Items filtered by date: February 2024

Tuesday, 27 February 2024 00:00

Exploring Surgical Options for Flat Feet

Surgery for flat feet, or pes planus, aims to correct the underlying structural issues in the foot and alleviate associated symptoms. The surgical approach depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's symptoms. In cases where conservative treatments such as wearing orthotic inserts fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered. One common surgical procedure for flat feet is the realignment of the bones and tendons in the foot to restore the arch and improve stability. This may involve techniques such as tendon transfers, osteotomies, which are bone cuts, or fusion procedures to correct deformities and improve foot function. Another option is the insertion of implants or grafts to support the arch and provide long-term stability. Surgical correction of flat feet requires careful evaluation and planning by a qualified podiatrist to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize risks. If you have flat feet that are causing you pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is an option for you to consider.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

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Wednesday, 21 February 2024 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 00:00

Foot Health and General Wellness

Good foot health is integral to overall well-being. Podiatrists play a vital role in maintaining both foot and general health. These doctors diagnose and treat various foot conditions, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and ingrown toenails, preventing further complications. Podiatrists also address systemic issues like diabetes and arthritis, which often manifest in the feet. By providing custom orthotics, they improve biomechanical alignment, reducing pain and enhancing mobility. Regular foot examinations by a podiatrist can detect early signs of systemic diseases, facilitating timely intervention. Additionally, podiatrists offer education on foot care practices and footwear selection, promoting preventive measures for optimal foot health. If you have problems or concerns about your foot health, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation and any treatment that is deemed necessary.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Foot blisters, those fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin, often arise from a combination of factors, shedding light on the intricate nature of their formation. In scenarios of low friction, prolonged moisture exposure, and ill-fitting footwear, the outer layer of the skin becomes susceptible to damage. Excessive moisture softens the skin, making it more prone to friction and subsequent blistering. Additionally, wearing tight or poorly cushioned shoes can create constant rubbing against the skin, aggravating the vulnerability. Soft tissue distortions, such as bunions or hammertoes, contribute to increased pressure on specific areas of the foot, intensifying the likelihood of blister formation. Understanding the interplay of these factors underscores the importance of proper footwear, moisture management, and addressing foot deformities to prevent blistering. By acknowledging the various causes of foot blisters, patients can take proactive measures to safeguard their feet and maintain optimal skin health. If you have developed blisters on your feet that have become infected, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat this condition, and offer effective blister prevention techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

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Pes planus, commonly known as flatfoot, is a prevalent deformity characterized by the collapse of the midfoot arch during walking. This condition poses various risks, including bunions, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, metatarsal pain, knee discomfort, and lower-back pain, particularly during prolonged uphill, downhill, and level walking. These issues can deter individuals from enjoying the physical and mental benefits of walking as an exercise. Using arch-support insoles can be beneficial as they contribute to a shorter stance time and enhance the generation of propulsion force, especially for the big toe during uphill and level walking and for metatarsals during level walking. These insoles help distribute contact areas more evenly across the midfoot, aiding in shock absorption during all types of walking. If you have flat feet and it is interfering with comfortable walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address this condition. Appropriate support can improve comfort and reduce the risk of associated injuries, allowing individuals to enjoy the advantages of walking for their overall well-being.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor 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 Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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