An effective way of checking to see if you have flat feet is to stand on the floor and notice if your entire foot touches the ground. Flat feet are generally not a cause for serious concern, despite the fact that there may be mild pain. Moderate relief may be found when custom made orthotics are worn, and this may help to provide the arch support that is needed for daily walking. Additionally, there may be specific foot stretches that can be frequently practiced which can be beneficial in strengthening  the foot. Common causes for this condition can include genetic factors, insufficient foot growth, or medical conditions that may affect the foot muscles. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with managing this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the feet are cared for properly and on a regular basis, uncomfortable foot conditions may be prevented. There are routines that are easy to follow which can help assure the feet stay in optimum condition. These can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by using a good moisturizer. Additionally, when the toenails are trimmed, it is best to cut the nails straight across instead of at an angle. This may be helpful in preventing ingrown toenails from developing. Despite the fact that many people like to wear high heels, research has indicated it is beneficial to wear them for limited times, in addition to alternating them with shoes that have a lower heel. Athlete’s foot may be avoided when appropriate shoes are worn in public shower rooms, and surrounding areas. If you would like more information about how to properly care for  your feet on an everyday basis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

A bony protrusion on the bottom of the big toe may be indicative of a bunion. It develops as a result of wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in, or it may come from certain genetic factors. They can cause severe pain and discomfort, and in certain cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent relief. Patients may be eligible for surgery if there is consistent pain while performing daily activities, or if you are unable to straighten or bend your big toe. There are specific types of bunion surgery. An osteotomy consists of cutting the joint in the big toe, and aligning it to it’s normal placement. An exostectomy is performed when the bunion is removed from the joint, and an alignment is not necessary. If metal plates are needed to correct the deformity, an arthrodesis may be performed. If you have a bunion, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to determine if bunion surgery is correct for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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