Although they may seem small and insignificant to some, the toenails are absolutely critical to the functioning of the foot. The toenails essentially act as a kind of protective plate to guard against injuries. This can help prevent the toes from getting injured during daily activities. The toenails can also act as claws of some sort, improving the extent to which the toes can grip and dig into the floor during motion. The nail is made up of several different parts: the nail root, the nail bed, the nail plate, the eponychium, the paronychium, and lastly the hyponychium. These six components of the nail are each important in their own unique ways. Importantly, the disruption of one component of the nail can fundamentally disrupt the overall toenail. For more information about toenails, consult with a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. 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 Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many types of arthritis can affect the small joints of the feet, ankles, and toes. These include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is thought to be a wear and tear disease because it causes the cartilage in the joints to wear down from repeated stress over time. The bones lose their protective coverings and start to rub together leading to inflammation and pain. This type of arthritis mainly affects the first metatarsal joint (MTP), which connects the big toe to the foot. It can also impact the midfoot and ankle. RA is an autoimmune disease that involves multiple joints throughout the body. The immune system causes inflammation that attacks the synovium (lining of the joints) that cover joints and causes them to become swollen and painful. This type of arthritis often begins in the feet and ankles but can also affect the heels, midfoot, and forefoot. It is symmetrical, meaning it affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Repeated attacks can lead to bone, joint, ligament and tendon damage, eventually causing deformity or disability. Anyone with these or other types of arthritis can experience foot involvement and it can make it hard to walk and get through daily life. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are treatment options to slow down the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. Please see a podiatrist for help if your arthritis is affecting your feet.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

A very small crack on a bone can be referred to as a hairline or stress fracture. Stress fractures often occur in the feet and can affect one or more of the twenty-six bones in each foot. These tiny cracks typically result from repetitive movement and can be common among runners or people who participate in sports like basketball, tennis, and ballet. The symptoms can develop gradually and consist of pain that may subside after resting the affected foot, and the area may be swollen or tender. Relief and treatment often begin with stopping the activity that caused the fracture, followed by having an X-ray performed which can determine the extent of the fracture. As the swelling decreases and the pain subsides, it is helpful to reintroduce weight-bearing activities gradually. Staying active helps to stimulate the recovery process but it is important to refrain from high-impact activities. Please contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

The pain that comes from the foot condition known as a heel spur is in the heel and lower leg. Many people who have this ailment liken it to stepping on a thumb tack, and it may feel worse in the morning after waking up but may diminish as a result of how mobility affects the feet. A heel spur looks like a small, pointed growth that develops on the heel bone. The plantar fascia can become irritated with a heel spur, which can often be mistaken for plantar fasciitis. Most heel spurs are small, and can be identified when an X-ray is taken. The Achilles tendon may be affected where it connects to the heel bone, and it can become painful. Common symptoms generally associated with a heel spur include difficulty in putting weight on the heel, warmness, and swelling. Research has indicated that most heel spurs develop from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or possibly from uneven pressure exerted while running or walking. If you have a heel spur, please confer with a podiatrist, who is the best type of doctor to offer you correct treatment solutions.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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