Items filtered by date: September 2024

Foot pain can stem from various underlying issues, often linked to specific areas of the foot or ankle. One common cause of foot pain is Achilles tendinopathy, which involves inflammation or damage to the Achilles tendon, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the foot. Another issue is tibialis posterior dysfunction, where the tendon that connects the calf to the arch of the foot becomes inflamed, causing arch pain and flatfoot. Plantar fasciitis, a frequent cause, results from damage to the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain, especially after rest. Bursitis, caused by inflammation in fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, can also lead to pain and swelling in the foot or ankle, often increased by wearing tight footwear. Changes in the arch, whether too high or too low, can affect foot posture and may lead to further complications, including tendon strain and joint pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Sever's disease, medically known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that affects children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. This condition involves inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, which is a cartilage area where the heel bone and tendons attach. Risk factors include activities that put repetitive stress on the heel, such as running or jumping, as well as being overweight. Symptoms often result in heel pain, which may worsen with physical activity. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can recommend specific stretches for relief and guide you toward appropriate treatment methods. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Flat feet, or pes planus, in children, is a condition where the arches of the feet do not develop properly, resulting in the entire sole touching the ground. Often, this condition is flexible, with the arch appearing while sitting or standing on tiptoe, but disappearing when standing flat. Causes include genetics, ligament laxity, or underlying conditions like cerebral palsy. Children with flat feet often experience overpronation, where the ankles roll inward excessively. Overpronation can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on the degree of inward roll. Many children experience no symptoms and often outgrow flat feet as their arches develop naturally, usually by age six. However, some may experience pain, fatigue, or difficulty with physical activities requiring intervention. Rarely, severe cases may require surgical treatment. If your child is experiencing discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide recommendations which may include wearing supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, or stretching exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve posture.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Running, a fundamental form of exercise, exerts significant demands on our bodies, particularly on the intricate structures of our feet. As a runner pounds the pavement or tread trails, each step engages a complex interplay of muscles and bones. The repetitive motion of running strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the foot, essential for stability and balance. Additionally, the bones of the foot, such as the metatarsals and phalanges, adapt to the stress of impact by becoming denser and more resilient over time. However, this activity is not without risks. Running can also lead to overuse injuries, affecting tendons and ligaments. Wearing proper footwear and gradual progression in intensity are vital to reduce these risks and maintain foot health. If you have endured a foot injury while running or jogging, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and educate you on how to protect your feet while running.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.