Pronation describes the inward roll of the foot after the heel touches the ground. This movement helps the foot absorb shock and adjust to the surface while walking or running. A small amount of pronation is a normal part of a step. Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls too far inward, which can cause the arch to flatten. It can affect how weight moves through the foot. People with flat feet are more likely to overpronate.

Signs of overpronation can appear in the feet, shoes, or legs. The arch may drop inward when standing, and the inner edges of the shoes may wear down faster. Some patients develop heel pain, arch discomfort, or repeated ankle problems. Extra strain can also reach the knees, hips, and lower back. These symptoms do not always prove that overpronation is the cause. Other foot problems can produce similar pain. A podiatrist can study the position of the feet and watch how they move. This gait evaluation, which is an assessment of walking patterns, helps identify abnormal motion and areas of excess pressure.

Treatment depends on the patient's foot structure, symptoms, and activity level. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with the right amount of support and cushioning. Custom orthotics can also be prescribed to guide foot motion and spread pressure more evenly. These devices are made to match the patient's feet and specific walking pattern. The podiatrist can also evaluate related problems, like plantar fasciitis, tendon strain, or ankle instability. Imaging tests can help rule out bone or joint damage when the examination raises concern. Regular follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check whether treatment is improving comfort and movement. Surgery is rarely considered and is generally reserved for severe structural problems that do not improve with other care. If you have foot pain after exercise, 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 Arizona Foot & Ankle 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 office located in Goodyear, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion forms when the big toe begins to angle toward the other toes, and the long bone behind the joint shifts outward. This change creates a noticeable bump along the inside of the foot. Bunions can run in families, and extra movement within the foot joints can contribute to their development. Wearing narrow or pointed shoes and high heels can make bunions progress more quickly. Some bunions cause little discomfort, while others become painful enough to limit walking and other activities. The size of the bump does not always match the amount of pain a patient feels.

Bunion pain can become stronger when shoes press or rub against the enlarged joint. A podiatrist can examine the foot and assess the position of the big toe to diagnose the problem. Imaging can also help rule out other causes of pain or provide details when surgery is being considered. Treatment depends on the patient’s symptoms and how much the bunion affects movement. Wearing wide-fitting shoes can reduce pressure against the bump. A podiatrist can also recommend cushioning pads or specialized insoles to reduce discomfort and improve support while walking.

Non-surgical care can reduce bunion pain, but it cannot permanently correct the changed shape of the joint. A podiatrist can study the way a patient stands and walks to determine whether an orthotic, which is a specialized shoe insert, could improve comfort. For severe pain, other treatments can be considered based on the patient’s needs. Surgery is the only treatment that can correct the bunion’s shape and can be considered when pain limits activity despite appropriate care. A podiatrist can explain the available choices and help patients understand which approach fits their symptoms. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

A broken toe can happen after a heavy object lands on the foot, the toe strikes a hard surface, or the foot twists during sports. Repeated pressure can also cause a stress fracture. Pain usually starts near the injured bone and can worsen while standing or walking. Other signs include swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The toe can look bent when the broken ends have shifted. A cut, bleeding around the nail, or bone showing through the skin needs prompt medical attention. The big toe plays an important role in balance and push-off, so an injury there can strongly affect movement.

It can be hard to tell a toe fracture from a sprain based on appearance alone. A podiatrist will ask how the injury happened and examine the toe for pain, position, and skin damage. This foot doctor can also check blood flow and numbness. X-rays can show where the bone broke and whether the pieces remain lined up. More detailed imaging is sometimes useful when the break is hard to see or extends into a joint. An accurate diagnosis matters because a poorly aligned bone can lead to stiffness, pain, or trouble fitting into shoes.

Treatment depends on the toe involved, the break's location, and how far the bone has moved. A podiatrist can stabilize a simple fracture by securing the injured toe to the toe beside it. The doctor can also provide a stiff-soled shoe or walking boot to limit painful motion and offer protection. When bone fragments are out of line, the podiatrist can return them to the proper position. Serious open, crushed, or joint-related fractures may require surgery. Seek prompt care after treatment when pain is severe, the toe appears crooked, or numbness develops. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment tips.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of the smaller toes to bend downward at its middle joint instead of lying flat. It most often affects the second toe, although it can occur in the third or fourth toes as well. In the early stages, the toe may still be flexible, but it can gradually become stiff if the condition progresses. Common symptoms include toe pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the affected joint. Some people also develop corns or calluses where the bent toe rubs against footwear. As the deformity worsens, walking and wearing shoes may become increasingly uncomfortable. Because hammertoe can become more difficult to treat over time, an early evaluation by a podiatrist is important to determine the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Several factors may contribute to hammertoe, including muscle imbalance, inherited foot structure, and wearing shoes that crowd the toes. Arthritis or previous toe injuries may also increase the risk. As the toe remains bent, the surrounding tendons and joints may become tighter, making it harder to straighten the toe. This can affect the way the foot functions while walking and place additional pressure on other areas of the foot. A comprehensive podiatry examination evaluates toe alignment, joint flexibility, and overall foot mechanics. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the deformity becomes rigid or causes additional foot problems.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoe while evaluating the overall health and function of the foot. Professional care focuses on relieving pain, improving toe alignment, and helping preserve mobility. Treatment is tailored to each patient's symptoms, activity level, and the severity of the deformity. Regular follow-up visits also help monitor progression and identify changes that may require additional care. If you are experiencing toe pain, difficulty wearing shoes, or symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Ankle injuries in basketball are among the most common sports-related conditions, due to the fast-paced and high-impact nature of the game. These injuries occur when the ligaments, tendons, or bones in the ankle are stressed beyond their normal range. Quick direction changes, jumping, and sudden stops all place significant pressure on the ankle joint. Understanding the definition and causes of ankle injuries can help players take steps to reduce their risk and stay active on the court.

Symptoms of ankle injuries may include pain, swelling, bruising, and a limited range of motion. In some cases, players may feel instability or difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Risk factors include improper landing techniques, wearing unsupportive shoes, and weak ankle muscles. Landing awkwardly after a jump is a leading cause, as it can force the ankle into an unnatural position. Shoes that lack proper cushioning and stability can also increase the likelihood of injury by failing to support the foot during movement.

There are several types of ankle injuries that basketball players may experience. Sprains are the most common and occur when ligaments are stretched or torn. Strains involve injury to muscles or tendons, while fractures are more severe and involve a break in the bone. Each type of injury varies in severity, but all require proper attention to prevent long-term complications. Strength training, balance exercises, and wearing well-fitted athletic shoes can help reduce the risk of these injuries.

Preventing ankle injuries involves a combination of proper technique, conditioning, and awareness. Players should focus on controlled landings, maintain strong lower-leg muscles, and choose shoes designed for court sports. Taking time to warm up before playing can also prepare the joints for activity. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury while playing basketball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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