Flat feet develop when the arches of the feet are low or touch the ground while standing. The arches help distribute body weight and support movement. Some people have flat feet from childhood and never experience discomfort. Others develop fallen arches later in life. Symptoms can include aching feet, ankle pain, and stiffness after standing for long periods. of time. Discomfort may also affect the lower legs. In some cases, the feet appear to lean inward when standing. Flat feet can make walking long distances or participating in sports more difficult. However, having low arches does not automatically mean treatment is necessary. Pain and changes in movement are important reasons to seek an evaluation.

Several factors can contribute to flat feet. Family history can influence how the arches develop. Injuries can weaken the tendons that help support the foot. Tendons are strong tissues that connect muscles to bones. One tendon along the inside of the ankle plays an important role in maintaining the arch. When it becomes damaged, the arch may gradually flatten. A tight Achilles tendon can also affect foot movement and create discomfort while walking. Aging and excess body weight can increase strain on the feet. Some people have flexible flat feet, meaning their arches appear when they are not standing. Others have arches that remain low even without weight on the feet. Understanding these differences helps guide treatment.

A podiatrist can examine your arches, assess ankle movement, and observe how you walk. They can check for tendon problems and determine whether imaging is appropriate. Treatment can include custom shoe inserts, supportive shoes, and professionally guided exercises. Shoe inserts, also called orthotics, help distribute pressure and support the feet. A podiatrist can also assess whether a tight Achilles tendon contributes to discomfort. The goal is to reduce pain and improve comfort during everyday activities. Treatment depends on the cause of the flat feet and the symptoms you experience. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Women's feet face many changing demands throughout life, and certain shoe styles add pressure that contributes to pain. Narrow-fitting shoes squeeze the toes, while high heels shift body weight toward the ball of the foot. This pressure increases irritation around joints and nerves in the toes, feet, and ankles. High heels also affect balance and place added strain on the ankles. Pregnancy brings additional changes as increased body weight and looser ligaments affect foot support. Some women notice flatter arches or a change in shoe size while pregnant. Persistent foot pain should not be accepted as part of daily life.

A podiatrist evaluates these changes and identifies problems that interfere with comfortable movement. Burning pain in the ball of the foot sometimes signals Morton's neuroma. This is a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes. It usually affects the space between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, or the feeling of a tiny pebble inside the shoe. Wearing tight shoes and repeated pressure from sports also contribute to nerve irritation. A podiatrist examines the painful area and checks for other possible causes. In some cases, ultrasound scans help clarify the diagnosis. Treatment includes carefully placed padding or custom orthotics to reduce pressure. For persistent symptoms, a podiatrist discusses additional treatments, which may include surgery.

Heel pain also affects many women, particularly when shoes lack proper support or daily activities repeatedly strain the feet. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the strong band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Pain frequently appears with the first steps after rest. However, heel pain also results from stress fractures or tendon problems, making an accurate diagnosis essential. A podiatrist assesses foot structure and walking patterns, then orders imaging tests when appropriate. Treatment addresses the cause through options like custom orthotics or prescribed supportive devices. If you are experiencing any of these foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Excess body weight can place pressure on the feet and ankles with each step. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher. This number is based on height and weight. Research links higher BMI levels with more foot problems. Extra weight can strain joints. This increases the risk of heel pain, arthritis, and tendon irritation. It can also raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, which can affect foot health. Even routine activities can become uncomfortable when the feet must support added pressure.

The effects of excess weight become noticeable when climbing stairs or walking uphill. These movements can place several times your body weight on the ankles. Foot pain may then make staying active more difficult, creating a frustrating cycle. Some patients develop soreness that limits how far they can walk. Others notice stiffness after standing for long periods. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify painful areas, and explain how body weight affects movement. This examination helps distinguish weight-related strain from other problems that need attention. Addressing discomfort makes it easier to pursue activity goals safely.

A podiatrist helps patients manage foot pain while working toward better mobility. Treatment options include recommendations for shoes with proper support, custom shoe inserts, and guided stretching. Custom shoe inserts, also called orthotics, help distribute pressure more evenly across the feet. A podiatrist can assess walking patterns and recommend changes to reduce strain. Weight management plays an important role in reducing stress on the ankles and feet. Because pain can interfere with exercise, a treatment plan should consider each patient's comfort and abilities. If you have symptoms of obesity-related foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Achilles tendinitis develops when the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated and inflamed. This tendon plays an important role when walking, running, and jumping, so repeated stress can lead to pain. Achilles tendinitis usually develops from overuse rather than one sudden injury. Increasing exercise intensity too quickly can place extra strain on the tendon. Changes in footwear and tight calf muscles may also contribute. The condition is especially common among runners, although it can affect people with different activity levels. Pain may occur within the tendon or where it attaches to the heel bone.

Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis can gradually interfere with comfortable movement. Pain and stiffness may develop along the tendon, especially in the morning. Discomfort at the back of the heel often becomes worse with physical activity. The tendon may also become swollen or thickened over time. There are two main types of Achilles tendinitis. Noninsertional tendinitis affects the middle portion of the tendon and is more common among younger, active people. Insertional tendinitis affects the lower portion where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel. Bone spurs can sometimes develop with this form of the condition.

A podiatrist can examine persistent Achilles tendon pain and determine the location and severity of the problem. The evaluation may include checking for swelling, tenderness, and limited ankle movement. X-rays can reveal bone spurs or calcium deposits, while other imaging may be useful in certain cases. Professional treatment depends on the type and severity of Achilles tendinitis. Options can include physical therapy, supportive footwear, or orthotic devices. More severe cases that do not improve with nonsurgical care may require surgery. Because Achilles tendon problems can take months to improve, receiving an accurate diagnosis can help guide appropriate care. If pain or stiffness continues along the Achilles tendon or heel, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.