Why High Arches Cause Foot Pain and Instability

A high arch, also called cavus foot, can place too much body weight on the heel and ball of the foot. Because less of the sole touches the ground, pressure is not spread evenly while standing or walking. This can cause aching, burning, or tenderness in areas that carry the extra load. Painful calluses can form along the heel, outer edge, or ball of the foot. Some patients also develop bent toes or feel that the ankle is unstable. A heel that tilts inward can make ankle sprains more likely.

Some high arches are inherited and remain fairly stable. Others are connected to a nerve or muscle disorder that changes the strength and balance of the foot. In these cases, the arch can become higher and symptoms can grow worse. Foot drop may also occur when weak muscles make it hard to lift the front of the foot. A podiatrist evaluates the arch, checks muscle strength, and watches how the patient walks. X-rays can show the position of the bones and joints. When signs point to an underlying nerve condition, the podiatrist can recommend further evaluation.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure, improving stability, and making movement more comfortable. A podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics that cushion high-pressure areas and help distribute weight more evenly. Shoe recommendations can include a stable sole, enough room for the toes, and firm ankle support. A brace can support an unstable ankle or help control foot drop. The podiatrist can also remove painful calluses safely and monitor areas at risk for skin damage. When these treatments do not provide enough relief, surgery may be needed. This can help correct certain bone positions, improve balance, or address tight and weak tissues. The exact approach depends on the cause and severity of the condition. If you have high arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

How a Podiatrist Diagnoses and Treats Broken Toes

A broken toe can result from stubbing the foot, dropping a heavy object on it, or taking a forceful step during sports. A big-toe fracture can be especially serious. The big toe helps the body balance and push forward while walking. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. The toe may also look crooked or feel too tender to touch. Some fractures extend into a joint or cause bone pieces to move out of position. A cut near the injury can signal an open fracture. This means the broken bone is exposed through a wound. Examination is important because a sprain, bone bruise, and fracture can cause similar symptoms.

A podiatrist can assess the injured toe. X-rays can confirm a fracture and show its location, pattern, and severity. Other imaging tests can provide more detail when nearby tissue damage is suspected. Treatment depends on which toe is broken and whether the bone remains aligned. A podiatrist can reposition a displaced bone so it heals correctly. This foot doctor can also protect the toe with taping, a splint, or a stiff-soled medical shoe. These measures limit painful movement and reduce pressure on the injured toe. Follow-up X-rays can track healing before the patient returns to demanding activities. Many broken toes heal within several weeks, although recovery varies with the injury.

Severe fractures sometimes need surgery. This can be necessary when a break enters a joint, bone pieces are widely separated, or the toe remains unstable. Pins, screws, or plates can hold the bone in place while it heals. Early treatment can lower the risk of lasting stiffness, deformity, and pain. Urgent evaluation is important when the toe looks misshapen, the skin is broken, or numbness develops. People with diabetes or poor circulation should seek immediate care because healing problems can be more serious. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe

Benefits of Nordic Walking

Nordic walking is a form of exercise that uses specially designed poles while walking, similar to cross-country skiing without snow. This activity offers several benefits for the feet and ankles. By using poles, body weight is partly supported through the arms, which can reduce pressure on the feet during movement. Lowering pressure may help limit strain on the arches, heel, and forefoot, especially during long walks. Nordic walking can also encourage a smoother walking pattern, known as gait. Improved gait may reduce stress on joints and soft tissues, like tendons and ligaments. The poles can increase stability and balance, helping to lower the risk of trips or falls that may lead to foot or other injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, assess walking mechanics, and recommend proper footwear or orthotics for safe participation. If you have foot pain after walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Exercise for Your Feet

Custom Orthotics For Foot and Heel Pain

Step into relief and reclaim your mobility! Foot and heel pain can be a thing of the past with the right Custom Orthotics. Customized to your unique foot structure, they provide the support and alignment needed to alleviate discomfort. Whether you're walking, running, or simply standing, Custom Orthotics ensure every step is cushioned and pain-free. Don't let foot ailments dictate your day. With Custom Orthotics, embrace a world of comfort and freedom. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Understanding Sports-Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Sports-related foot and ankle injuries can affect athletes at every level and interfere with training or competition. The foot and ankle absorb force, support body weight, and help the body change direction. Injuries can occur suddenly or develop from repeated stress. Ankle sprains are among the injuries seen in sports and can happen when the ankle rolls beyond its normal range. Stress fractures and Achilles tendon injuries can also affect active patients. Pain, swelling, and reduced movement can make it difficult to run or return to a sport safely.

The type of injury depends on the sport, playing surface, and demands placed on the foot or ankle. Repeated jumping and running places stress on bones and soft tissues. Quick changes in direction increase strain around the ankle. Some injuries involve ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue that connect bones. Others affect tendons, which connect muscles to bones. A careful evaluation is important because symptoms can overlap. What feels like a minor sprain can sometimes involve another structure or a more significant injury.

A podiatrist evaluates sports-related foot and ankle injuries by examining the painful area, movement, and stability. The exam also considers how the injury happened and which activities increase symptoms. Treatment depends on the injured structure and the severity of the problem. A podiatrist can provide immobilization or supportive devices when appropriate. Treatment can also include guided rehsabilitation exercises to restore strength and movement. A podiatrist also guides a safe return to activity and addresses factors that could increase the chance of another injury. If you have symptoms of a sports-related foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Connect With Us