Drop foot, often referred to as foot drop, affects a person's ability to lift the front of the foot, which causes challenges with walking and balance. Foot drop commonly results from weakness or injury to the tibialis anterior muscle and tendon, which are essential for ankle and toe movement. Strengthening and stretching exercises that target these areas can significantly improve both mobility and stability. Movements like resisted ankle flexion and seated toe raises focus on building strength in the ankle. Certain stretches can help increase flexibility and reduce tightness. Consistently engaging in such targeted exercises may restore a more natural gait and reduce the risk of further complications in the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can assess the severity of foot drop and ensure that certain exercises and treatment methods are safe and effective for your specific needs. If you have problems with drop foot while walking, it is suggested that you schedle an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait evaluation and diagnosis.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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
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 one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando,and Oviedo, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or injury. If conservative treatments like soaking or antibiotic ointments do not resolve the issue, one of various surgeries may be recommended. This typically involves removing the portion of the nail that is growing into the skin. In some cases, a chemical or surgical technique is used to prevent the nail from growing back. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, ensuring the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Recovery involves keeping the foot clean and avoiding pressure on the toe. If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss this kind of foot surgery with you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando,and Oviedo, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. This condition most commonly affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. The main causes of ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, where the nails are cut too short or rounded at the edges, and wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toes. Injuries to the toe, such as stubbing, can also lead to an ingrown toenail. Prevention involves trimming toenails straight across to avoid sharp edges that can dig into the skin. Wearing shoes that fit properly and allow for adequate toe room is also essential. Keeping the feet clean and dry, and avoiding excessive pressure on the toes, can further help prevent ingrown toenails and reduce the risk of infection. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando,and Oviedo, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
As people age, natural changes in gait can affect mobility and stability. Reduced calf muscle strength often leads to taking shorter steps, while balance issues may increase the period in the walking cycle when both feet are on the ground simultaneously. In younger adults, this phase typically makes up about 18 percent of the cycle, but it may increase to 26 percent or higher as people age or experience balance challenges. This added time on both feet offers greater stability, helping to lower fall risk. Joint changes, like reduced ankle flexibility, may further impact stride length. To maintain balance, older adults might shift their weight or adopt postural changes, leading to a wider stance and a less fluid movement. Neurological changes can make coordinating each step more difficult, slowing pace and reducing synchrony in body movement. A podiatrist can assess specific gait challenges in seniors and suggest exercises or custom orthotics to restore stability and improve gait mechanics. If you have trouble walking while carrying out daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis, exam, and treatment options.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando,and Oviedo, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
