Items filtered by date: September 2024

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects children and can have a significant impact on the feet. As one of the most common forms of arthritis in children, JIA causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can severely limit mobility and affect a child’s daily activities. When JIA affects the feet, it often involves the ankle joints and the small joints of the toes. This can lead to pain and difficulty in walking, running, or participating in sports. Inflammation in the feet may also cause the growth plates to close prematurely, potentially leading to differences in leg length or foot deformities. Proper management of JIA includes a combination of medication, targeted exercises, and sometimes orthotic supports to maintain joint function and reduce pain. If your child has JIA and it is affecting the feet, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for treatment to minimize long-term damage and to help children lead active, healthy lives despite the challenges of the condition.

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• Joint pain

• Joint stiffness

• Swelling in or around the joint

• Restricted range of motion

• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

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

Preventing running injuries involves several key practices to ensure a safe and effective workout. Start with a thorough warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints for the demands of running, as this helps to increase blood flow and flexibility. Running with a purpose means setting specific goals and pacing yourself appropriately to avoid overexertion. Incorporating a nose-breathing drill can enhance breathing efficiency and reduce fatigue. Additionally, maintaining a routine running schedule, gradually increasing mileage, and varying routes can help your body adapt to physical stress and minimize the risk of injuries. Proper hydration, stretching, and listening to your body’s signals are also essential for injury prevention. If you have endured a foot injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can help you find treatment solutions, in addition to guiding you toward effective running prevention techniques.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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