Items filtered by date: August 2022

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

How Does the Big Toe Function?

To many people, the toes might seem like small and insignificant parts of the human body. Nothing could be further from the truth. Although the toes are small, the function that they serve, not just for the feet but for the entire body, is monumental. The big toe, for instance, has an interesting biomechanical structure that benefits other parts of the body. Also known as the hallux, the big toe helps grip the ground to provide leverage during motion activities like walking and running. Additionally, the big toe helps the feet balance when an individual puts weight on their feet. Ultimately, the big toe is what helps keep an individual from falling anytime that they stand or engage in motion activities. Without the big toe, the foot would essentially have to relearn how to balance. This would force other parts of the foot to take on the balancing function that the big toe usually has. The big toe can be susceptible to a multitude of different afflictions and foot conditions, including gout, ingrown toenails, and sesamoiditis. It is therefore critical that one takes extra care of this body part to keep it from falling prey to any of these afflictions. If you want to learn more about the function of the big toe, contact a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . 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

Managing Swollen Ankles and Feet

Swelling around the ankles is nothing to ignore. When one’s ankles become swollen, one can feel tight and restricted, making it significantly difficult to walk and wear shoes that would otherwise fit comfortably. Swelling can occur for any number of reasons. Commonly, pregnancy can make one’s feet swell because of the extra blood and fluids that a pregnant woman produces to support the growing baby. Additionally, your feet and ankles may swell in response to some kind of injury to your feet, ankles, or lower legs. Whatever the cause of your swollen ankles, there are a variety of steps that you might consider taking to mitigate the effects of your swollen ankles. Perhaps you might benefit from wearing compression socks or stockings. These stockings are made to put pressure on your feet, which has the effect of facilitating blood circulation and discouraging fluid from gathering in the feet. Besides wearing compression socks, you might also consider washing your feet and ankles in Epsom salts. This is done to increase magnesium levels, which can have the effect of minimizing inflammation. Lastly, a very common technique that is used to mitigate swollen feet and ankles is to elevate the feet to promote circulation. If you are concerned about your swollen feet, consider reaching out to a podiatrist.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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


 

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Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

Kohler Disease

Kohler disease, aseptic necrosis of the tarsal bone, or Osteochondrosis of the tarsal bone, are all one in the same. It is a rare condition that affects the tarsal navicular bone in the arch of the foot. The bone becomes compressed, breaks into pieces, and heals and hardens back into bone. Symptoms of this disease include tenderness, swelling, and redness. A limp or abnormal gait can develop in the foot affected with this problem. The exact cause of this condition is not known, but some scientists believe that it might be a result of excessive strain on the tarsal navicular bone or related to blood vessels before the bone is completely hardened. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is important to see a podiatrist to have this or any other cause diagnosed and treated.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

  • Freiberg’s disease
  • Kohler’s disease
  • Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

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Monday, 15 August 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Are Orthotics Right for Me?

Many people need to wear orthotics in their shoes. They are defined as custom-made insoles that can help a variety of foot conditions and may also be used to improve ankle support. A proper diagnosis can determine if orthotics are right for you. This can consist of having a physical examination performed on the feet, discussing existing symptoms, and checking for painful deformities. Additionally, an X-ray or MRI may be ordered that can show any signs of arthritis or damage to the foot. There are some foot conditions that can alter the foot structure including bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, or flat feet. There are two categories of orthotics consisting of rigid and flexible and may be available in two sizes, full-shoe inserts or smaller inserts that the heels can fit in. If you have a foot ailment and would like more information about the benefits of wearing custom-made orthotics, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

How Being Overweight Affects the Feet

It is common knowledge that being overweight can lead to heart problems and other maladies. In addition, extra body weight can also be the cause of problems with your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Research shows that the risk of a broken ankle or knee injury increases when a person's body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30-35. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the bones in the feet and ankles, which are not built to carry the amount of stress extra weight causes. Your gait, or the way you walk, may be altered. This in turn affects the legs, knees and hips, which can inhibit your ability to exercise or carry out daily activities. Perhaps the greatest risk of obesity is the onset of diabetes and/or high blood pressure, as well as the development of bunions, plantar fasciitis and other foot deformities. Paying attention to a healthy diet and exercising regularly can be the first steps in eliminating foot pain and other problems. If you are overweight and experience frequent or chronic foot pain, or if your ankles seem unstable, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer guidance and treatment options.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Read more about How Obesity Affects Your Feet

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in the Honolulu County, HI: Honolulu (Manoa, Kaneohe, Waikiki, Aiea, Waimalu, Moanalua, Kailua, Maunawili, Pearl City, Waipahu, Ahuimanu, Hawaii Kai, Waialae - Kahala) and North Shore (Kahuku, Laie, Hauula, Kawela Bay, Pupukea, Punaluu, Kaaawa, Haleiwa, Waialua, Koolauloa) areas