Friday, 22 November 2024

Flat Feet Treatment: Key Information and Effective Solutions

Flat Feet Treatment: Key Information and Effective Solutions

In our day-to-day practice, we have discovered that many misconceptions have developed among people, especially about flat feet. People often react to it as if it’s a big disease or some kind of stigma. Many are reluctant to try Flat Feet Treatment, and a lot of misleading concepts have been circulating. Does having flat feet mean the end? No, it’s not over, dear friends.

Recently, I encountered a reel posted by a trainer discussing flat feet. Intriguingly, he suggested that simple exercises could potentially correct this condition and even advised discarding orthotic insoles. Initially, I was taken aback by this notion, wondering why he would make such a claim. However, upon further reflection, I realized that his approach was not entirely without merit. He was simply responding to the prevalent concerns and discomfort associated with flat feet treatment. Recognizing the need to address the stigma and fear surrounding this topic, I have compiled the best answers regarding flat feet based on my knowledge below.

Let’s understand Flat Feet.

Flat feet refer to the absence of the medial (inner side) arch under our feet. It is primarily supported by the Tibialis anterior and posterior, along with the fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis, and the intrinsic foot muscles (and, of course, ligaments too). So, the foot bones, along with the soft tissues mentioned above, collectively support our arch.

This means that muscles alone are not responsible for maintaining or developing the foot's medial arch. Training the muscles won’t be enough to create an arch since it requires strong bones, ligaments, and intrinsic muscles as well. Out of these, only muscles and intrinsic muscles are trainable or can have their strength managed. Hence, Flat Feet Treatment involves more than just exercises.

 

Types and Severity of Flat Feet

Flat feet are broadly classified into structural and functional. In simple terms, functional flat feet mean that when sitting or non-weight-bearing, the arch appears, but it collapses under weight-bearing conditions. Another type is a reduced arch, which lies between the two extremes mentioned above. In this case, the arch is less than normal when standing, but it is still somewhat visible.

The severity of flat feet depends on age and the type of flat feet. For better understanding, we can categorize them into mild, moderate, and severe flat feet.

  • Mild flat feet: Often functional flat feet or reduced arches in younger individuals (roughly 5–20 years) with little or no discomfort.
  • Moderate flat feet: Reduced arch to structural flat feet with complaints, typically seen in individuals aged 5–40 years.
  • Severe flat feet: Structural flat feet with significant complaints, such as ankle pain, knee pain, or lower back pain. Functional flat feet can also fall into this category if pain or deformities in the joints are present.

By focusing on complaints of pain rather than just age or severity, Flat Feet Treatment can be approached more effectively.

Major Approaches to Flat Feet Treatment

Interventions for Flat Feet Treatment are divided into two main categories: invasive and non-invasive.

  • Invasive Treatment: Surgical intervention to correct flat feet. This includes procedures like arthrodesis (joint fusion surgery) or wedge osteotomy (bone wedge placement). While these surgeries reconstruct the foot, they require 12–14 weeks of rest, and there’s no guaranteed prognosis or recovery, making surgery a less desirable option in most cases.
  • Non-Invasive Flat Feet Treatment: Preventive measures like exercises and orthotics are both effective and affordable. In my opinion, prevention is better than cure, and non-invasive methods should always be the first step in Flat Feet Treatment.

Non-Invasive Approaches

1. Rehabilitative Approach

This method uses exercises and techniques to manage flat feet. The exercises target the soft tissues mentioned earlier, such as:

  • Heel raise and hold (starting with sitting, progressing to standing, and eventually adding weight).
  • Toe raise and hold (graded similarly).
  • Walking on toes and heels.
  • Grasping the floor or a towel with the foot (for intrinsic muscles).
  • Pressing an accelerator with resistance (a creative name for another foot-strengthening exercise).

While these exercises are part of an effective Flat Feet Treatment, it’s crucial to consult a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or podiatrist before starting. They will assess your needs and assign the appropriate exercises for your condition.

