Category: H

How do I choose a pair of supportive shoes?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Frequently asked questions, H

Choosing a supportive shoe can help prevent foot problems and provide comfort and stability during daily activities. Here are some tips to help you choose a supportive shoe:

Look for a shoe with a firm heel counter: The heel counter is the back part of the shoe that provides support to the heel. It should be firm to prevent excessive movement of the foot within the shoe.
Check the arch support: The arch support should be firm and supportive. You can check the arch support by pressing your thumb into the arch of the shoe. If it feels too soft or flexible, it may not provide adequate support.
Choose a shoe with a wide toe box: A wide toe box allows the toes to spread out naturally and can help prevent the development of foot problems such as bunions or hammertoes.
Look for a shoe with a sturdy sole: The sole of the shoe should be thick and sturdy to provide cushioning and support for the foot.
Consider the material: Shoes made of breathable materials such as leather or mesh can help prevent foot odor and fungal infections.
Get a proper fit: Make sure the shoe fits well and is not too tight or too loose. Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest and wear socks that you would typically wear with the shoes.
Consult with a podiatrist: If you have specific foot problems or conditions, a podiatrist can recommend specific shoes or inserts that can provide the support and cushioning you need.

High heeled shoes and foot problems

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Frequently asked questions, H

High heeled shoes are a common cause of foot problems because they alter the natural position of the foot and place increased pressure on certain areas. Some of the foot problems that can result from wearing high heels include:

Achilles Tendinitis: The elevated heel of high-heeled shoes places additional strain on the Achilles tendon, which can result in inflammation and pain.
Ball of Foot Pain: Wearing high heels can increase pressure on the ball of the foot, causing pain and discomfort.
Hammertoes: High heels can cause the toes to be forced into an unnatural position, which can lead to the development of hammertoes.
Bunions: High heels can exacerbate the development of bunions by placing pressure on the big toe joint.
Morton’s Neuroma: This condition occurs when the nerves in the foot become compressed, causing pain and discomfort. High heels can increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
Plantar Fasciitis: Wearing high heels can increase tension on the plantar fascia, which can lead to inflammation and pain.
Ankle Sprains: High heels can cause instability in the ankle, making it more likely that you will twist or sprain your ankle.

To prevent foot problems from high heeled shoes, it is recommended to wear them in moderation and choose shoes with a lower heel or a wider base for stability. Stretching and exercising the feet and ankles can also help prevent pain and discomfort from high heels. Additionally, using custom orthotics or shoe inserts may provide additional support and cushioning to help alleviate foot problems caused by high heels.

Heel pain

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - H, Hindfoot

Heel pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes.

Other causes of heel pain may include:

Achilles tendinitis: inflammation of the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone
Heel bursitis: inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the heel bone
Heel spurs: bony growths that develop on the heel bone due to long-term plantar fasciitis
Stress fractures: tiny cracks in the bones of the foot that can cause heel pain and swelling
Tarsal tunnel syndrome: compression of the nerve that runs along the inside of the ankle and into the foot

Symptoms of heel pain may include:

Pain or tenderness in the heel or arch of the foot
Stiffness or swelling in the heel or foot
Difficulty standing or walking for long periods of time
Pain that is worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest
Pain that improves with activity but worsens after exercise

Treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, conservative measures such as rest, ice, stretching exercises, and over-the-counter pain medications may be sufficient. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics, physical therapy, or other interventions to help relieve pain and improve function.

If you are experiencing heel pain, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Hammertoes

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, H

Hammertoes are a common foot condition in which one or more of the toes become bent at the middle joint, causing them to curl downward instead of lying flat. This can cause pain and discomfort when walking, as well as difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

Hammertoes can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, wearing poorly fitting shoes, and muscle or nerve damage in the foot. Women and older adults are more likely to develop hammertoes.

Symptoms of hammertoes include:

Toe pain or discomfort
Corns or calluses on the affected toe
Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably
Decreased flexibility in the affected toe
Swelling or redness in the affected toe

Treatment for hammertoes depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, conservative measures such as wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box, using cushioned insoles or pads to relieve pressure on the toe, and doing toe exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles may be sufficient.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten the toe and restore normal function. Surgery can involve removing part of the bone or releasing the tendons and ligaments that are causing the toe to bend.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hammertoes, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.

Hallux valgus

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, H

Hallux valgus, also known as a bunion, is a common foot condition in which the big toe points towards the second toe, causing a bony bump to form on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe.

