Items filtered by date: September 2023

Flip-flops are a beloved summer staple for their casual comfort and easy style, but they also bring hidden dangers to your feet. One of the primary risks is a lack of arch support. These flat sandals offer minimal to no arch support, which can lead to problems such as arch pain and plantar fasciitis. Additionally, the constant gripping motion required to keep flip-flops on can strain the tendons in your feet and result in discomfort. Flip-flops can also leave your feet exposed to injury. Without adequate protection, you may be vulnerable to stubbed toes, cuts, and scrapes from sharp objects or tripping on uneven terrain. The open design can also expose your feet to sunburn, which can be painful and damaging. Furthermore, the lack of ankle support can increase the risk of sprains and other injuries, especially if you are walking on uneven surfaces or participating in physical activities. While wearing flip-flops may be suitable for quick trips to the beach or pool, it is essential to prioritize proper footwear for extended walks or activities that require support and protection for your feet. It is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information about the potential dangers of frequently wearing flip-flops.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Kevin Powers, DPM from The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, abbreviated TTS, is a relatively lesser-known but impactful condition affecting the feet. It is comparable to the more recognized carpal tunnel syndrome but occurs in the ankle. TTS is characterized by compression or irritation of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space on the inside of the ankle, behind the medial malleolus. Various factors can contribute to TTS, with the most common cause being excessive pressure on the nerve due to inflammation or injury. Additional potential causes include overpronation, diabetes, and systemic diseases such as arthritis. Symptoms often include tingling, burning sensations, and pain along the inner ankle and sole that can radiate into the toes. Treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome depend on its severity. Conservative approaches include getting adequate rest, taking anti-inflammatory medications, or wearing orthotic devices. These treatments can help to alleviate pressure on the nerve. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to decompress the tibial nerve. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to relieving the discomfort associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome and restoring normal foot function. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively manage tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Kevin Powers, DPM of The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Newborns come into the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity, but some may also have foot deformities that require attention and care. One common condition is congenital talipes equinovarus, commonly known as clubfoot. This causes the baby's foot to twist inward. This congenital foot condition can be detected through having a prenatal ultrasound performed. Metatarsus adductus is another deformity where the baby's foot curves inward, often due to positioning in the womb, but it usually resolves naturally. In-toeing and out-toeing, where the feet point inward or outward, are relatively common problems that often correct themselves as a child grows. Early detection and intervention are essential in addressing these conditions. Performing gentle stretching exercises, casts, and sometimes surgery can help correct deformities like clubfoot. It is beneficial for parents and podiatrists to work together to ensure the best possible outcome. If your child has been born with a congenital foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you have this type of doctor as part of your child's healthcare team. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Kevin Powers, DPM of The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent foot condition, can cast a shadow on even the most active lifestyles. It occurs when the plantar fascia, which is defined as the ligament connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or strained. There are various reasons for plantar fasciitis, often stemming from repetitive stress, poor footwear choices, obesity, or abnormal foot structures, such as flat feet. Symptoms encompass sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As painful as this condition can be, there are various options that can be implemented. Treatment methods can range from rest, and taking over-the-counter pain medications to targeted exercises that stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia. In more severe cases, podiatrists may recommend custom orthotics or corticosteroid injections. With proper care and attention, managing plantar fasciitis can help individuals step back into a life unhindered by foot discomfort. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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 Kevin Powers, DPM from The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. Our doctor 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 Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.