Ball of Foot Pain

Ball of Foot Pain

When people complain or suffer from pain of the ball of the foot, they are most likely suffering from a condition known as Metatarsalgia. Any pain in the region just under the toes to the arch area is known as ball of foot pain. It is a very common condition affecting millions of people.

Metatarsalgia is usually caused by unnatural pressure on the area over time. This pressure can lead to inflammation in the metatarsals and may manifest itself in acute, chronic, or recurrent pain. One of the most prominent contributory factors is actually improperly fitted footwear. This is more common with women because of the many different styles of women’s shoes, but anyone not wearing a properly fitted and supportive shoe is also at risk for Ball of Foot Pain. The main problem occurs when narrow toe shoes force the ball of the foot into a smaller amount of space that it naturally needs. The changes the mechanics of walking and can lead to damage not only in the foot but also in the lower leg.

There are other factors involved in ball of foot pain but none so obvious as improper fitting shoes. Not only narrow toe boxes and high heels play a role in the condition but participating in exercise without proper support from  athletic shoes can do equal or worse damage. When we fit ourselves with the latest athletic shoes we often give ourselves a false sense of security regarding injury. This becomes more of a problem as we age and the layer of fat in the balls of our feet begin to thin out. It is very important to investigate the use of custom orthotics or arch supports if you experience any symptoms of Metatarsalgia.

However, the treatments for this pain will vary depending on the actual source of the discomfort. So the first thing to do when suffering symptoms is to properly identify them. If there is any swelling, pain, or discomfort in the ball of the foot switching shoes to something which allows a wider space for the foot to occupy should relieve the pressure on the foot itself. This might rid you of your foot pain entirely if it is an isolated event. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medication is also helpful but if any symptoms recur or remain, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist instead of self diagnosing your own foot problems.

There are many products available in drugstores claiming to ease foot pain and if you choose the wrong approach you may risk further injury. There is no substitute for a true custom foot orthotic or arch support and your podiatrist can prescribe or recommend how you might benefit from orthoses.

Orthotic devices are designed to not only relieve the pressure on the ball of the foot but to actually bring the entire foot into proper alignment to allow a normal gait and correct any maladies from the foot up through to the lower back. However, regardless of any advertisements you might see, there is no custom foot orthotic that can be fabricated for your foot without a 3-D mold of your own feet. This is not a complicated process and a foot cast kit can be sent right to your home. The point here is that adding a pre-made insert to your shoe might sound like a great idea but cannot possibly match the shape or condition of your foot with 100% accuracy.

Ankle Arthritis

Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis means pain within a joint and therefore it is a very broad term which can refer to a myriad of conditions. To date there is no cure for arthritis but there are several viable treatments available and people suffering with the condition can effectively manage their pain to live normally.

With regard to the foot and ankle, there are three types of Arthritis that can effect the area. They are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post-Traumatic Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis and usually occurs in middle age. The smooth and gliding surface that cover the ends of bones become worn down and frayed. Inflammation, swelling and joint point can occur. Osteoarthritis is progressive and worsens over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is different than Osteoarthritis because it does not follow a predictable pattern within joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is when a persons own immune system destroys the cartilage or smooth surfaces that cover the ends of the bone.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis develops following an injury. This type of arthritis is more similar to Osteoarthritis because it can progress slowly after an injury and may even take years to develop.

Each type of arthritis effecting the ankle and foot has different causes. Osteoarthritis develops because the cartilage loses the ability to heal itself over time. This is why it tends to appear as we age. However, genetics and obesity have been shown to be related to the development of osteoarthritis.

There is no known cause for Rheumatoid Arthritis but genetic risk factors show that certain people are more susceptible to the disease. It is suspected that something triggers the immune system to produce the chemical substances that appear in the joints and lead to the condition.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis is is a bit more obvious. It can be caused as a result of fractures and dislocations. These traumas make it more likely for arthritic conditions to occur.

Ankle Arthritis is commonly found in the tibiotalar joint where the shin bone connects with the talus bone in the foot. Also in the three joints in the rear of the foot called the subtalar joint, the talonavicular joint, and the calcaneocuboid joint.

Sufferers of Ankle Arthritis may feel pain or tenderness, stiffness, lack of motion and swelling.  There are several treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms. Among them are pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatory medications, custom foot orthotics and or arch supports, custom made shoes, ankle orthoses, physical therapy and exercise.

