Items filtered by date: September 2025

Over-pronation occurs when the foot rolls too far inward with each step, placing excess stress on the arch, ankle, and surrounding soft tissues. Instead of evenly distributing weight across the foot, the inward roll causes the inner edge of the foot and big toe to bear too much pressure. This can flatten the arch, limit shock absorption, and strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet and ankles. Over time, over-pronation may contribute to painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel pain, ankle sprains, and posterior tibial tendon problems. Over-pronation is often linked to flat feet, but can also develop from weak or imbalanced muscles, loose ligaments, or excessive flexibility in the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait and foot posture, prescribe custom orthotics, recommend supportive bracing, or discuss surgery for severe cases. If you are experiencing foot pain, especially after activity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . Our doctors 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 Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force rather than a sudden injury. These injuries often occur in athletes, runners, or anyone who increase activity levels too quickly without proper conditioning. Causes include overuse, improper footwear, and activities that put repeated pressure on the foot. Risk factors include osteoporosis, low bone density, and poor nutrition. Symptoms consist of pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort when bearing weight. Relief often involves rest, more supportive footwear, and avoiding high impact movements until healing occurs. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. It develops when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch, becomes irritated or inflamed. Causes include overuse, improper footwear, high arches, or flat feet. Risk factors include prolonged standing, obesity, and age. Symptoms include stabbing pain in the heel, stiffness, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can provide treatments such as stretching exercises, orthotics, footwear guidance, and advanced therapies to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If heel pain is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

As people age, the feet undergo natural changes that can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Seniors often experience fat pad atrophy, which reduces cushioning in the heels and balls of the feet, leading to pain. Cracked heels can develop from dry skin, while bunions and ingrown toenails may cause swelling, redness, and difficulty walking. Morton's neuroma can create sharp pain or tingling between the toes. These conditions can impact daily activities and overall quality of life. A podiatrist can provide expert evaluation, offer treatments such as orthotics, padding, or corrective procedures, and recommend preventive care. If you or a loved one are experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis, and offer effective treatment solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . Our doctors 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 Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet and ankles can arise from many different causes. An injury such as a sprain or fracture often leads to swelling, as the body responds with inflammation. Infections in the skin or soft tissue can also trigger painful swelling. Standing or sitting for long periods of time may cause fluid to pool in the lower limbs, while consuming foods high in salt can lead to water retention and discomfort. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause, provide treatment, and recommend lifestyle changes or therapies to reduce swelling and prevent complications. If you are experiencing swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment tips for this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.