When I stopped at the Polaris Fashion Place a few minutes from the office the other day, I couldn’t help but to notice how many different types of “toning” shoes have sprung up at shoe stores in the past year. Celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Kendra Wilkinson and Kelly Brook have all been seen wearing the Reebok brand “Easy tone” toning shoes that pledge to tone your legs and butt. Recently, several lawsuits have been brought against a few of the toning shoe companies. The individuals suing have claimed that the shoes do not live up to the toned results promised and, for a few people, their toning shoes lead to foot and ankle injuries. These individuals could have prevented their toning shoe woes by meeting with a podiatrist to find out what shoes were right for them and how to keep their feet and ankles healthy!!

It is important to remember when choosing any type of shoe, that the main purpose of the shoe is to comfortably support and protect YOUR foot and ankle. Everyone’s feet are different and a shoe that makes one person feel great, might not work for you.

The general idea of the toning shoe is to create a slight instability, causing different muscles in the leg and foot to work harder than usual. While this does not replace a traditional workout as advertised in some toning shoe ads, it does tone muscles that would not typically be toned in normal shoes. Toning shoes can be used as supplement to good, ol’ sweat-inducing exercise!

As with any new exercise routine, a physical exam and foot exam should occur before making the decision to use toning shoes. The type of toning shoe you choose should fit with the activity you plan on using it for. For example, toning shoes wouldn’t be recommended for basketball players who need a high-top basketball shoe to protect their ankle from jumping and twisting motions. For many individuals with a normal foot type toning shoes can function well as a walking shoe. However, for anyone with a foot ailment or different foot structure, a toning shoe may not be the best option and these individuals should definitely consult with their podiatrist to see if they should be wearing a more corrective shoe type or possibly a prescription orthotic to wear in their toning and other shoes. Toning shoes featuring a high platform would generally be advised against. Flat shoes, with a height of 1 inch or less, are the healthiest shoes for feet. The platform can increase the likelihood of rolling or spraining an ankle, especially in people with poor balance. The American Podiatric Medical Association’s list of approved toning shoes is a good place to begin researching some possible toning shoe options to discuss with your podiatrist at your next appointment.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885 FEET (3338) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

A woman in Myanmar has recently been trying to help her infant daughter gain a world record for an unusual deformity called polydactyly. In the foot, polydactyly is a digital deformity where you have more than 5 toes, or digits. Polydactyly can also occur in the hand with extra fingers. While this may seem like a rare deformity that would only occur in far away parts of the world, polydactyly is actually a fairly common birth defect that can occur even here in Columbus!

The young girl in Myanmar was born with 12 fingers and 13 toes, tying the current world record. While the mother of the girl was excited that her daughter was displaying exceptional grip strength in her hands, the extra digits in her foot will likely cause foot pain and other foot problems if the toes are not surgically removed. It would be difficult to find shoes that would properly fit a widened foot with extra toes.

Any time a foot with extra toes, or even the usual number of toes, is crammed into an improperly fitting shoe pressure can push the digits together in an abnormal way. Pressure pushing the tips of the toes together and pressing on the side of the foot next to the big toe could lead to another common deformity called a bunion. A bunion is an enlargement in the joint, or sometimes the bone, at the base of the big toe. Because bunions can slowly develop when the first toe is overly angled toward the other toes, they can actually be prevented by avoiding shoes that would pinch your toes together. Even with preventative measures against bunions, people with flat feet or pronation syndrome are more likely to develop a bunion. Bunions can be painful when the enlargement on the middle side of the foot rubs against the shoe. The constant irritation of the area can even lead to arthritis in the joint at the bunion.

Babies are born with flat feet and the arch develops over time. Thus, in the child from Myanmar, the combination of flat foot and extra toes being pushed together lead to greatly increased chances of developing a bunion. To prevent other foot problems from developing, surgery would generally be the best way to deal with extra toes if they are causing pain. The only way to completely get rid of a bunion and all of its symptoms is also through surgery called a bunionectomy. Non-surgical methods are often tried first to relieve bunion symptoms and pain, but not the bunion itself. Some non-surgical treatments of bunions include: orthotics, specialized padding to relieve the pressure and thus constant irritation of the bunion, and night-time splints, which are most often used in young people whose bones are still developing. A skilled podiatrist can evaluate the bunion or polydactyl patient and recommend the best treatment to stop foot pain and prevent future foot problems! Hopefully the young girl in Myanmar will not only be included in the Guinness Book of World Records, but will also be added to the list of happy patients of podiatry and grow up with happy and healthy feet!!

