Recent research has shown that approximately 70 percent of the population in the Bahamas are obese. This typically impacts the general health of the feet as a result of the additional weight the feet must endure. An increased BMI, or body mass index, generally accompanies any weight that is gained. This may produce unwanted foot conditions that may include plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, arthritis and general “wear and tear” of the bones, ligaments, and tendons. Additionally, the structure of the foot may be negatively affected, which may aid in difficulty maintaining an exercise program. While purchasing shoes, it’s important to choose shoes that fit correctly, which may help to diminish a portion of the pain that may be experienced. If you feel you are obese and would like additional information about this condition on how it may affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Kilkenny from Barbara A. Kilkenny, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southbury, CT. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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The medical condition referred to as gout is often the result of excess uric acid in the blood levels. Crystals will typically form and lodge in the joints of the big toe, and may cause severe pain and discomfort. There are several symptoms associated with this condition, and these may include swelling, redness and tenderness at the base of the big toe. The crystals generally cause inflammation and there may be extreme pain that is associated with this. Gout attacks may be the result of an inherited trait, or may occur from the foods that are ingested. Specifically, these foods may include an overindulgence of red meat, alcohol, or shellfish, and these may affect the uric acid in the blood. If you are suffering from this condition, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for correct treatment remedies.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Barbara Kilkenny from Barbara A. Kilkenny, DPM. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southbury, CT. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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If you have ever experienced a broken ankle, you are most likely familiar with the severe pain and discomfort that is often associated with it. It may be difficult to differentiate between a fracture and a sprain due to the fact that most symptoms may be similar. These may include bruising, swelling, and the inability to walk because of the pressure the ankle must endure. For severely broken ankles, the bone may protrude from the skin and prompt treatment is recommended. An X-ray is typically performed to confirm if the ankle is broken or sprained. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can examine the broken ankle and discuss proper treatment options.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Barbara Kilkenny from Barbara A. Kilkenny, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southbury, CT. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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The purpose of the Achilles tendon is to connect the heel bone to the calf muscles and it is considered to be the largest tendon in the body. The ability to point and flex the foot occurs naturally when the Achilles tendon contracts and this also enables people to walk, run, and stand on tiptoe with ease. If the patient should experience a tear in this tendon, this condition is referred to as an Achilles tendon rupture. General reasons for this to occur may include the tendon weakening with age, which may promote injury. It typically occurs when activities that are pursued require running and jumping, also when proper stretching is not practiced beforehand. Typical symptoms may include experiencing an immediate and severe pain in the back of the heel, as well as swelling and bruising. If you feel you have ruptured your Achilles tendon, please consult with a podiatrist to learn about correct treatment techniques.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Barbara Kilkenny of Barbara A. Kilkenny, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southbury, CT. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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