The exact cause of hallux valgus is not known, but it is believed to be related to inherited foot structure, certain medical conditions, or wearing poorly fitting shoes that squeeze the toes together.

Symptoms of hallux valgus include pain, swelling, and inflammation around the big toe joint, as well as difficulty walking or wearing shoes.

Treatment for hallux valgus typically involves conservative measures such as wearing shoes with a wide and deep toe box, using custom orthotics to support the foot and relieve pressure on the bunion, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.

In more severe cases where conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be necessary to realign the big toe and remove the bunion. This may involve removing part of the bone, repositioning the bones in the foot, or fusing the joint to stabilise the toe.

Prevention of hallux valgus involves wearing properly fitting shoes that provide ample space for the toes to move freely, avoiding high-heeled shoes that put pressure on the toes, and performing exercises to strengthen the foot and toe muscles.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hallux valgus, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.

Hallux rigidus

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, H, Rheumatology

Hallux rigidus is a type of arthritis that affects the big toe joint. It occurs when there is damage or degeneration of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the big toe.

Symptoms of hallux rigidus include pain and stiffness in the big toe joint, especially during activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. There may also be swelling and tenderness in the joint, and the toe may become crooked or appear larger than normal.

Treatment for hallux rigidus depends on the severity of the condition and may include conservative measures such as wearing shoes with a wide toe box and cushioned soles, using custom orthotics to support the foot and reduce pressure on the joint, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

If conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be necessary to remove bone spurs, replace or fuse the joint, or realign the toe. In severe cases where joint replacement or fusion is required, physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary to help restore function and mobility.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing the progression of hallux rigidus and preserving joint function. If you are experiencing symptoms of hallux rigidus, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Haglund’s deformity

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - H, Hindfoot

Haglund’s deformity, also known as “pump bump,” is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone. It is typically caused by pressure and friction from shoes rubbing against the back of the heel. The symptoms of Haglund’s deformity include pain, swelling, redness, and a visible bump on the back of the heel.

Treatment for Haglund’s deformity typically involves conservative measures such as wearing shoes with a soft back, using heel pads or lifts to reduce pressure on the heel, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapy exercises and stretching may also help to improve flexibility and reduce symptoms.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the bony protrusion and relieve symptoms. This may be recommended if conservative measures do not provide relief, or if the deformity is severe and causing significant pain and disability.

It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of Haglund’s deformity, as early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent the condition from worsening and improve overall outcomes.

High arched foot (pes cavus)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - C, Foot types, H

Cavus foot, also known as high arches, is a condition in which the arch of the foot is higher than normal. This can cause increased pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time.

Cavus foot can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, trauma, or muscle imbalances. In some cases, there may be no apparent cause.

Symptoms of cavus foot can include pain or discomfort in the foot, ankle, or leg, difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, and an unstable or wobbly gait. In severe cases, the foot may develop calluses, corns, or ulcers due to the increased pressure on certain areas of the foot.

Treatment for cavus foot depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Conservative measures may include wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning, using custom orthotics or inserts to redistribute pressure on the foot, and physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the foot and ankle. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the foot and relieve pressure on the affected areas.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your foot or if you have concerns about your foot alignment or gait. A healthcare professional can diagnose cavus foot and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Calcaneal fracture (heel fracture)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - C, Fractures, H, Hindfoot

A calcaneal fracture is a break in the heel bone, also known as the calcaneus. This type of fracture is typically caused by a high-energy injury, such as a fall from a height or a car accident. It can also occur as a result of repetitive stress, particularly in athletes who engage in high-impact activities like running and jumping.

Symptoms of a calcaneal fracture include:

Severe pain in the heel, particularly when bearing weight
Swelling and bruising around the heel
Inability to walk or put weight on the affected foot
Tenderness when touching the heel
Deformity or flattening of the heel

Treatment for a calcaneal fracture depends on the severity of the injury. In some cases, nonsurgical treatment, such as immobilisation in a cast or boot, may be sufficient to allow the bone to heal. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to realign and stabilise the bone.

Recovery from a calcaneal fracture can be a lengthy process, often taking several months for the bone to fully heal. During this time, physical therapy may be necessary to help regain strength and mobility in the affected foot. It is also important to avoid weight-bearing activities until the bone has fully healed, to prevent re-injury or complications.