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885 FEET (3338) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the long, dense band of connective tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot.

Repeated strain on the plantar fascia can cause tiny tears in the ligament. As tension and tearing increases, so does inflammation and irritation of the affected area. Risk factors of plantar fasciitis include foot arch problems (flat foot and high arches); excess weight; running; and a tight Achilles tendon.
The most common complaint of plantar fasciitis is pain in the bottom of the heel that develops gradually. The pain is usually worse in the morning and after sitting or standing for a long period of time. For some, the pain subsides after walking or stretching.
To reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis:

• Rest. Limit and/or avoid activities that make your heel hurt.
• Ice. Reduce pain and swelling by icing the affected area each day.
• Stretch. Stretch your heel throughout the day, especially when you first wake up in the morning.
• Footwear modifications. Wear shoes that provide good arch support and a cushioned sole. Ask your podiatrist about pads and shoe inserts to relieve your heel pain.

When conservative treatments aren’t effective or your pain persists for more than a few weeks, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Columbus Podiatry & Surgery to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. A podiatrist can recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. This may include, stretching exercises, shoe padding, orthotic devices, night splints or therapy. Most patients respond to non-surgical treatments, but for pain that won’t go away, surgery may be considered.

With proper rest and treatment, recovering from plantar fasciitis can take just a few months. Visit Columbus Podiatry & Surgery on the North side of Columbus, Ohio in between Worthington, Westerville and Powell when you first experience pain for a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885 FEET (3338) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Painful plantar warts are benign growths that develop on the bottom of your feet caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV) — the same virus that causes warts on other areas of the body. Some people are more susceptible than others to HPV, and not everyone will develop plantar warts if they come into contact with the virus. Individuals with weak immune systems or damaged skin on the feet are at a higher risk for plantar warts.

Plantar warts most often develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot — the heel or the ball of the foot — causing sharp, burning pain. They can appear as a single wart (solitary) or a cluster of warts (mosaic). Common symptoms may include:

• Pain or discomfort when walking or standing
• Thick, scaly skin that often resembles a callus
• Hard, flat growths with well-defined boundaries
• Tiny black specks (clotted blood vessels) that often appear on the surface of the wart

Most warts disappear with home care and do not require medical treatment. You can take steps to prevent and treat plantar warts, which include:

• Changing your shoes and socks daily
• Keeping your feet clean and dry
• Avoid picking at warts as the virus may spread
• Avoid direct contact with an individual who has plantar warts
• Checking your child’s feet periodically
• Refrain from walking barefoot, especially in public areas like showers, swimming pools and locker rooms
• Never ignore skin growths or changes in your skin

You should always seek care from a podiatrist when warts interfere with your daily life, aren’t responding to home treatments, or if you have circulatory disorders. Contact Animesh (Andy) Bhatia D.P.M, C.W.S. if your warts:

• Change color or shape
• Cause unbearable pain and discomfort
• Interfere with activities
• Multiply or reappear

Without treatment, plantar warts can grow, spread and prompt new warts to grow as fast as the old ones disappear. If you can’t confidently identify a growth on your foot, visit Dr. Bhatia, a podiatrist in the Westerville, Ohio area to ensure a correct diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment from our Columbus OH office can decrease the risk of the wart spreading and multiplying.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885 FEET (3338) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Pain at the ball of the foot is very common and may be instigated by a variety of problems. Plantar plate injury or tear may be a cause of such pain. The plantar plates are firm fibrocartilaginous structures that are essential for the stability of metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Plantar plate tears are a type of joint capsular tear of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The stability of the joint can be compromised if an injury occurs to the plantar plate, resulting in an unstable toe, hammering of the toe, or other toe deformities.

