May 2021

The term “gait” refers to your pattern of walking. Your gait can impact the health of your feet. For example, an overpronated gait, in which the feet roll too far inwards while walking, is common in people with flat feet and can cause foot pain, strain on the big toe, shin splints, and instability.  A gait analysis is a method of assessing the way that your feet move while walking and running. The findings of this assessment can help your podiatrist determine if you have an abnormal gait that may be causing your foot problems. A gait analysis can also be used to locate the source of the problem, and to help find solutions, such as custom orthotics, that can be used to correct the gait. For more information about a gait analysis, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The arch is the gently curved part of the foot that is located in the center of the sole, just in front of the heel. Some people lack a visible arch and have what is known as “flat feet.” Flat feet can be flexible or rigid. People with flexible flat feet have an arch, but it is only visible when they do not put weight on their feet. People with rigid flat feet do not have a visible arch regardless of whether or not their feet are bearing weight. Rigid flat feet are commonly caused by congenital vertical talus, a condition in which the foot bones are not aligned properly, or lateral subtalar dislocation, a condition in which feet that once had arches flatten over time due to a dislocation of the talus bone. If you have flat feet and notice any pain or discomfort, please see a podiatrist for treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

When children are born, they generally have flat feet. Additionally, the toes appear to be the same length, and are encased in soft fat. This is typically evident up to eighteen months, and bones will begin to form up to twenty-four months. Research has indicated the arch will start to form between two and four years, and the bones will merge together as the child grows. It is beneficial to have your child walk barefoot while indoors, and this is helpful in keeping the feet strong. When it is time to walk outdoors, the proper shoes need to be purchased. Ideally, they should be constructed with breathable materials, and it is important to make sure there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you would like additional information about your child’s foot development, and the type of shoes to buy, please consult with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns are small, circular, thickened areas of skin on the feet that have a central core of hard material. They get their name due to their resemblance to a kernel of corn. Corns are caused by repeated pressure on the skin, usually from shoes rubbing against the area. They can form on the soles of the feet, the tops of the toes, or in between the toes. Usually, the corns that form in between the toes are softer than those that form elsewhere on the foot. If you have corns that are causing pain or discomfort, a podiatrist can help treat them. The doctor may suggest changes to your footwear, prescribe orthotic inserts, or remove the thickened skin. For more information about corns on the feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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