Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense position and movement without looking. It allows people to walk, stand, and adjust balance with ease. When this system does not work well, coordination and stability can suffer. Poor proprioception can lead to frequent missteps, ankle sprains, and falls, especially on uneven surfaces. It may also cause slower reaction times, making it harder for the feet and ankles to respond to sudden changes in movement. Causes include aging, previous injuries, nerve problems, and reduced joint awareness. A podiatrist can evaluate balance, joint motion, and nerve function to determine the source of the problem. Treatment plans include targeted exercises, bracing, or custom orthotics to improve foot stability and alignment. If you have symptoms of poor proprioception, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. 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 offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to pain, redness, and swelling along the nail border. The area may feel tender to the touch, especially when wearing shoes. In some cases, it can become infected and cause drainage or increased warmth. This condition often develops from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or naturally curved nails that press into the skin. As the nail continues to grow inward, discomfort can worsen and make walking painful. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the ingrown nail and provide safe, effective treatment. Care options include trimming or removing the affected portion of the nail, treating any infection, and offering guidance on proper nail care to prevent recurrence. In more persistent cases, a minor procedure may be performed to address the nail edge permanently. Early treatment helps relieve pain and reduces the risk of complications. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot exercises performed while sitting at a desk can help maintain strength, flexibility, and circulation in the feet. The feet support body weight, absorb shock, and help with balance during daily movement. When these structures become weak or stiff, larger muscles in the legs must work harder, which can increase fatigue and injury risk. Simple desk exercises may include gently lifting and spreading the toes, raising the arch without curling the toes, or pressing the feet in different directions to activate stabilizing muscles around the ankle. These small muscles play an important role in joint stability, meaning they help keep the foot and ankle properly aligned when walking and standing. A podiatrist can evaluate foot function, identify muscle imbalances, and recommend specific exercises or supportive devices to improve strength and reduce strain. If you spend long hours at work sitting at a desk, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a targeted exercise program to improve foot health.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the broad band of tissue along the bottom of the foot.  This tissue, called the plantar fascia, supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. When it becomes irritated or inflamed, heel pain often develops. Causes include long periods of standing, running, rapid weight gain, and tight calf muscles. Flat feet, high arches, and shoes that do not provide enough support can also increase the risk. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The pain may ease with movement but often returns after long periods of being on your feet. A podiatrist can examine the foot to identify the cause. Treatment options include prescribing custom orthotics, stretching exercises, and support for proper foot function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

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 Community Foot Specialists. 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 offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.