2. Corrective Approach: Orthotics

When it comes to orthotics in Flat Feet Treatment, many think of soft insoles found in stores, but those won’t provide the necessary support. Orthotics should support not only the fallen arch but the entire foot. The design of these orthotics must be prescribed by a podiatrist or foot specialist after assessing your arches and gait pattern. Properly designed orthotic insoles realign the walking pattern and weight distribution, but users need to gradually adapt to these changes.

If patients start using orthotic insoles without a proper habituation process, they might experience discomfort. This can lead to the misconception that orthotics don’t work. However, when used correctly, they provide significant relief and long-term benefits in Flat Feet Treatment.


The Right Approach

In conclusion, the best approach to Flat Feet Treatment is a combination of appropriate orthotic insoles and exercises. Mild to severe flat feet can be effectively managed with rehabilitative methods. Surgery should only be considered as a last resort, given its high risk of failure.

For individuals aged 60 or above, orthotic insoles may be the only practical solution, as their flat feet might be too rigid for exercises to be effective. Ultimately, a proper Flat Feet Treatment plan requires consulting professionals and making lifestyle adjustments for long-term foot health.

Struggling with foot pain or discomfort from flat feet? Don’t let it impact your daily life any longer! Discover personalized solutions with expert-guided Flat Feet Treatment and start your journey towards better foot health today. Reach out for a consultation and step into a pain-free future!

web- www.footimpact.in



Revolutionizing Podiatry the Power of Computerized Gait Postural Analysis

 

Revolutionizing Podiatry: The Power of Computerized Gait & Postural Analysis

In the dynamic realm of healthcare, technological advancements continue to redefine diagnostic and treatment methodologies. Among these innovations, computerized gait and postural analysis have emerged as transformative tools in the field of podiatry and beyond. This state-of-the-art technology not only delivers precise readings but also streamlines diagnosis and facilitates the creation of effective rehabilitation strategies. Let's explore the profound impact of this cutting-edge tool and its significance in the medical domain.

Exploring Computerized Gait & Postural Analysis

Gait analysis focuses on scrutinizing human movement patterns, particularly during walking or running, while postural analysis assesses body alignment and balance. Traditionally, these evaluations relied on subjective observations and rudimentary measurements, often lacking accuracy and consistency.

Gait Analysis

However, with the advent of computerized gait and postural analysis systems, healthcare practitioners now possess access to comprehensive, objective data that offer unparalleled insights into patients' biomechanics. Employing sophisticated sensors, cameras, and software algorithms, these systems capture and analyze various movement and posture parameters with exceptional precision.

Facilitating Accurate Diagnosis

A pivotal advantage of computerized gait and postural analysis lies in its capacity to furnish precise and reliable measurements. By generating detailed reports and visual representations of a patient's gait and posture, clinicians can discern abnormalities, asymmetries, and imbalances that may underlie musculoskeletal issues or injuries.

Equipped with this wealth of objective data, podiatrists and healthcare professionals can make well-informed diagnoses, pinpointing the root causes of patients' ailments with heightened confidence. Whether detecting gait deviations, foot misalignments, or postural irregularities, the insights gleaned from computerized analysis deepen comprehension of each patient's unique biomechanical profile.

Guiding Rehabilitation Strategies

Beyond diagnosis, computerized gait and postural analysis play a pivotal role in formulating personalized rehabilitation plans. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of a patient's biomechanics, clinicians can devise targeted interventions to rectify deficiencies and optimize movement patterns.

These interventions may range from prescribing orthotic devices and recommending specific exercises to suggesting footwear modifications or gait retraining techniques. Informed by computerized analysis, these tailored rehabilitation plans address the specific needs of each patient. Moreover, by objectively monitoring progress over time, clinicians can adapt treatment strategies as required, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Correlating Pre & Post Correction

A striking feature of computerized gait and postural analysis is its ability to quantify changes before and after interventions. By comparing pre- and post-correction data, clinicians can objectively evaluate the efficacy of treatment modalities and measure improvements in patients' gait and posture.

