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Pronation refers to the foot turning downward or inward as you walk or run. This is a normal component of a gait or walking pattern. In some people, however, the foot turns downward or inward too much, resulting in overpronation. This is a biomechanical problem that is particularly common among people with flat feet and can lead to foot and ankle problems such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Runners and other athletes who have an overpronated gait are at an increased risk of foot and ankle injuries and often require specialized footwear or orthotics to help correct their gait and prevent injuries. If you suspect you may have an overpronated gait, a podiatrist can perform a gait analysis and determine the right course of treatment for you.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. 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
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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
In the first 5 years of a child’s life, their feet grow very fast. Because it is also important that the bones in the feet grow straight, proper footwear is very important. As a baby, the bones in the toes are very soft, and shoes or socks that are too tight can prevent those bones from growing properly. In fact, children generally don’t need shoes until they begin walking on their own. Shoes that fasten with velcro are also important because they can help hold the heel in place and keep the foot from slipping. If you have other questions or concerns about what shoes your child should be wearing, a podiatrist will be able to help make further recommendations.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Is your child limping, walking on their toes, or complaining of heel pain? If so, they may have Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is an injury to the growth plate of the heel bone caused by repetitive overuse. It is commonly seen in children between the ages of 7 and 14, especially those who participate in sports that involve a lot of running or jumping. The heel pain associated with Sever’s disease tends to develop slowly over time and occurs during physical activity. The pain usually subsides at rest, and can affect one or both heels. With prompt treatment, children with Sever’s disease usually make a full recovery. If your child is experiencing heel pain, schedule a visit with a podiatrist near you.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Being obese can put excess strain on your feet, so perhaps it is not surprising that there appears to be an association between being obese and having flatter feet. The term “flat foot” refers to a foot structure in which the arch that is normally present in the center of the bottom of the foot is not visible when the foot is bearing weight. Infants are born with flat feet, but most will develop an arch over time. Those who don’t will go on to have flat feet, but will usually not have any symptoms. Flat feet can also be acquired later in life as excess pressure on the feet, or the loosening of the plantar fascia ligament, causes the arch to collapse. Acquired flat foot may cause pain and discomfort in those who have it, and this issue appears to be more common in people who are obese, although whether or not there is a causative relationship remains uncertain. If you have any foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist.
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 Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. 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
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions are a very common foot condition that develops at the main joint of the big toe and appears as a bony lump. Bunions are formed when the joint in the big toe gets pulled out of alignment and is turned towards the rest of the toes. Bunions can be formed due to a variety of factors that include a poor mechanical structure from genetics, footwear that fits poorly and is too narrow, age, or arthritis. Bunions can be painful and can interfere with wearing everyday footwear. Most treatments for bunions focus on relieving the pain caused by them, since surgery is the only option for correcting a bunion. Conservative or nonsurgical treatment options that a podiatrist may recommend include exercises, night splints, and shoe inserts. If you are struggling with a painful bunion, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested. A podiatrist will help you find a proper treatment method for managing the bunion and help determine if surgery is right for you.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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