Understanding Flat Feet and How to Improve Comfort

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to pronation issues, foot and leg pain, reduced shock absorption, and muscle fatigue during daily activities. While flat feet can create challenges, there are effective ways to improve comfort and function. Supportive footwear, strengthening exercises, and a consistent stretching routine can reduce strain. Orthotic inserts provide added support and help correct alignment. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of flat feet, recommend personalized treatment options, and guide long-term care to prevent complications. If you have discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about Flatfoot

The Importance of Proper Diabetic Foot Care

Proper diabetic foot care is essential for preventing serious complications, such as infections, foot ulcers, and even limb loss. Diabetes can cause poor circulation and nerve damage, making it harder to feel injuries and allowing them to worsen unnoticed. Daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, moisturizing, and wearing protective footwear are vital steps to maintain health. A podiatrist plays a key role by monitoring foot health, treating wounds, and recommending specialized footwear or orthotics to prevent pressure points. Regular checkups help detect issues early and protect long term-mobility. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proactive strategies, helping you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions

Prompt Treatment Matters When Gout Strikes the Foot

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It may appear suddenly, causing intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. The skin may look shiny and feel extremely tender, making even the touch of a sheet unbearable. Common causes include a diet high in purines, obesity, certain medications, and genetic factors. Gout attacks can last for days or weeks and may recur if not properly managed. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through physical examination, review of medical history, and tests such as joint fluid analysis or blood work. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, dietary guidance, and long-term management strategies to reduce uric acid levels. Preventive care and lifestyle changes are essential to avoid future flare-ups. A podiatrist can also help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Read more about Gout

Contagious Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus can cause the toenails to become brittle and yellow. They can gradually harden and become thicker, causing difficulty in having them properly trimmed. This unsightly foot condition is caused by a fungal infection, and is considered to be contagious. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, consisting of shower room floors, public swimming pools, and similar areas. The fungus can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin, and it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas. A diagnosis is performed by extracting a small sample of the nail. After confirmation is received, treatment can begin. There are various methods that can accomplish this, and it is strongly suggested a podiatrist is contacted as quickly as possible who can prescribe proper medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toenail Fungus

A Small Problem That Can Cause Big Pain

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or genetic predisposition. The affected toe, usually the big toe, may feel tender to the touch and appear red or swollen, sometimes with drainage or pus, if infected. Walking can become uncomfortable or even painful. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and recommend appropriate treatment. Mild cases may be managed with proper nail care and antibiotics, if infection is present. For recurring or severe cases, surgical options, such as partial or full nail removal or removal of the nail root, may be necessary. Aftercare typically includes keeping the area clean, applying medication, and wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes to allow healing. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to relieve pain and prevent complications.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Read more about Ingrown Toenails

Connect With Us