Flat feet occur when the arches along the inside of the feet are low or flatten when standing. The arches help distribute body weight and support efficient movement while walking or standing. Some people have flat feet from childhood, while others develop them later in life. Changes in muscles or tendons that support the arch can contribute to flattening. Age, injury, and repeated stress on the feet can also play a role. Some people with flat feet have no discomfort. Others experience foot pain, tired feet, or swelling near the ankle. Pain can also develop in the heel or arch. Flat feet can affect how weight moves through the feet, which can change the way a person stands and walks.

A podiatrist can evaluate flat feet by examining the arches and observing how the feet function while standing and walking. An examination can include checking foot flexibility, ankle movement, and areas of tenderness. The podiatrist can also assess how the heels and ankles are positioned when weight is placed on the feet. Treatment depends on the patient's symptoms and how flat feet affect daily activities. Custom orthotics can provide added support and help improve the way pressure is distributed across the feet. A podiatrist can also recommend appropriate shoes that provide support and fit the patient's foot structure. Targeted exercises can be prescribed to improve strength and flexibility in the feet and lower legs.

Flat feet can make prolonged standing, walking, and physical activity uncomfortable for some patients. Changes in foot movement can also place added stress on the ankles, knees, or lower legs. A podiatrist can identify these movement patterns and develop a treatment plan focused on reducing discomfort and supporting better foot function. Care can be adjusted according to the patient's activity level and response to treatment. Improving support and pressure distribution can help the feet function more efficiently during everyday activities. Treatment can also address related problems that develop because of changes in foot mechanics. If you have symptoms of flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . 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

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

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 our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running is a great way to stay active, but increasing training demands too quickly can place excessive stress on the feet. Foot stress occurs when repeated impact overwhelms the bones and supporting tissues. In some runners, this can develop into a stress fracture. Common symptoms include localized foot pain, tenderness, and swelling. Discomfort may begin during running and later continue during daily activities. Paying attention to these warning signs can help runners seek care early.

A sudden increase in running speed or mileage is a common cause of foot stress. Adding hills or longer distances without enough recovery time can also increase strain. Wearing the wrong running shoes may contribute when footwear lacks proper support, cushioning, or fit. Other risk factors include previous stress injuries, training on hard surfaces, and poor recovery. Rapidly changing workouts can also increase risk. Runners who ignore early pain may continue placing pressure on an area that needs time to heal.

A podiatrist can evaluate the foot, review training habits, and check for tenderness or swelling. Imaging tests may be recommended when a stress fracture is suspected. Treatment often begins with reducing activities that cause pain and protecting the injured foot. A podiatrist may recommend wearing supportive footwear, a walking boot, or temporary activity restrictions. Follow-up visits can help monitor healing and determine when running can safely resume safely.

Preventing running injuries starts with gradual training changes and adequate recovery between demanding workouts. Increase mileage and speed carefully. Replace worn running shoes and choose footwear suited to your foot shape and running needs. Never try to run through persistent pain, especially when walking also hurts. Early attention can support healing and reduce future complications. If you have developed a foot stress fracture from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Trail running is a great way to stay active, but it can lead to foot pain from repeated stress. Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe caused by pressure and misalignment, and blisters develop from friction and appear as fluid-filled spots on the skin. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, often leading to heel pain, while stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that occur from overuse. Symptoms include soreness, swelling, and pain during activity. Risk factors include wearing poor-fitting shoes, sudden increases in running distance, and improper form. A podiatrist can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. If foot pain is slowing you down on the trail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . 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:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

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 our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The heel fat pad is a thick layer of soft tissue beneath the heel bone that cushions each step. Heel fat pad atrophy develops when this protective layer becomes thinner or loses some of its spring. The heel then has less protection from the force created while walking, running, or standing. Aging can contribute to these changes. Repeated impact and an uneven walking pattern can place added strain on the pad. Certain health conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, can also affect this tissue.

Heel fat pad atrophy causes a deep, bruise-like pain in the center of the heel. The discomfort can become stronger on hard floors or after long periods of standing. Some patients feel pain while resting or when firm pressure is placed on the heel. These symptoms can resemble plantar fasciitis, but the location of the pain is usually different. Plantar fasciitis tends to cause pain closer to the inner front edge of the heel. An accurate diagnosis is important because these two problems require different care. Without proper treatment, heel pain can affect a patient’s walking pattern and increase pressure elsewhere in the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the heel, review the patient’s symptoms, and study how the foot moves. X-rays can help rule out a bone injury or another source of pain. Ultrasound imaging can show the thickness and condition of the heel pad. Once the cause is identified, the podiatrist can recommend treatment based on foot structure and activity level. Treatment can include custom orthotics, cushioned heel cups, or taping to hold the heel pad in a better position. The podiatrist can recommend shoes with proper cushioning and support. Regular evaluations can track changes in the heel and allow the treatment plan to be adjusted. If you have pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel pad atrophy. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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