December 2022

Foot drop is a condition that makes it difficult to lift the foot high enough to clear the ground when you take a step. As a result, people with foot drop may appear to be high-stepping or marching when they walk. It also may cause you to slap your foot down on the ground with each step. In some cases, the top of the foot or the toes may feel numb. Foot drop is not a disease, but is generally caused by a neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem. The symptoms indicate a weakness or paralysis in the muscles that lift the foot. There are a number of underlying conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, that may be at the root of the problem. Foot drop can be a temporary condition, but if it becomes permanent more advanced diagnostic methods may be recommended.  A podiatrist can conduct a number of imaging tests to determine the cause of foot drop. In addition, an ankle foot orthosis may be prescribed to hold the foot in place. Also, electrical nerve stimulation is sometimes helpful. Please consult a podiatrist for more information.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM from Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor 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 Peoria, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The chances may increase for a foot injury to occur in children who participate in sports activities. These types of injuries can involve the ligaments, bones, and tendons. Fractures and sprains also fall into this category. There are two classifications of foot injuries that can develop, consisting of acute or chronic. Acute injuries consist of contusions, or bruises, fractures, and sprains. Chronic injuries can include stress fractures and tendonitis, and generally happen gradually from overuse. Parents may see symptoms in their children in the form of limping or difficulty walking. At this point, a proper diagnosis is necessary to have, which can determine what type of injury it is. Many times an X-ray or MRI is performed, and this can precede what type of treatment is needed for a complete recovery. If your child has foot pain, it is strongly urged that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward helping your child find relief.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM of Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

As we age our feet change and things can happen to our feet that affect our overall health and quality of life. Specific foot issues may arise depending on the shoes worn, level of activity, and genetics. With all the wear and tear our feet endure throughout our lifetimes, it’s no wonder there would be stress and strain felt as we age. With aging, our cells hold less water, which in turn can affect collagen, tendons, and ligaments in the feet. Tendons generally get tighter, and ligaments may get looser. With aging, circulation can decline as well as our body’s natural healing ability. Overuse and joint issues are also more common with age. When things in the feet shift, bone spurs can develop, and we can feel pain. To deal with the likely inevitabilities of foot issues, if you are a senior or a caregiver, include a podiatrist in your health care team and schedule regular check-ups.

If you need your feet checked, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM of Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Cracked heels is a foot condition that occurs from having excessively dry skin. It may happen more frequently in the winter months from cold weather and indoor heat, and drinking plenty of fresh water daily may help to reduce its severity. There may be outside factors that can increase the chances of getting cracked heels, including standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, and frequently wearing shoes that have an open back. Some patients develop cracked heels from medical conditions consisting of eczema and psoriasis, which naturally dry out the skin. Diabetic patients may be prone to having neuropathy, which is the inability to feel existing foot conditions. This may lead to getting cracked heels, and it is beneficial to use a moisturizer daily that can soften the skin. Cracked heels can come from having athletes’ foot, which is caused by a fungus, and can dry out the skin on the heels. If you have developed this condition, please call a podiatrist today and schedule an appointment for a correct diagnosis and proper treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM from Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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