Items filtered by date: February 2023

People who are obese may have fallen arches or flat feet. This can happen because of the added weight the feet must endure while walking and standing. This can lead to pronation, which causes the patient to walk slightly on the outside of the foot instead of with the feet flat on the ground. Their feet may become wider, and this may be especially true of people who have been overweight for some time. Muscle mass may be lost in obese patients, and this can cause difficulty walking. Excess weight can be lost by implementing healthy eating habits and walking for approximately 30 minutes each day. This is often done slowly and will become easier the more it’s done. If you have questions about obesity, foot pain, or related conditions, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

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 one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners 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 Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is a wide spectrum of different kinds of runners. If you are someone that runs on occasion or runs professionally, you need to be intentional about selecting the right kind of running shoe. Although many people might think that one kind of running shoe will be appropriate for everyone, this view is mistaken. It is important to select the right running shoe for many different reasons. First, the right shoe can actually support your entire body while it is engaged in this physical activity. Second, supporting your feet and body properly with the right pair of shoes can actually help you prevent developing injuries from running. Third, and perhaps most obvious, running with a properly-fitted pair of shoes will make the act of running itself less uncomfortable. It is suggested you contact a podiatrist for more information about choosing the right running shoe.  

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Blisters on the feet are common. Many people experience this uncomfortable condition as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Blisters are caused by excessive friction, and may easily become infected if not cared for properly. A blister is defined as a small area, which resembles a bubble that is filled with fluid and develops over the raw skin. It is the body’s natural method of protecting the area until new skin has formed, and will drain gradually when it is no longer needed. While the blister is intact, it is beneficial to wear a protective covering over it, which may help to keep it from draining prematurely. Blisters can form for other reasons, including existing medical conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, or they can occur as an allergic reaction to an insect bite. There are various types of bandages and prevention methods for blisters, and it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you would like to learn more about how to manage blisters on the feet.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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