Items filtered by date: December 2024

The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones, including the calcaneus, or heel bone, which provides support and acts as a lever for walking. The tarsal bones, located in the midfoot, connect with the metatarsals, forming the arches that absorb shock and provide stability. Numerous ligaments hold these bones together, ensuring proper alignment and movement. The foot contains several joints that allow for flexibility and motion, including the subtalar joint, which enables the foot to rotate. Tendons such as the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, play a vital role in movement, allowing for walking, running, and jumping. These structures work in harmony to support the body’s weight, provide balance, and allow for a wide range of motions, ensuring efficient and pain-free movement. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on foot anatomy.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Keleigh Muxlow, DPM from Colorado. 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 Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Infantile Blount’s disease, also known as infantile tibia vara, is a growth disorder affecting the shinbone, or tibia, causing it to bow outward below the knee. This condition occurs when the inner part of the tibia fails to develop properly, often due to excessive pressure on the growth plate. It typically affects children under the age of three and is more common in those who are overweight, have early walking milestones, or have a family history of the condition. Orthotics play a vital role in managing infantile Blount’s disease. Custom-made braces or orthotic devices help guide proper bone growth and alignment, reducing the progression of bowing. By promoting proper leg alignment, these devices improve the child’s gait allowing them to walk more comfortably and efficiently while reducing long-term mobility issues. If your child was born with Blount’s disease, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist early on to discuss how orthotics can offer comfort, an improved gait, and better future development.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Keleigh Muxlow, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Lumps and bumps on the feet can affect the top, side, heel, toes, or bottom of the foot. These formations vary in size, texture, and location that often indicate separate conditions. For example, a hard lump on top of the foot may result from a bone spur, while a ganglion cyst is a smooth, soft bump. Bunions form hard bumps near the big toe due to misalignment of the bones. On the side of the foot, plantar fibromas or tendonitis may cause firm or swollen lumps. A bump underneath the foot, such as Morton’s neuroma, often leads to pain and tingling. A heel bump, caused by bursitis, can arise from inflammation, while a bone spur on the bottom or back of the heel is the result of excess bone growth. A podiatrist can diagnose the type of bump or lump you have and recommend the appropriate treatment. If you have unexplained lumps or bumps on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Keleigh Muxlow, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor 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 Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.