Items filtered by date: January 2023

Cuboid syndrome is a condition affecting the health of the feet that develops when the cuboid bone is moved out of alignment in the foot. As a result, the lateral part of the foot may experience some discomfort or pain. There are many different examples of ways in which cuboid syndrome can develop. For example, athletes like basketball players may unintentionally move their cuboid bone out of alignment when rushing to the end of the court and using a lateral movement to suddenly slow down their motion. This lateral movement can sometimes cause the cuboid bone to shift out of place. Additionally, students who are rushing through the halls of their school might damage the alignment of their cuboid bone while pivoting their feet to suddenly change direction or speed. These are just some of many different examples of how individuals may develop cuboid syndrome. If you think you have this condition, please contact a podiatrist today for treatment. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Skateboarding is better achieved with healthy feet. Since the activity requires the feet to balance on the board and perform tricks, the feet must be in good shape. Many individuals with flat feet wonder how this condition affects skateboarding. Flat feet develop when the entire bottom of the foot, or sole, rests flush against the floor. In other words, people with flat feet have no arch. Interestingly, individuals with flat feet can ensure that this condition does not affect their ability to ride a skateboard when they wear supportive footwear. Additionally, wearing supportive devices such as insoles can make skateboarding easier for individuals with flat feet. If you are someone that has flat feet and enjoys skateboarding, contact a podiatrist today for more information on how you can best engage in that activity. Podiatrists are foot specialists that can identify and treat a range of different foot conditions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The longitudinal arch of the foot, which extends from the heel to the base of the toes, plays a vital role in keeping you on your feet. This arch acts like a shock absorber and helps you maintain balance with every step you take. It also helps you adapt to changes in terrain, such as walking on a hilly or uneven surface. Most importantly, the arch bears the weight of your body when you stand or move. The arch is part of a complex network of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that allow the feet to work efficiently. If any part of the network is injured, it often results in arch pain. Symptoms are tightness, pulling, or a burning sensation. The most common causes of arch pain are plantar fasciitis, flat feet, overpronation, and shoes that do not fit properly. Other causes are high arches, injury, and overuse. If symptoms of arch pain persist or worsen, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer the appropriate treatment options. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. 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 our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Most people who have diabetes are aware of the importance of taking proper care of their feet. This often begins with checking the bottom of the feet for existing cuts and scrapes and can be done by using a mirror. A caregiver or family member may be able to help with this task if the patient is unable to perform this. Many diabetic patients develop neuropathy, which is the inability to feel sensations on the feet. This can happen from nerve damage, which may occur from having elevated blood glucose levels. An additional complication of diabetes is poor circulation, which may increase the risk of developing a foot ulcer. Effective management advice for diabetic patients consists of refraining from walking barefoot, trimming the toenails correctly, and implementing a gentle exercise and stretching regime. If you have diabetes, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor and help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Parents often count the number of their newborn’s toes and fingers, and in most cases, the number is normal. However, some babies are born with congenital foot problems, including clubfoot and a condition known as metatarsus adductus. The latter condition makes the foot look crooked as a result of a curve in the center. It can often be straightened out by a podiatrist if the foot is flexible and may improve naturally when the child is approximately 1 year old. Clubfoot is characterized by a stiff foot that turns inward at the time of birth. It can be diagnosed by an ultrasound while in the womb, and correction can be started soon after the baby is born. If your child is born with any type of abnormal foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with your baby’s progress.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Total Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.