The foot is a remarkable structure composed of numerous bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and fascia, all working in harmony to provide stability and mobility. The foot contains twenty-six bones, including the tarsal bones, which form the hindfoot and midfoot. Key tarsal bones include the calcaneus and talus, which support body weight and facilitate movement. Joints between these bones allow for flexibility and range of motion. Ligaments connect bones and provide stability, while muscles and tendons enable movement and support the foot's arches. The plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue, plays a vital role in maintaining the arch and absorbing shock. Together, these components allow the foot to adapt to various surfaces, absorb impact, and enable activities such as walking, running, and jumping, highlighting its vital role in overall mobility and balance. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and further educate you on foot anatomy.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot 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 our office located in Coralville, IA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Open wounds on the feet are common injuries that vary in type and severity. Types include abrasions or scrapes, lacerations or deep cuts, punctures, and ulcers. These wounds are prone to infection without proper care, especially since feet are often exposed to bacteria. In severe cases, untreated wounds can lead to complications like cellulitis, abscess formation, and even tissue death that require more intensive intervention. Basic treatment includes cleaning the wound, applying an antiseptic, and covering it with a sterile dressing. Podiatrists may recommend antibiotics for infections, debridement to remove dead tissue, and wound care products to promote healing and prevent complications. If you have a foot wound due to an underlying medical condition like diabetes, or if you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Poor circulation in the feet can result from several underlying health issues, significantly impacting overall well-being. Atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup, restricts blood flow and can lead to inadequate circulation in the lower extremities. High blood pressure is another contributing factor, as it can damage blood vessels over time, further impeding blood flow. Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a narrowing of the arteries specifically in the legs and feet, leading to pain and numbness during physical activity. Heart failure can also cause poor circulation, as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, resulting in reduced blood supply to the extremities. If you have poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer effective treatment solutions.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Jill Scholz, DPM of Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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