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 Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people do not think twice about their toes until a foot condition develops. Hammertoe is one such condition that is considered to be a deformity. An imbalance of the toes can cause the second and third toes to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling the shape of a hammer. The toes contribute to maintaining balance and pushing off while walking. Hammertoe may develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. When high heels are frequently worn, the toes may gradually bend to fit into the narrow toe box, causing a hammertoe. Additionally, blisters may form on the affected toes due to friction as they rub against the top of the shoes. Existing medical conditions like arthritis, bunions, and high or low arches may lead to the development of hammertoe. Relief may be found when the shoes have ample room for the toes. It can also be beneficial to wear a protective pad over the affected toes. Surgery may be suggested in severe cases to obtain permanent straightening. Please consult a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Foot conditions, including gout, plantar fasciitis, and calluses can be related to being overweight or obese. Feet and legs hold you up, and the more weight they sustain, the more pressure they are under. It is like a support beam holding up a bridge that is too heavy and susceptible to collapse. Being overweight can also cause medical issues that can negatively affect the feet, such as diabetes, and can make exercising more uncomfortable. Fortunately, we can appreciate our own unique bodies while still working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing foot pain. Improving diet and exercise are the first things that should be tended to. Simply cutting back on high sugar foods and alcohol can make a difference in one’s weight. Adding even a small amount of exercise will reduce pressure on your feet as well. Make it a routine, and have patience with yourself in developing new habits. If you are overweight and have foot pain, consider consulting with a podiatrist who can provide further suggestions for reducing pressure on your feet.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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