The field of medicine that is called podiatry treats conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and foot pain can wreak havoc on an individual’s quality of life. Foot pain can range from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly to enduring a traumatic or sudden foot injury. There are several branches of podiatry, consisting of sports medicine, forensic podiatry, and onco-podiatry, and qualified students can choose which one is best for them after completing an extensive education. This can begin with earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by pursuing a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program that will take four years. A surgery residency program begins at this time, which typically takes place in a hospital or clinic setting. Podiatrists can choose to have a private or group practice, work in extended care facilities, or practice in various health departments. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a podiatrist, it is suggested that you speak to this type of doctor who can address any concerns and answer any questions you may have. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

The foot bones are responsible for the mobility of the body, in addition to providing mechanical support for the soft tissues. This is necessary to support the body’s weight while standing and moving. Three categories of bones are in each foot. The tarsals consist of seven bones that are located in the ankle area. The bones in the toes are known as phalanges and connect to the metatarsals, the third group of bones. Additionally, the foot is divided into three areas referred to as the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. Each part of the foot has different functions which work in unison to help you walk and run. The bones in the foot may break when enduring a stress fracture or from a sudden injury. If you would like additional information about the bones in the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are someone that enjoys wearing sandals and flip flops during the warm summer months, then it is helpful to be aware of the connection between these shoes and cracked heels. Although these shoes may seem stylish, they often do not provide feet with the support they need. Non-supportive shoes can essentially cause the feet to become more susceptible to cracked heels as a result of the weight that is not distributed equally. Extra pressure which is exerted on the feet can cause the skin to expand and crack. Therefore, if you are someone looking to prevent the onset of cracked heels, you may consider avoiding shoes like sandals and flip flops. For more information and treatment, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Excess fluid in the body may result in having swollen feet. The medical term is oedema, which can happen for various reasons. Pregnant women are all too familiar with having swollen ankles, in addition to people who are overweight. Taking specific types of medication may produce swollen feet, such as hormone therapy, antidepressants, or blood pressure pills. An injury that happens to the feet may cause the ankles to swell, in addition to having existing kidney, liver or heart conditions. Mild relief may be found when salty foods are reduced from daily eating, a gentle exercise program is started, and the feet are frequently elevated. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.