Surgical Options are also available and careful decisions should be made with a physician. Recovery time may be arduous and lengthy but in most cases today’s procedures will can dramatically improve the condition.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis

The largest tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon and it is designed to handle over 1,000 pounds of force. The Achilles tendon is also the most often ruptured or injured tendon. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon resulting from overuse.

Achilles tendonitis can flare up for several reasons including increasing running distances or speed too quickly, attacking hills too aggressively during training, returning to heavy activity too soon after extended periods of rest, and lack of flexibility in the calf muscles. The condition can also appear after sudden calf muscle contraction during activity.

People experiencing Achilles tendonitis may feel dull pain after exercise that increasingly worsens over time. There may be severe pain along the tendon during or following exercise. Sufferers may feel tenderness in the morning in the lower calf or stiffness that will loosen as the area warms up with activity.

There are several treatments for Achilles tendonitis and they depend on the severity of the condition. Rest is the most immediate treatment but anti-inflammatory medication, stretching, message and ultrasound treatments prove helpful. The use of orthoses, more specifically, custom foot orthotics can dramatically improve the condition and prevent future flare ups.

Of course surgery to heal Achilles tendonitis is an option but should be considered as a treatment of last resort. Surgery will reduce friction between the tendon and its covering sheath which may have built up thick tissue. Also during surgery any tears can be repaired. Recovering from such procedures can be slow and will require rehabilitation to strengthen the area and prevent new injury.

Prevention is always the best medicine. It is very important to use the right shoes which will provide cushion and support during activity. A prescribed custom foot orthotic will change the alignment of misaligned heel bone and greatly reduce the chances of of experiencing Achilles tendonitis. A solid routine of warm up, stretch and cool down is always recommended .

Footcare Express Annouces New Pedorthist

AVENTURA, FL (January 4, 2008) – Footcare Express, a team of physicians, pedorthists, and biomechanical experts, proudly announces that they have expanded their team of pedorthists with the addition of Vahe Mike Sarkisian to their Aventura, Florida office.

In his role as a Pedorthist, Sarkisian will be seeing patients and filling a variety of physician prescriptions.  Sarkisian will be responsible for measuring, designing, fabricating, fitting and servicing pedorthic devices ordered by a physician.  Sarkisian joined Footcare Express in 2007 as a Lab Supervisor with 11 years of financial business experience and two years of pedorthist experience behind him.

His recent career experience hailed from Pedorthics at Eneslow Foot Comfort center and XL Health Inc. in New York, one of the nation’s largest Diabetic Preventive Care centers, where he fitted and cast patients for shoes and other orthotics, custom footwear and braces as a practicing pedorthist. Sarkisian graduated with a BBA in Finance Investments from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, CUNY, New York, NY and became a certified Financial Advisor.  Upon completing Eneslow Pedorthic Institute and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine course, Mr. Sarkisian became a certified Pedorthist in 2005.

Offering a variety of services, including a full service podiatry practice, Footcare Express also includes an extensive retail business and a Pedorthic facility.  The Aventura-based facility is fully accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics which ensures that Footcare Express provide the highest standards in fulfilling patient prescriptions for therapeutic footwear and/ or other durable medical equipment including but not limited to foot orthotics, braces and other foot and ankle related modalities.  The physicians and pedorthists at Footcare Express work with various NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL teams and players, including several colleges and universities.

Footcare Express also has its own on-site state-of-the-art Custom Foot Orthotic Laboratory that allows the doctor and technicians to use technology to digitize the foot, allowing for a more accurate replica of the foot, making prescriptions more accurate as well.  Doctors and technicians use the latest technology to diagnose and treat foot problems including the F-Scan, which allows the clinician a split-second perspective on all phases of the walking cycle or gait cycle and through Video Motion Analysis, which captures the gait cycle using fame-by-frame imaging.

Footcare Express opened its Aventura-based office in 2000.  In just 6 short years, Footcare Express has successfully launched a retail portion of its business and increased its availability with various professional sports teams. The company prides itself on offering the most advanced services in the industry.  Footcare Express is a family owned business founded by Dr. Harold Reinhartz and his son Jarett Reinhartz.  Dr. Charles Mutschler is the Medical Director of Footcare Express.  For more information onFootcare Express please call 877.687.3338 or visit www.FootcareXpress.com.