Flat feet

Flat feet in an adult is a progressive, symptomatic deformity resulting from gradual stretching of the posterior tendon as well as the ligaments that support the arch of the foot.

In children flat feet are not painful but for the adult, pain occurs because soft tissues have been torn. The deformity progresses or worsens because once the vital ligaments and posterior tibial tendon are lost, nothing can take their place to hold up the arch of the foot. Contributing factors increasing the risk of adult flatfoot are diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

The person with flat feet has greater load placed on the posterior tibial tendon which is the main tendon unit supporting up the arch of the foot. As we age the muscle strength decrease as well as tendons and ligaments. The blood supply diminishes to tendons with aging as arteries narrow. Heavy obese patients have more weight on the arch and greater narrowing of arteries due to atherosclerosis. In some people the posterior tibial tendon finally gives out or tears. The bones of the arch then move out of position with body weight pressing down from above. The foot rotates inward at the ankle in the movement called pronation. The arch appears collapsed and the heel bone is tilted to the inside. The deformity can progress until the foot literally dislocates outward from under the ankle joint.

This is from www.PodiatryNetwork.com

gout

Gout is a disease that results from an overload of uric acid in the body. This can lead to formation of tiny crystals of urate that deposit in tissues of the body, especially the joints. Gout is considered a chronic and progressive disease. It can led to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in the tissues in and around the joints and may cause joint destruction, decreased kidney function and kidney stones.
An attack can be brought on by stressful events, alcohol or drugs or another illness.
Approximately 5 million people in he US suffer from gout. Even Benjamin Franklin suffered from painful gouty arthritis. Gout is nine times more common in men then in women and usually attacks males after puberty. Whereas with women it usually occurs after menopause.

Ingrown toenails

WHAT ARE INGROWN TOENAILS?
Ingrown toenails occur when the corner or side of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe. Most of the time it is the big toe, but they can occur in other nails. The end result of this common condition is pain, redness, swelling. If left untreated an infection can develop.
WHAT CAUSES INGROWN NAILS?
When nails are cut too short or not cut straight across. Or if the shoes are too short can cause ingrown nails.
SYMPTOMS OF INGROWN:
If you have an ingrown nail you will notice redness, swelling and pain. Some people may notice drainage or pus from the nail. In this case there is an infection.
HOW CAN THEY BE TREATED:
The best way is to have it permanently removed with an acid to kill the root so the nail will not grow back. At Advanced Foot Care Clinic we use NAOH to kill the root of the nail that was removed.
SO HOW CAN I PREVENT INGROWN TOENAILS?
Wear shoes that are long enough.
Keep your toenails at a moderate length and trim straight across.

Fungus nails

WHAT IS NAIL FUNGUS? Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus inters a toenail. It has cosmetic concerns as well as health concerns. Diabetes or people with a weakened immune system, nail fungus can present serious risks. Anyone can get nail fungus but infections are more common in people over the age of 50.
WHAT CAUSES NAIL FUNGUS? Fungus enters the nail through a small trauma like a cut or break in the nail. It is not caused by poor hygiene. It can be spread from person to person.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? A nail fungus infection can make you nails thick and discolored. Some people notice pain in the nails.
CAN NAIL FUNGUS BE PREVENTED? If you have sweaty feet it is very important to keep your feet dry. So you should use an anti-fungal, absorbent powder. At Advanced Foot Care we recommend Zeasorb AF powder. Damp warm environment of a shoe or boot can encourage fungal growth. So it is important to keep shoes dry and do not wear the same pair of shoes every day. They need a day off to dry out in between wearing. Do not walk barefoot in locker rooms or swimming pool areas.