Items filtered by date: August 2022

If you are a runner, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the importance of selecting the right kind of running shoes. The shoes that you select for runs can have a significant impact on your gait and running form. Selecting shoes that are ill-fitting may lead to injuries or foot complications. One important consideration to keep in mind when shopping for a pair of running shoes is what kind of terrain you will be running on. For example, if you run on roads or sidewalks, you can select road-running shoes. These shoes can be used to run on pavement, and they are built with cushioning that keeps the feet balanced when repeatedly striking hard surfaces. It is important to note that this type of shoe is made for running on mostly even surfaces. On the other hand, if you run on trails, then you might consider purchasing trail-running shoes. This kind of shoe is made to traverse uneven terrain and it has cleats on the outsole for gripping purposes. The midsoles on this kind of shoe tend to be stiffer to help navigate these uneven surfaces. If you are a runner, contact a podiatrist for tips on selecting the best pair of running shoes. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors 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 office located in Honolulu, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and they typically develop on the bottoms of the feet, usually on the balls or heels. These warts can, unfortunately, be particularly painful for some individuals when they walk or put weight on their feet. Since plantar warts are located on the bottoms of the feet, they may essentially grow inward in response to the pressure that is put on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts have a pernicious ability to spread to other parts of the feet and body sometimes very easily. For example, you might unknowingly be spreading your plantar warts if you touch the wart and then immediately touch another part of your body. Additionally, you may be spreading your plantar warts to other people if you share personal self-care tools such as razors or towels. It is not beneficial to your health if your plantar warts begin to spread. If this happens, a medical professional might advise you to use over-the-counter medications to address the problem. If you have plantar warts, you ought to contact a podiatrist especially if you notice that they are beginning to spread. A podiatrist is a foot specialist who can help you take specific steps to identify and address the problem.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

The heel is an integral part of your foot, and it plays an important role in helping the foot function. The heel is located at the back of the foot, and it is situated just below the ankle. The heel also sits right behind the arch of the foot. The heel is primarily composed of the calcaneus bone, which has a rectangular shape, and it is supported underneath by a fat padding and thick skin. In terms of biomechanics, the heel has two interesting and critical functions. First, when standing upright on both feet, a person is aided by the heel because it serves as a kind of weight-bearing support unit. In other words, the heel is stabilizing and protective. Second, when an individual is engaging in physical activities that involve motion (such as walking, running, or jumping), the heel acts as a type of lever which engages muscles in the calf. Taking care of the heel is important. Not only can the skin surrounding the heel become damaged through a condition known as cracked heels, the heel bone can also suffer from afflictions such as heel spurs. If you want to learn more about heels and how you can protect them, contact a trusted podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. 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 office located in Honolulu, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When dry skin, known as xerosis, occurs on the heels, it can be caused by a number of factors, such as wearing open-backed shoes, being overweight, or the constant rubbing of the heel within a shoe. Cracked skin also can be a sign of diabetes or neuropathy. Further causes include taking extra hot showers, using harsh soaps, cold weather, and standing for long periods. If dealt with early, dry or cracked heels can be lessened or even eliminated. Ignored, they may cause serious illness. In severe cases, cracked heels may become infected, causing cellulitis. A few easy treatments include soaking the feet in warm water, drying them completely, and applying moisturizer. It also may be good to use a pumice or nail file to gently scrub away the dead skin. Protect your feet from extreme heat, such as walking barefoot on hot sand or pavement. However, if your heels are severely cracked and painful, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment as soon as possible.  

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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