Items filtered by date: October 2019

Research has indicated that the biomechanics of the ankle may be compromised if high heels are frequently worn. They may affect balance and strength, and this can allow falls to occur. If the desire to wear high heels is strong, it may be beneficial to alternate wearing these types of shoes with shoes that have a lower and wider heel. It may help to perform specific stretches while sitting, and this may aid in restoring strength in the ankle. Additionally, the ankle joints may become more stable, which can help to reduce the risk of injury. Heel lifts are an effective stretch for the entire foot. This is done by standing and slowly lifting the heels up and down, and then alternating feet. If you would like additional information about how to strengthen your feet from frequently wearing high heels, please consult with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

When choosing running shoes that fit correctly, it is important to properly measure your foot. This is helpful in determining the correct size that provides maximum comfort. There are several different forms of running styles, and it is wise to purchase running shoes that correlate with your choice. While running on uneven surfaces, the feet will feel better when flexible shoes are worn, and this can be helpful in providing ample support and cushioning. There are shoes that are designed for running on trails where rocks and mud may be present. These types of shoes have additional tread which can be beneficial in providing the support that is needed while engaging in this type of running. If you have questions about running shoes, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward choosing shoes that are correct for you.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Babies feet are generally flexible when they are born. There are numerous bones, joints, and ligaments that hold the feet together, and will become stronger as walking begins. This typically happens between eight and eighteen months of age. Research has indicated it is beneficial to have your children walk barefoot while they are indoors. The overall strength of the foot may be developed as a result of the grasping action the toes will provide. When it is time to walk outside, wearing the proper footwear will help the child to balance as the feet become stronger. These shoes should consist of having soles that are flexible and flat, and it is recommended that there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you notice your child’s feet are turning inward or outward, it is advised to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly assess your child’s feet.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor 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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The pain and discomfort that often accompanies the medical condition that is known as gout can be described as severe and intense. It is considered to be a form of arthritis, and typically affects the joints surrounding the big toe. It is generally caused by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, and can develop from eating foods that have high purine levels. These types of food can consist of shellfish, red meat, and sugary drinks. Additionally, genetic factors may play a significant role in developing gout. Mild relief may be found when joint pain is controlled, and this may be accomplished by taking an anti-inflammatory medication. Painful gout attacks may be avoided when a healthy food plan is implemented. This can also include limiting alcoholic beverages and losing excess weight. If you suffer from gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

The time one takes to care for the feet daily is possibly connected to preventing specific foot conditions from developing. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, and they must provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This may be helpful in preventing bunions and hammertoes. Flip flops and high heels may be desirable to wear, but research has shown they may be harmful to the feet. Ingrown toenails may be avoided by frequently trimming the toenails straight across the toe. When the feet are washed and dried daily, the uncomfortable condition that is known as athlete’s foot may be avoided. Additionally, the feet will feel good when a moisturizer is applied, and this may be helpful in preventing cracked heels. Consulting with a podiatrist can be beneficial in acquiring additional knowledge about how to properly take care of your feet.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. 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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.