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 Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Although it might not seem immediately obvious, the kinds of shoes that you wear can have a discernible impact on the health of your feet. For example, if you wear non-supportive, flimsy footwear, this can spell trouble for the strength and resilience of your feet. High heels are one such kind of potentially detrimental footwear. The impact that high heels can have on your feet and body is sometimes referred to as high heel syndrome. As a result of overuse of high heels, an individual might experience anatomical changes in their legs. Typically these individuals will have Achilles tendons that are more stiff. When an individual is experiencing high heel syndrome, they may benefit significantly from stretching exercises that target the calves. If you are someone who wears high heels frequently, consider contacting a podiatrist for more information and support.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

People who have initial flareups of gout may be unaware of what this foot condition is. It brings attention to the patient by the debilitating pain and discomfort that gout is associated with, and answers are often sought. Gout is a form of arthritis and occurs from excess uric acid in the blood. It can happen from genetic reasons, or from the foods that are eaten. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease may lead to having gout attacks. Additional uric acid will form crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe, causing redness, swelling, and the temporary inability to walk. Effective prevention techniques can include limiting unhealthy foods and engaging in a gentle exercise routine. If you have gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage and treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A fungus that develops on the feet is a skin infection. It can cause discomfort and become unsightly. It is a common condition, and studies have shown it affects approximately 25 percent of people across the globe. People whose feet sweat for various reasons may be prone to getting athlete’s foot, and it is considered to be contagious. This type of fungus lives in warm and moist environments, such as shower room floors and public swimming pools. Wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of areas can help to prevent athlete’s foot from spreading. Flip flops or water shoes fall into this category, and these types of shoes can protect the soles of the feet from picking up this fungus. It is advised to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels, and this may help to limit the spread of this uncomfortable condition. Symptoms that are common with athlete's foot can include itchiness, redness, and in severe cases, small blisters may form. There are various steps to treat athlete's foot, and it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you prescribed medication for complete healing. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Harlis Family Foot and Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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