August 2022

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

The Dangers of Wearing Flip Flops

People enjoy wearing flip flops, especially during the summer. They can be stylish, are easy to put on and take off, they expose feet to the air, and keep feet free from athlete’s foot. But flip flops also have negative health effects. Flip flops are loose and do not have proper support. They can cause your feet to hurt if you wear them too much or too long. If you trip or fall, your feet are more likely to get injured when wearing flip flops. Exposure of the skin when wearing flip flops leaves one prone to skin injuries and sunburn or frostbite. The lack of support can affect other body parts, such as the back, hips or leg muscles. Wear flip flops casually and in moderation. See a podiatrist if you find that you are developing pain in your feet from footwear, such as flip flops, or for any other reason. This type of doctor can help diagnose problems with feet and ankles and provide necessary treatment.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Gold Canyon, AZ .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00

Finding the Right Shoe for Young Athletes

Children’s feet are not fully developed until the age of 18 or so. For this reason, parents need to be aware that the size and shape of their child’s foot may have changed since the last time they got new shoes. Kids involved in sports need special attention to their shoes to keep their feet healthy as they grow and play. Foot health experts suggest they wear padded socks made especially for cleated shoes or running shoes. Be certain that the child’s foot is measured properly while standing up to ensure a good fit. Bring along any orthotics or shoe inserts while fitting the shoes. Make sure the shoes fit and feel good to the child, checking that there is enough room in the toe box for the toes to wiggle. The shoes should not pinch, rub, or chafe. Have the child mimic any moves they make while playing their sport, and avoid buying shoes that need to be “broken in” after purchase. As a precaution, it is a good idea to have your child’s feet examined by a podiatrist who can offer suggestions on proper footwear for their sport.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

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Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a foot doctor who treats the feet and ankles and any of their connecting parts. This type of doctor will have the initials "DPM" standing for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine following their name. A podiatrist must complete four years of study at a podiatric medical school followed by at least three years of residency training at a hospital or clinic. After passing the required exams, a podiatrist will be certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and may desire to undertake further training to specialize in a particular area of foot health. A podiatrist is licensed to practice in the state that they work in, and like all other doctors, they must renew their licenses every few years and keep up to date with training. Most podiatrists treat general foot conditions as would a general practitioner unless they specialize in a particular area like surgery, wound care, or pediatrics. If you experience any pain in your feet or ankles, or if you want to learn about the best types of shoes that should be worn, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for diagnosis, treatment, and general knowledge.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

 

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Wednesday, 10 August 2022 00:00

Runners and Heel Spurs

Heel spurs can be a pesky annoyance that may keep a runner off of the running track. Heel spurs are essentially bony outgrowths that can develop on the bottom of the heel facing inward. These heel spurs are typically made up of calcium deposits and they can cause discomfort. If you are diagnosed with heel spurs and cannot wait to get back on the running track, there are several things to keep in mind. Before running again, you can take extra care of your plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. You might do this by slowly and gently rolling a cold water bottle underneath your feet while in a seated position. You can do this one foot at a time. You might also perform heel drops carefully to slowly rebuild the muscles in your feet. Heel drops can be particularly helpful in targeting the plantar fascia and the calf muscles. Lastly, if you are cleared by a medical professional to begin running again, it is suggested to start slowly and cautiously. If you are a runner who has or is recovering from heel spurs, consider contacting a podiatrist who can help you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Gout or a Bunion May Cause Toe Pain

The big toe plays a significant role in helping to stay balanced as daily activities are completed. There are several reasons why pain in the big toe can occur, including gout, a bunion, bone tumor, or if a toe injury has occurred. It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis that can determine the cause of the pain which will precede beginning the correct treatment. The diagnosis process may consist of having an X-ray taken, or having a CAT scan or MRI performed. When pain is present in the big toe, larger shoes are often needed to make the foot feel more comfortable. For pain that is moderate or severe, the patient may benefit by performing specific stretches that may help to ease the pain. Additionally, it may help to implement a healthy eating regime, drink plenty of water daily, and participate in physical therapy if needed. If you have toe pain, it is advised that you have a consultation with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer the best treatment plan for you. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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