Items filtered by date: October 2022

Although they may seem small and insignificant to some, the toenails are absolutely critical to the functioning of the foot. The toenails essentially act as a kind of protective plate to guard against injuries. This can help prevent the toes from getting injured during daily activities. The toenails can also act as claws of some sort, improving the extent to which the toes can grip and dig into the floor during motion. The nail is made up of several different parts: the nail root, the nail bed, the nail plate, the eponychium, the paronychium, and lastly the hyponychium. These six components of the nail are each important in their own unique ways. Importantly, the disruption of one component of the nail can fundamentally disrupt the overall toenail. For more information about toenails, consult with a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Plantation, Ft. Lauderdale, and Margate, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the feet can be debilitating. Have you ever experienced pain in the top of your foot? This can occur due to an injury or perhaps from dropping something heavy on the feet. Occasionally, patients will experience pain on top of the foot for no apparent reason. A stress fracture can develop gradually and may cause pain in this part of the foot. The foot condition known as gout often begins with the big toe becoming inflamed and the pain may travel to other parts of the foot. Additionally, there is a condition that is referred to as sinus tarsi syndrome and may occur from numerous ankle sprains. The pain is often noticeable in the outside of the ankle and severe cases may spread to the top of the foot. A bone spur that forms in the joints of the feet can produce pain that is felt on top of the toes. If you are having pain in any part of your foot, please contact a podiatrist who can determine the reason why as well as provide treatment techniques that are best for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 offices located in Plantation, Ft. Lauderdale, and Margate, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A good shoe should fit the shape of your foot. Poorly fitting shoes can cause all sorts of foot problems, including corns and bunions. With properly fitted shoes, your toes should be able to wiggle comfortably without hanging off the front of the shoe. Your heel should fit snugly and securely without feeling like it is slipping up and down. It is best to get your feet measured since one foot is usually larger than the other. Try shoes on both feet. Shoes should fit the larger foot. Pay attention to whether the shoes rub or pinch anywhere. Shoes should have at least ¼ inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe for proper fit. For shoes with heels, make sure the toes lie together and are not cramped from wearing too high of a heel. If you plan to wear socks or stockings with shoes, try them on with those foot coverings. If you have questions about the proper fit of shoes, consult with a podiatrist who can help you.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plantation, Ft. Lauderdale, and Margate, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Each foot consists of 26 bones, as well as numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles. As the aging process occurs, the feet can become weakened by daily stress, but there are measures that can be taken to maintain the health of the feet. These include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, and trimming the toenails correctly, which may help to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Blood circulation may be improved, which can contribute to having good foot health. This is accomplished by frequently practicing a gentle exercise routine. It is also beneficial to check the soles of the feet for existing cuts, bruises, and scrapes that may have developed, in addition to wearing socks that can absorb sweat. The feet can feel the most comfortable in shoes with a lower heel, made of breathable materials, and having adequate cushioning that may help to balance the weight of the body. If you have questions and would like more information about how to take care of elderly feet, please confer with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Plantation, Ft. Lauderdale, and Margate, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.