Patients commonly present with pain under the 2^nd metatarsophalangeal joint. Plantar plate injuries or tears may be acute or chronic. An acute injury tends to result from trauma, causing a swift and extreme upwards motion of the toe that may later be accompanied by pain, swelling and bruising. Patient’s may feel a tearing sensation; the toe may possibly dislocate upwards and may be relocated. Chronic injuries are more common and result from the plantar plate and involved ligaments undergoing microtrauma and repetitive stress. Chronic injury to the plate is commonly a result of a biomechanical imbalance of the foot where repetitive stress causes recurrent tearing. The most common etiology being an elongated metatarsal or a short neighboring metatarsal.

Depending on the severity of the injury and instability of the joint would determine the treatment. For chronic injuries, non surgical treatment options would be aimed toward symptomatic relief. Treatments would include: NSAIDs, offloading, activity modification, orthotics, toe splinting or pads, rocker-bottom shoes or corticosteroid injections. The only definitive treatment for a progressive deformity would be surgery. Call your podiatrist today if you have questions or concerns about plantar plate injuries.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office

A heloma molle is a soft callus or corn that commonly occurs at the fourth interdigital space, between the fourth and fifth digits. The callus may be located at other sites, depending on the anatomy and biomechanics of the individual. The callus may appear in the webbing of the interdigital space or on either side of the fourth and fifth toes at one of the “knuckles.” There are three small bones in the toes known as phalanxes. If the lesion forms at the joints of the fourth and fifth toes, it is thought that the head of the proximal phalanx of the 5^thdigit is compressed against the base of the 4^thproximal phalanx. A callus forming at the webbing of the interspace is most often associated with a short fifth metatarsal.

With heloma molles, patients often complain about pain at the site of the lesion that is aggravated by tight shoes, pressure, and ambulation. Heloma molle may be associated with other conditions such as bunions or a  fifth digit deformity. If ignored, a heloma molle may develop into something more serious such as an infection, sinus tract to the bone, even a bone infection.

The first line of treatment for a heloma molle include, padding that would separate the digits, local debdridement and possible keratolytics that would keep the callus down. Antimicrobrial topicals may be required if an infection is involved. Regular maintenance would be required to keep the callus from reforming. If the heloma molle persists and continues to cause pain, there are several surgical options aimed at relieving the pressure areas. One such procedure would be the removal of the proximal phalanx base of the fourth digit. Another surgery that would prevent reoccurrence is syndactilization of the digits after resection of the involved areas. Call your podiatrist today if you have questions or concerns about a heloma molle or calluses.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office

Tibial stress syndrome, more commonly known as shin splints, is a common exercise-related problem. As we try to work out after a holiday season of indulgence, shin splints are something that may hinder people from keeping to their resolutions. Shin splints refers to nonspecific pain that occurs along the shin bone (tibia), usually on the inside of the leg. It is an overuse or repetitive-load injury which causes pain to the shin. Repetitive activities such as running, jogging or hiking may lead to an overload of the muscle and bone tissue causing pain.

Shin splints usually develop after sudden changes in physical activities such as: frequency, duration, intensity or distance. Other factors that contribute to shin splints include runners without enough shock absorption, having flat or rigid arches and exercising with inappropriate or worn out footwear. Shin pain usually occurs at the start of exercises but then diminishes throughout the activity. Pain that continues during rest may be indicative of a different problem, such as a tibial stress fracture.

Tibial stress syndrome is mostly a clinical diagnosis. There may be local tenderness along the border of the tibia or over the muscles on the inside your leg. X-rays may be ordered to rule out a fracture. First lines of treatment for shin splints include: ice, NSAIDs and stretching of the calf muscles. Activity modification such as a period of non-weight-bearing activities such as swimming may be necessary and recommended. Once the symptoms have been resolved a gradual return to activity with supportive shoes is optimal. Patients that have a reoccurring problem with shin splints may benefit from orthotics. Call your podiatrist today if you have questions or concerns about shin splints.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office

Pain underneath the great toe can be a result of injuries to the sesamoid bones. These 2 semilunar-shaped bones are located beneath the head of the 1^stmetatarsal and function similarly to kneecaps. These small bones that play an important role in the functionality of your toes by helping to absorb weight-bearing pressure at the joint, reducing friction at the metatarsal head and protecting the tendon that flexes the great toe.

