Items filtered by date: July 2023

Flat feet are an abnormal foot structure the majority of babies are born with. The arch generally develops during the teenage years, and adults who have never developed an arch may have endured a foot injury, or it may have occurred from genetic reasons. There are some adults who have a consistent achy sensation with flat feet, and performing certain stretches may help to alleviate this. These exercises can help people who have full or partial flat feet, causing the arch to become stronger. A towel scrunch is done by sitting in a chair and having a towel lying at the feet. The towel is grabbed with the toes, inch by inch until it is completely under the foot. Stair raises are performed by standing on a step with the toes and balls of the feet. This is followed by pushing in and raising the heels into that air, and holding for several seconds. It is beneficial to repeat this as often as possible throughout the day. If you have flat feet and are looking for appropriate stretches to perform, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with proper information.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Harris Greenberger, DPM from Fairfield County Foot Surgeons. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heels, and despite it being strong, it is not especially flexible. This tendon has a small amount of room to move and an injury can cause it to stretch beyond its normal limits. The noticeable symptoms when the Achilles tendon stretches too far are inflammation, irritation, heel pain, and it is often difficult to walk. People who run and increase speed and distance too quickly may be prone to incurring an Achilles tendon injury, and it is beneficial to perform specific stretches to loosen up this tendon before starting a run. This type of injury may also happen from training in cold weather, having poor running form, or having flat feet. A patient may often seek advice from a podiatrist to find relief from the severe pain this type of injury can cause. An X-ray can be performed that can rule out a fractured bone. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can successfully treat an Achilles tendon injury. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Harris Greenberger, DPM of Fairfield County Foot Surgeons. Our podiatrist 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 Norwalk, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading foot conditions among Americans causing heel pain. The condition is characterized by the aggravation of the plantar fascia. Depending on your particular case of plantar fasciitis, a medical professional might recommend that you perform any number of stretches to mitigate the pain. For example, a medical professional, such as a podiatrist, might recommend that to combat plantar fasciitis, you can perform toe extensions. This stretch can be performed by putting the affected foot behind the other in a standing position. Then, contract the calf muscles and lift the back heel to essentially extend the toes. If you are someone that is living with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an exam and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Harris Greenberger, DPM  from Fairfield County Foot Surgeons. Our podiatrist 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 Norwalk, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.