Items filtered by date: July 2024

Managing high arch pain, also known as pes cavus, can be challenging, as this condition often places increased stress on the ball of the foot and heels. Pressure from high arches can lead to discomfort and difficulties in finding suitable footwear, which can impact daily activities like walking, standing, and running. High arches can result from bone or nerve conditions, and while less common than flat feet, they are more likely to cause pain. Symptoms include a noticeably shorter foot length and a hollow instep when standing. A podiatrist can help determine the flexibility of the arch and recommend appropriate treatment, which might include custom orthotics, supportive insoles, or specially designed-shoes to alleviate pain and improve mobility. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to correct the foot structure. If you have high arches that cause pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM from California. 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 Westlake Village, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe surgery aims to correct deformities where a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint. Types of surgery include tendon transfer, where a tendon is rerouted to pull the toe into the correct position, and joint resection, which involves removing part of the joint to straighten the toe. Fusion surgery permanently joins the bones in the affected joint, ensuring the toe remains straight. While these procedures can effectively alleviate pain and improve function, they carry potential risks. Complications may include infection, nerve damage, and prolonged swelling. Additionally, there is a possibility of stiffness or recurrence of the deformity. Consulting with a podiatrist ensures a thorough understanding of the benefits and risks. If you are considering surgery for this condition, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can determine if this is a right decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM of California. 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 Westlake Village, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Exercising your feet offers numerous benefits that can enhance your overall foot health, reduce pain, and keep you active. Gentle stretches and strength exercises improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support your feet, which can help prevent injuries and alleviate discomfort. For example, toe raise, point, and curl exercises can get your toes and feet moving, while toe splay movements help gain control over your toe muscles. Toe extensions are particularly beneficial for preventing or treating plantar fasciitis. Additionally, activities like toe curls, marble pickups, and big toe stretches strengthen various muscles in your feet and improve their range of motion. Rolling a tennis ball under your foot can also provide relief from arch pain and plantar fasciitis. Finally, Achilles tendon stretches help maintain flexibility while preventing foot, ankle, and leg pain. You can perform these foot exercises three days a week or even daily for lifelong foot health. If you have any injuries, arthritis, diabetes, or persistent foot and ankle pain, consult a foot doctor before starting any new exercise routine. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and expert treatment. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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