A person experiencing sesamoiditis would experience pain beneath the head of the great toe. Pain is usually worse with walking or running and may be exacerbated when wearing high-heels or thin-soled shoes. Trauma to the sesamoids or positional changes of the bones due to biomechanics or foot structure may lead to pain. Sesamoiditis occurs more frequently in those with high-arched feet or people with bunions. Dancers and joggers also commonly experience sesamoiditis.

When examining your foot, your podiatrist will examine each sesamoid and the range of motion at the joint. Usually the tibial sesamoid, the more medial bone, will be more painful than the fibular sesamoid. If the joint is swollen your podiatrist may aspirate the joint to rule out gout or septic arthritis. There may be a callus or corn in the area, exacerbating or producing the pain. Your foot doctor may order x-rays to evaluate for possible fracture, displacement, or arthritis.

Conservative treatment for sesamoiditis include shoe gear changes to shoes with a thick sole and orthotics that would reduce pressure on the sesamoids. Corticosteroid injections may be offered to help reduce pain and inflammation. In the case of fractured sesamoids or refractory sesamoiditis, foot surgery to remove the sesamoids may be indicated. Call your podiatrist today if you have questions or concerns about sesamoid injuries.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office

Gout, once known as a ‘disease of kings’ is making a resurgence. With the rise of obesity and a trend of low carb diets such as keto or paleo, the incidence of gout is increasing and its becoming more prevalent in a younger cohort. Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that is a result of excess of uric acid. Hippocrates referred to it as ‘the unwalkable disease’ as the pain can be excruciating. The joint that is most commonly involved is the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe, called podagra. Other sites of gout attacks include the ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist. An acute flare of gout may present as a sudden onset of pain during the night and progressively worsen within hours. Often there is swelling and tenderness, the skin overlying may appear red, warm and shiny. Episodes may range from a few days to weeks.

Hyperuricemia, or elevated urate levels can be caused by either decreased excretion, increased production, or increased purine intake. The most common cause of hyperuricemia is decreased renal excretion. Decreased excretion may be a result of genetics, the use diuretics, or renal damage or disease. Increased ingestion of purine-rich foods such as organ meats, anchovies, herring, mussels, sardines, beer, and etc. can lead to hyperuricemia.

Definitive diagnosis usually requires aspiration of fluid from the joint to confirm the presence of urate crystals. Your healthcare provider may also order X-rays to look for erosions or tophi, especially if it is chronic issue. Acute attacks of gout are treated with Colchicine and anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs. Diet change and decreasing intake of purine rich food or drink may help lessen frequency of attacks. To prevent or decrease recurrence, your doctor may also prescribe Allopurinol to lower the serum urate level or Probenecid to increase the excretion of uric acid. Call your podiatrist today, if you have questions or concerns about gout and the treatment options available.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is the result of inflammation at the growth plate of the heel in maturing children. Children’s bones continue to grow until the growth plates completely ossify or become solid. Once the growth plates close, bones stop growing in length. The heel bone, also known as calcaneus, continues to develop until about age 15. An athletically active child, usually around 8-14 may develop Sever’s disease. Sever’s occurs due to the Achilles tendon pulling on the heel bone, causing inflammation at the growth plate.

Children may complain of heel pain, especially at the sides of the heel, that is worsened by running or standing on their tiptoes. Patients may also complain of warmth and swelling of the heel. Sever’s disease seems more prevalent in children that play soccer or basketball. The condition is also more common in young patients with tight calves, also known as equinus.

Your Columbus podiatrist may suggest X-rays just to rule out other causes of heel pain such as stress fractures or bone cysts. The condition is self-limiting and pain should subside once the growth plate fuses. If the child is experiencing ongoing pain, your podiatrist may recommend stretches for the calf muscles, heel pads, and splints. They may also suggest that your child limit physical activity and to rest for a period of time. NSAIDs and ice would be recommended for pain relief. In more severe cases, casting may be appropriate to immobilize and offload the area. Call our office today if you have questions or concerns about your child’s heel pain.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office