Items filtered by date: March 2023

The toes of the feet are intricate and complicated because they serve essential roles in providing balance and facilitating motion. Some individuals have a second toe that is longer than their big toe. However, if your big toe is longer than your second toe, this can tell you important things about your athletic ability. For example, since the big toe can exert twice as much force as the second toe, having a longer big toe can provide an individual an edge in activities such as skiing and sprinting. Sprinters can benefit because having a firmly grounded big toe enables one to essentially accelerate in a rapid fashion. If you are someone that wants to learn more about the biomechanics of the feet and are curious about how toe length affects athletic ability, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an appointment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors 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 Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Falling is unnatural. The feet can hurt from falling, and lifestyle habits may temporarily or permanently be altered. Possible foot injuries can include a sprained ankle, broken foot, or a bruised or broken toe. Any of these injuries may impact the ability to walk, and patients may have to use crutches for mobility. The risk of falling can be lowered by implementing successful fall prevention strategies. These can include improving lighting in the household, removing worn rugs from the living area, and starting a gentle exercise routine. This is beneficial in keeping the body strong, which may help to prevent falling. Additionally, it is wise to have regular physical and eye examinations which can help to update existing medications and eyeglasses. People have found falling episodes may be reduced by installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area, in addition to using a non-slip bath mat. If you would like more information about fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs can be painful. They are defined as bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel and can measure up to one inch. Heel spurs can be caused by inflammation and tension in the plantar fascia from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. They may also occur from wearing shoes that have limited cushioning in the heel area, or from a foot injury. Some people have a bone deformity or muscle imbalance, which may also lead to the development of a heel spur. A common symptom that many patients experience is heel pain that is worse in the morning and may slightly subside as the day progresses. Mild relief may be found when supportive shoes are worn. If you have a heel spur, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the best treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors 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 offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Exercising your feet regularly can improve your foot health and prevent injuries. Walking is the best form of exercise for the feet because it puts them through a full range of motion. Walking is also one of the best forms of exercise for the entire body in that it improves cardiovascular health, helps circulation, increases muscle tone, and enhances mood. Flexibility and resistance exercises can also help keep feet healthy. Flexibility or foot stretching exercises help keep feet limber. Resistance exercises are where one strengthens the muscles of the feet by working them against some form of resistance, such as weights or exercise bands. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, an expert in everything related to the feet and ankles.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.