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Being obese can put excess strain on your feet, so perhaps it is not surprising that there appears to be an association between being obese and having flatter feet. The term “flat foot” refers to a foot structure in which the arch that is normally present in the center of the bottom of the foot is not visible when the foot is bearing weight. Infants are born with flat feet, but most will develop an arch over time. Those who don’t will go on to have flat feet, but will usually not have any symptoms. Flat feet can also be acquired later in life as excess pressure on the feet, or the loosening of the plantar fascia ligament, causes the arch to collapse. Acquired flat foot may cause pain and discomfort in those who have it, and this issue appears to be more common in people who are obese, although whether or not there is a causative relationship remains uncertain. If you have any foot pain, 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 Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. 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 Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle replacement surgery has become an increasingly common operation in the United States. Much like hips and knees, ankle joints can be affected by arthritis, injuries, and wear and tear over time that can cause severe pain in the ankle and limit mobility. In severe cases, the joint may become damaged enough to necessitate joint replacement surgery. People who undergo this operation are usually between the ages of 40 and 60. During the operation, the damaged bone and cartilage in the ankle joint are removed and replaced with an implant to form a new ankle joint. After fully recovering from the surgery, patients report improved ankle function and range of motion. To learn more about ankle joint replacement surgery and to find out if this is the right treatment for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

Ankle sprains are a common injury among those who participate in sports that require a lot of running, jumping, or turning. An ankle sprain can occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms may include pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Following an ankle sprain, it is very important to rest the ankle so that it can recover fully. Springing back into action without achieving full recovery can lead to reinjury and chronic ankle pain. If you have sprained your ankle, you can return to playing your sport following approval from your podiatrist. This will usually occur after swelling has gone down, you have normal strength, a full range of motion, and can comfortably bear weight on the affected leg. If you are an athlete and have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.