October 2018

Monday, 08 October 2018 00:00

Obesity and the Feet

Obesity is a common problem in American society. Approximately one third of the U.S. population is obese. Obesity is defined as a body mass index greater than 30. Obesity has the power to affect different aspects of the body, and one of the most common problems it causes is foot pain. There have been many studies that found a connection between an increased BMI and foot problems. A simple activity such as walking up a flight of stairs can increase pressure on the ankle by four to six times.

Being overweight causes the body to compensate for the extra weight by changing the way it moves. Consequently, people who struggle with obesity commonly have arch problems in their feet. Obesity causes the arch to break by stretching the ligaments and tendons that hold the bones in the foot together. When the arch lowers, the foot may eventually fall flat. Collapsed foot arches fail to provide adequate shock absorption which eventually leads to foot pain. Other conditions that may be caused by flat feet are pronation, plantar fasciitis, weak ankles, and shin splints.

Foot problems that are caused by obesity may be treated by wearing proper footwear. Proper shoes will allow your feet to have better circulation around the arch and ankle. Additionally, those with obesity often discover that typical heel pain remedies are not effective for them. They will find that their plantar fascia is easily injured, and it is often inflamed. The best way to treat this problem is to implement lifestyle changes. A few good ways to improve your diet are to reduce calories, fill up on fruits and veggies, and to limit sugars.

Custom foot orthotics can prevent foot problems if you’re carrying excess weight or are trying to lose weight. The purpose of orthotics is to provide shock absorption to decrease the amount of stress on the joints to prevent arthritis.

Monday, 08 October 2018 00:00

How Increased Weight May Affect the Feet

Recent research has shown that approximately 70 percent of the population in the Bahamas are obese. This typically impacts the general health of the feet as a result of the additional weight the feet must endure. An increased BMI, or body mass index, generally accompanies any weight that is gained. This may produce unwanted foot conditions that may include plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, arthritis and general “wear and tear” of the bones, ligaments, and tendons. Additionally, the structure of the foot may be negatively affected, which may aid in difficulty maintaining an exercise program. While purchasing shoes, it’s important to choose shoes that fit correctly, which may help to diminish a portion of the pain that may be experienced. If you feel you are obese and would like additional information about this condition on how it may affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Wednesday, 03 October 2018 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Monday, 01 October 2018 00:00

How to Care for Your Child's Feet

It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.

A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.

It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.

Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.

As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.

Monday, 01 October 2018 00:00

Three Basic Foot Shapes

When a child is born, the feet are often comprised of flexible and soft cartilage, and the bones will eventually harden as the teenage years approach. Research has shown there are three basic foot shapes, and this will typically become evident when the child reaches two years old. A square foot shape consists of all the toes being the same length, while a rounded shape occurs when the big toe is shorter than the second or third toe. Additionally, if the big toe is the longest of all the toes, this is known as a tapered shape. Your child will benefit by spending the majority of the day without shoes on, and this will make it easier to strengthen and exercise the feet. Shoes will become a necessity when outdoor walking begins and this will enable the feet to adapt to different surfaces. When buying a first pair of shoes for your child, it may be beneficial to choose shoes that are constructed with flexible, non-slip soles, in addition to being lightweight. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information on how to properly care for your child’s feet.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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October 2018

Obesity and the Feet

How Increased Weight May Affect the Feet

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

How to Care for Your Child's Feet

Three Basic Foot Shapes

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