How can you tell what type of foot arch you have?
The easiest way to identify your arch type is to take the “wet test.” Wet the bottom of your foot in a shallow pan or bucket of water, then set your sole down on a piece of paper. Once you’ve made a footprint on the paper, remove your foot and examine the print’s shape. If you have a moderate curve between the ball of the foot and the heel, you have a normal arch height. If the print appears to have very little or no curve on the inside—so it’s just one oblong mark—you probably have low or flat arches. If you have a significant curve in the middle of the print, so the ball of the foot and the heel are only connected by a small area, you have high arches. No one arch type is “bad” or necessarily a problem; however, low and high arches may be more prone to pain and overuse issues. If you’re concerned about your feet, or you’re already experiencing discomfort, don’t wait. Contact Dr. Darren Silvester and the Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic staff for help. Call (210) 375-3318 or use the website to contact us. Why does my high-arched foot hurt?
If you have a high arch, you aren’t able to distribute your body weight evenly through your whole foot. Instead, the extra pressure is directed into your heel and the ball of your foot. This can cause pain in those areas when you stand or walk, particularly after an extended period of time. You may develop calluses on your soles, too. The pressure may cause hammertoes or claw toes as well, adding to any discomfort. If your high arch, or cavus foot, is the result of a neurological problem, you may have other painful issues as well. Your gait might change and your arch may get higher. Some people develop foot drop, or weak muscles that make it difficult to lift your feet off the ground. Finding shoes that comfortably accommodate your arch height and shape may be challenging as well. If you have excessively curved arches and are struggling with foot pain, let Dr. Darren Silvester and the Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic team help. Call (210) 375-3318 or use the website to reach our Pleasanton, TX, office for an appointment.
What is the difference between tendinitis and bursitis?
Both of these conditions involve the inflammation of soft tissues surrounding muscles and bones. They also have similar symptoms, however they are not the same. A bursa is a sac filled with fluid that acts as a cushion between bones and tendons. Bursitis occurs when this sac becomes irritated, swollen, and inflamed, typically due to overuse, although sometimes the result of direct trauma. Tendinitis is the severe inflammation of the actual tendon itself as a result of repeated injury. Repetitive motions and stress placed upon the joints increase the risk of both these conditions. In each case, treatment involves rest, ice, compression and elevation to reduce pain and swelling. Stretching and strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint will help to prevent future flare-ups. If you’re still not sure what the pain in your foot is, let Dr. Darren Silvester diagnose your condition and help determine the best treatment. Call (210) 375-3318 to make an appointment at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic in Pleasanton, TX. What are the main causes of heel pain?
The main causes of pain in your heels include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, Sever’s disease, and stress fractures. The first two occur in tendons attached to the heel bone, and the last two are pain in the growth plate or from tiny breaks in the bone itself. Most of these injuries feel worse when you place pressure on your lower limbs and improve somewhat with rest. These conditions will worsen over time, since they are overuse injuries, and they will need direct intervention to recover. There are other possible causes for heel pain, like pinched nerves, inflammation of the heel pad, and bursitis, but these tend to be less common. Don’t wait until you can barely walk to seek help for your painful heels. Contact Dr. Darren Silvester at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic in Pleasanton, TX, for an appointment. Call (210) 375-3318 or fill out the online contact form to reach us.
