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Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, are a prevalent condition that affects adults worldwide. Understanding the facts surrounding adult flat feet is crucial for proper management and maintaining foot health. Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, leading to the entire sole making contact with the ground. While some individuals are born with flat feet, others may develop the condition over time due to factors such as aging, injury, or excessive strain on the feet. Contrary to popular belief, flat feet are not always symptomatic. Many people with flat feet experience no discomfort or limitations in daily activities. However, some individuals may encounter pain, swelling, or a feeling of tiredness in the feet. Fortunately, conservative measures such as wearing supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, and performing foot strengthening exercises can alleviate symptoms and enhance foot function. In more severe cases, medical interventions may be necessary. By dispelling myths and knowing the facts, adults with flat feet can proactively care for their feet and maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, often occurring between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by the thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves that run between these toes, leading to irritation and inflammation. Several factors contribute to its development, including wearing tight or narrow shoes or high heels, Additionally, engaging in high impact activities that places excessive pressure on the forefoot can lead to developing Morton’s neuroma. Prevention involves wearing well fitting shoes with adequate toe room, opting for low heeled footwear, and avoiding activities that exacerbate foot discomfort. When it comes to treatment, non-invasive measures such as wearing cushioned pads or orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications may provide relief. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical removal of the affected tissue may be recommended to alleviate the pain and restore foot comfort. If you have pain between these toes, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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.
Foot pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to complete your daily activities. One common cause of foot pain is improper footwear, as wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels can lead to foot disorders and discomfort. In addition, injuries sustained during high-impact exercises or sports activities, such as running or aerobics, may result in foot pain. This includes sprains, strains, fractures, and tears in ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Another cause of foot pain is osteoarthritis, which results from the overuse of cartilage surrounding the joints, particularly affecting the big toe. Rheumatoid arthritis also can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the feet and ankles. For patients with diabetes, nerve damage, and reduced blood flow, foot ulcers may develop and cause persistent foot pain. Apart from these primary causes, various specific conditions can lead to foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis, corns, calluses, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Flat feet, heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Sever's disease are other causes of foot pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer the appropriate treatment options.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Hammertoe is a common foot condition that can happen from an imbalance of muscles surrounding the toe joints. Hammertoe can be categorized as classic hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe. In classic hammertoe, the affected toe will bend down at the joint and resemble a hammer. As toes are important to the balance of the foot and control pressure distribution, hammertoe can cause problems with walking. The affected toe can appear deformed, calluses can form on them, and it may be painful to wear shoes. Relief options for hammertoe pain can include choosing shoes with wide toe boxes, using toe pads, and wearing orthotics. If these conservative options are not successful and pain persists or worsens, surgery may be an option to straighten the toe. If you suffer from a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and to receive treatment that is personalized to your specific situation.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A common reason why an ingrown toenail develops can be from wearing shoes that are too tight. It may also happen as a result of improperly trimming the toenails, or possibly from genetic reasons. An ingrown toenail is defined as the toenail growing into the skin instead of over it. It can become red and infected and is generally painful. When the toenail is trimmed in a curved fashion instead of straight across, it can become infected. Some people find it can help to soak the affected foot in warm water, followed by using a small piece of cotton to gently pull the skin away from the nail. While this can temporarily provide mild relief, many patients prefer to visit a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment for permanent relief. Ingrown toenails can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit correctly with plenty of room for the toes to move freely in. If you have developed this painful foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform minor surgery to repair or remove the nail if needed.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.