Two Methods of Measuring Feet

The importance of knowing your correct shoe size before making a purchase is crucial for the health of your feet. The majority of shoe stores have an object known as the Brannock device, which can accurately measure your shoe size. Additionally, if you choose to measure your feet at home there is a simple procedure that can accomplish this. It is important to wear the socks that would normally be worn with the shoes, followed by taping a piece of paper to the floor directly under a wall. After stepping on the paper, trace the outline of your foot. The next step is to measure the length of the foot and this will tell you your shoe size. It is suggested to try on both shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. A comfortable fit is crucial from the beginning and research has shown that shoes should not have to be broken in. There are also different types of footwear for various sports. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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A Closer Look at Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, or even torn, from overuse. Women, runners, people who are obese or who stand while working, are more at risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Also, having certain structural issues—such as flat feet, high arches, or tight calf muscles—can cause the plantar fascia to pull away from the heel while it is bearing weight, and may lead to this condition. Plantar fasciitis can be very painful, especially when you take your first steps in the morning, thereby engaging the plantar fascia after a long period of inactivity. Icing, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications and injections, casting, splinting, and other conservative treatments administered by a podiatrist can usually repair the plantar fascia without the need for surgery. It is suggested to make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your condition diagnosed and treated properly. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

The Achilles Tendon Controls Pointing and Flexing the Foot

The large tendon located in the back of the calf is known as the Achilles tendon. It plays an important role in pointing and flexing the foot which is vital to completing daily activities. An Achilles tendon injury can occur for several reasons. These can include sustaining a running or jumping injury, changing an exercise routine, or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. There may be existing medical conditions that lead to this painful foot condition, including obesity, having flat feet, or if your foot rolls inward while walking or running. The symptoms that are often associated with this type of injury can consist of intense pain at the time of the injury and stiffness, and the affected area is often swollen. Some patients even hear a popping noise as the injury occurs and this generally requires immediate medical attention. There are different methods to treat this condition and it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine which treatment is best for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Does My Ankle Fracture Need Surgery?

An ankle fracture can happen from suddenly twisting your ankle. This can happen from falling, or possibly from stepping off of a curb unexpectedly. The ankle ligaments may be affected, and surgery may be needed for permanent repair. A surgical benefit can consist of putting the bones back together in proper formation for proper healing. When this is done correctly, treatment can begin by using a walker or cast. During ankle surgery, the broken bones will be exposed on the inner and outside of the ankle. Screws and plates may be used to permanently hold the bones together, and  can generally take several weeks to recover. After an appropriate time has passed, it is beneficial to perform specific exercises that can help to strengthen the ankle after surgery. Recovery typically begins with resting the affected ankle on a pillow, and it may help to keep it elevated which can diminish existing swelling. If you have broken your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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