Items filtered by date: September 2022

The study of how the foot moves through the gait cycle is called foot biomechanics. This is important in making sure your feet do not overpronate or over-supinate so the feet absorb shock when they hit the ground and propel forward movement properly. If the foot overpronates, it causes the foot to flatten too much and the ankle and knee to roll inward. This can increase the risk of injury and cause lower leg, hip, and back injuries. If the foot does over-supinate, it fails to roll in or flatten sufficiently and will not be able to absorb shock. Those who over supinate have high arches and less flexible feet. To prevent injuries from occurring from improper pronation, visit a podiatrist who can access your gait and analyze how your foot works. If something is wrong, a podiatrist can provide the proper treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is an extremely common foot affliction that affects a wide variety of different individuals of different backgrounds. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs through the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia can become swollen or inflamed when it is strained and overused. There are several risk factors of plantar fasciitis to be aware of that could increase the probability of developing this condition. For example, consistently wearing ill-fitting shoes, or footwear that offers little or no arch support, can increase your risk of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, if you are overweight or have gained a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time, this extra weight that you are putting on your feet could make the development of plantar fasciitis more likely. Lastly, running substantially long distances, particularly on uneven surfaces, can make one more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Contact a podiatrist today for an appointment if you think that you have plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM  from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

The peroneal nerve runs from the outside of the knee, down through the leg, and into the foot. It supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot, and toes. When this nerve is damaged, usually by a direct trauma, it can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot. This condition is known as peroneal neuropathy. The result is a reduced ability to lift the foot to extend the toes or turn the foot outward, and may cause a kind of slapping gait while walking. This further leads to a tendency to trip, and an increased risk of a sprained ankle. It also can bring on foot drop, causing a need to lift the leg higher than normal, as in marching, to clear the floor or ground when taking a step. A loss of sensation in the sole of the foot is a common symptom. A number of imaging tests may be needed to determine the exact nature and severity of the peroneal neuropathy. Non-surgical treatment includes orthotics, braces or foot splints. In some cases surgery is required. If you are experiencing trouble lifting and moving your foot, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist for a full exam and diagnosis. A few neurologic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, may cause similar symptoms. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

The Achilles tendon is a large muscle that is located in the back bottom portion of the leg that connects the heel to the calf muscles. It can become inflamed from an injury and is often painful. Achilles tendinitis can occur from overuse and there are two categories of this type of injury. Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis may be more prevalent among younger people who are active and it targets the middle of the tendon as small tears develop. The lower portion of the tendon can be affected by insertional Achilles tendinitis, where it attaches to the heel bone. People who are not physically active may be more prone to getting this type of injury. The symptoms of either type of Achilles tendon injury can include heel pain and limited range of motion, as well as feeling stiff or swollen. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that are right for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.