Items filtered by date: March 2015

Foot surgery may be necessary for a variety of reasons, but it is normally reserved for cases in which less invasive procedures have failed to help with the problem. Cases in which surgery may be deemed necessary include, but are not limited to, surgically removing deformities of the foot (such as bone spurs and bunions), problems with arthritis that have caused severe bone issues within the foot, and reconstruction to attend to injuries caused by accidents and congenital malformation (such as club foot and flat feet). Foot surgery may be necessary for individuals of all ages and races.

If you find yourself in need of foot surgery, the reason why the surgery has been found to be necessary will dictate exactly what kind of surgery you need. If you have to have a growth, such as a bunion, removed, then you may undergo a bunionectomy. If your bones need to be realigned and fused together, then you may undergo a surgical fusion of the foot. If it is nerve pain and problems that you are enduring, then you may need to undergo surgery in which the tissue that surrounds the painful nerve is surgically removed. Normally other, less serious treatments are first applied when a problem is discovered, but if those treatments are found to be ineffective, surgical techniques are considered and used.

Even though surgery of the foot is usually reserved as a last resort by most physicians, there are some benefits if you and your doctor choose to use surgery to fix the problem. The first is that the pain associated with the issue is normally relieved, which means that you can finally resume the activities your foot problem was preventing you from participating in. The second benefit is that, once you have the surgery completed, the problem is generally eliminated since it has finally been addressed.

History of podiatry has shown that foot surgery techniques continue to advance every year. Endoscopic surgery is just one of the many advancements that have been made in the field of foot surgery. As technology improves, foot surgical techniques will also continue to improve. Many procedures can now be completed using a very small incision and smaller, more refined instruments. Because of these better tools, surgeries are becoming less invasive, and recovery time has become a great deal shorter. Shorter recovery periods mean that you will be back on your feet in no time.

Julia Hartnett has suffered from soreness in her feet for years due to her flat feet. The 19-year-old’s feet gradually felt worse after playing volleyball regularly without an effective form of protection against the pain. After trying orthotic inserts and discovering that they would not work, Hartnett decided to get reconstructive surgery of her arch as a last resort.

Since the surgery, Julia has experienced fantastic results in the reduction of the soreness she felt before the surgery. Although her feet can flatten again as she ages, the surgery reduced the pain so she can have a pain free life again.

Flat feet can be very problematic for some individuals. If you are experiencing pain in your flat feet contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat 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 help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

• Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
• 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 contact our office located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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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 structure and focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

At some time in our lives we will all experience foot problems, regardless of our lifestyle or age, and we all take our mobility for granted until we are in pain. Twists or turns can cause problems and apply stress to the feet, and that pain will spread from the foot structure to the surrounding tissues. The pain will concentrate in the foot and ankle, but may eventually spread up into the knees, hips and back.

The history of biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded. Afterwards, during the first century AD, corns on feet were recorded as specifically growing on feet and toes. 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 of conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area. His basic principles of thermoplastic foot orthotics are still in use throughout the industry today.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, movements and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured. Today’s knowledge of detailed measurement of external and internal forces in the foot is critical to the individual’s treatment. Like most health industries, precise determinations assist the practitioner in diagnosing and prescribing the best treatment for health improving results.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Shoe orthotics options have expanded to treat walking inability, helping to realign the posture deviations caused by hip or back health occurrences. Attention to posture and foot mechanics uses individual insoles to position the foot, aligning the ankle and leg. The corrected positioning comforts the pressure and helps to ease the pain. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot. However, these results can only happen if one seeks a podiatrist who specializes in biomechanics.

According to research from medical student Vanessa Mercieca, athletes with high arches or flat feet are more prone to the injuries caused by athletic demands imposed on the feet. Those with abnormal biomechanics of the feet should be extra careful since they are more apt to develop problems such as plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and neuromas. In order to avoid foot injuries, athletes should seek medical attention as soon as they feel pain, wear proper fitting shoes, and choose shoes with the correct amount of arch support. Custom orthotics can also help avoid putting too much stress on the foot or over pronation of the foot that results in the aforementioned injuries.  

The biomechanics are the moving parts that manage the movement of your feet. If you would like more information, see our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can assess and provide in-depth information as well as measure your personal foot biomechanics.  

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 to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics 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 Media, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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22-year-old Carl Griffiths of Britain is unable to play for his rugby club because he is unable to find a pair of boots that fit his size 21 feet. For the past 3 years, Griffiths played for Trimsaran rugby club with size 18 boots. His toes would curl up at the ends his shoes, which have finally fallen apart after being held together with black sticky tape. Griffiths has yet to find a sports club that makes size 21 boots, causing the player to seek out outside help to find boots in his size. “Not being able to play because of not having shoes is just aggravating,” Griffiths stated.  “At least when you have an injury, you know you just can’t play for a while. But when I’m out just because of not having shoes that fit, it’s just really frustrating.”

Wearing the right shoe size is the first step one should take to ensure optimum foot health. Consult with one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Getting the Right Shoe Size
Sometimes it may be difficult finding the right shoe size especially because shoe sizes tend to vary depending on the brand and company you are looking for. A size 6 for one brand may be a size 7 in another. Although many people know their exact shoe size, it can range within 2 sizes depending on where they shop.

So it is important not to always go for a size 7 just because you think you might be a size 7 universally. It is best to try on the shoe and walk around for a bit to see how it fits and how it feels. Comfort is essential and the fitting has to be well otherwise it can lead to blisters, bruises at the back of the ankle and it can also hurt your toes if the shoe is too tight for example.
People walk a lot, so it is important for you to find what is comfortable when it is possible.

For more information about Getting the Right Shoe Size, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office in Media, PA. We offer all the newest in diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle conditions.

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During pregnancy many women experience swelling of the feet, ankles, and other parts of the body; this swelling is known as edema or the buildup of the fluid inside of the tissues. Bold Sky has come up with a few ways to reduce swelling to make pregnancy a little bit easier. The consumption of salt is known to cause fluid retention in the body so drinking a lot of water and cutting down on salt intake will aid in the reduction of edema. When possible, rest your legs on an area that will make them higher than your waist when lying down. This will help stimulate the blood flow in the legs in feet. Try avoiding heat or adding a cold compress to the mix for added comfort and swelling reduction.

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, speak to one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.

What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is over-pronation, 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?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read the more about Pregnancy and Foot Health