High arches, or cavus foot, can cause significant pain due to the excessive pressure placed on the heel and the ball of the foot. People with high arches may experience pain when walking or standing, calluses from uneven weight distribution, curled toes, and ankle instability. Without proper support, high arches can contribute to an unsteady gait, increasing the risk of ankle sprains. A podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and provide cushioning, foot pads to relieve pressure, or ankle braces to enhance stability. If non-surgical methods do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be considered. For instance, a tendon transfer can help balance muscle function, while an osteotomy may be used to realign bones. In more severe cases, the plantar fascia can be partially cut to reduce arch tension and relieve pain caused by excessive tightness. Another option is fusing two or more bones in the foot to create a more stable structure. If you have high arches that cause discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the side of the foot, known as lateral foot pain, can make simply walking or standing difficult. Causes of lateral foot pain include stress fractures, cuboid syndrome, peroneal tendonitis, arthritis, a twisted ankle, and tarsal coalition. Stress fractures develop from repetitive impact, cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone is injured or dislocated, and peroneal tendonitis results from inflammation of the tendons along the outer ankle. Arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness, and a twisted ankle may stretch or tear ligaments. Tarsal coalition, which is a congenital condition, can lead to foot pain and limited mobility. Symptoms include sharp or aching pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Depending on the cause, a podiatrist may recommend rest, immobilization, custom orthotics, or in some cases, surgery, to relieve pain and restore foot function. Ignoring persistent foot pain can lead to further complications, so early evaluation is important. If you have pain on the side of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty when walking, especially if left untreated. The most common symptoms include a rigid or flexible bent toe, pain in the affected area, and the development of corns or calluses from pressure. Hammertoe is often caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalances, or genetics. People with flat feet or those with a history of foot injuries are also at higher risk. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatment typically starts with conservative methods, such as wearing wider shoes, using custom orthotics, or performing toe exercises. If these methods do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be considered to straighten the toe. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized treatment and care.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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