It is perhaps true to say that we do not think about whether we use our legs in the same manner, or whether our feet feel the same way against the floor. It is likely that we assume everything on both sides of our body functions in the same way. However, most of us have one leg or foot that is stronger than the other. The stronger side often leads in performing specific tasks, including climbing stairs, jumping, or participating in sporting activities. Those who perform multiple activities are probably less likely to notice a dominant side as a result of frequently engaging both sides. Whether we have a dominant side or not can be immaterial, but it may become a problem to have a strength discrepancy on one side of the body, especially as we age. Simple exercises involving touch can help to reestablish a connection with our weaker, less dominant side. For example, practicing a basic step-up with one leg at a time will show us how it feels on each leg and foot. This can help us strengthen the non-dominant side by practicing the step-up more often with that side. Paying attention to the various ways we use our bodies can make it easier to stabilize the pattern that equalizes the feet and legs. This will help us balance and feel more comfortable using both sides of our bodies. If you are interested in learning about how your feet function and what you can do to strengthen your non-dominant side, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people in all employment lines spend most of the workday standing on their feet. Many workers of this kind often wonder if working on one’s feet all day can be bad for you or yield detrimental health consequences. It is important to note that merely being in a natural, standing position is not damaging in and of itself. However, the answer becomes more complicated if the employee is essentially working in that position all day long. As a result of this, the employee might develop certain foot complications, such as sore feet, muscular fatigue, and other health conditions. Assembly-line workers and cashiers are examples of workers that this might impact. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today if any of this applies to you. This licensed foot doctor will be able to answer any questions you might have and address your problems.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

It is said that an individual has poor circulation in the feet when there is less blood flowing to the feet. As a result, individuals might feel any range of symptoms such as cold feet, a pins and needles feeling, or pain and achiness. Many parents of newborn babies often have many questions about whether and to what extent their baby might be experiencing any kind of poor circulation in the feet. For example, sometimes baby’s feet might experience poor circulation and turn a slight purple shade as a result. Interestingly, it is not always a serious sign if a baby exhibits some degree of reduced circulation in the feet. However, it is always best to consult with a health professional like a podiatrist, especially if your baby demonstrates a blue-ish tongue, which may be a more serious sign of an underlying problem. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information about your baby’s foot health. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Sesamoiditis is a foot condition that develops when the sesamoid bones in the balls of the feet become inflamed and irritated. If you cycle a great deal during your exercise routine, you might be putting yourself at risk of developing sesamoiditis. Specifically, the sesamoid bones might rupture if the stress from cycling is too great on the feet. There are several ways in which you might work with a medical professional like a podiatrist to treat this problem. For example, you might treat this problem by simply cycling with more supportive footwear. Alternatively, your podiatrist might even recommend wearing orthotic devices of some kind to mitigate the effects of sesamoiditis during cycling. If you are a cyclist and are experiencing some kind of sesamoiditis, contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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