This correlation proves invaluable in podiatry, where interventions such as orthotic therapy, physical therapy, and surgical procedures aim to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and improve overall function. By demonstrating measurable enhancements in biomechanics and functional outcomes, computerized analysis validates the effectiveness of treatment approaches, instilling confidence in both clinicians and patients alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, computerized gait and postural analysis represent a revolutionary advancement in podiatry and beyond. By harnessing advanced technology to capture, analyze, and interpret biomechanical data, this innovative tool empowers clinicians to make accurate diagnoses, devise tailored rehabilitation plans, and objectively evaluate treatment outcomes.

As healthcare evolves, the integration of computerized analysis into clinical practice promises to revolutionize patient care, fostering superior outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal issues. With its ability to provide precise measurements, streamline diagnosis, and inform effective interventions, computerized gait and postural analysis stand as pillars of modern healthcare, shaping the future of podiatry and beyond.


Wednesday, 27 December 2023

BUNION


BUNION

Bunion is characteristically a hallux valgus deformity which affect the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The 1st metatarsal bone deviates medially & the 1st phalange deviates laterally. Sometimes it is accompanied with inflammation of the 1st MTP joint. 
Bunion is most commonly seen in individuals with flat feet owing to their over pronatory walking pattern. Bunion deformity implicates that there is excessive pressure exerted on the forefoot region. if left uncorrected the deviation keep progressing & results in over lapping of the great toe & 2nd to deu to progressive weakening of the transverse arch.

Symptoms:
  • Redness and inflammation over the great toe either unilaterally or bilaterally.
  • Deviation of great toe away from the body.
  • Pain and discomfort over great toe while walking.
  • Hard skin or callus over great toe.
                                                            Treatment:

  • Orthotics to redistribute the pressure evenly & thereby reduce the pressure coming over toes.










  • Use of Bunion/ Hallufix night splint to prevent further deterioration & overlapping of toes.








Saturday, 24 June 2023

Unlocking the Power of Podiatry: A Must-Have Training for Doctors & Physiotherapists



At some point, many of us have experienced chronic pain or discomfort in our feet and lower limbs. However, it’s often difficult to find the cause of this pain and determine the best course of action for relief. Fortunately, doctors & physiotherapists can now proactively alleviate lower limb problems through podiatry training.

 
Podiatry training provides a quick clinical diagnostic assessment that helps identify the root cause of foot and lower limb issues. This type of training is cost-effective and doesn’t require much investment, making it an attractive option for doctors & physiotherapists looking to expand their services.
 
With the right training, they can help their patients find relief from pain and discomfort while also learning a new approach to managing lower limb problems. This new approach can provide immediate feedback that helps patients understand the cause of their issues and how best to treat them. In addition, podiatry training can help doctors & physiotherapists become more efficient with their time, as they’ll be able to diagnose and treat issues in one appointment rather than having to refer patients to another specialist or wait for results from further tests.
 
By taking podiatry training courses, doctors & physiotherapists can also help boost their business’s revenue. The skills they gain can be used to offer new services that weren’t previously available, which can lead to an increase in patient visits and more money in the bank. Furthermore, the need to hire an orthotist is eliminated, which reduces overhead costs and allows practitioners to keep more of their income.
 
If you’re a physiotherapist looking for a way to take your practice to the next level, consider taking a podiatry training course. Not only will you be able to provide comprehensive solutions for your patients’ foot and lower limb issues, but you’ll also be able to increase your income potential with the added skill set. With podiatry training, you’ll be able to help your patients find relief from pain while giving your business a boost in revenue.

Welcome to the world of Podiatry training! It’s one of the most important skills you can have when it comes to taking care of your feet. Not only does it help to keep your feet healthy and strong, but it also provides you with a range of other benefits as well.

Here are 10 of the most important benefits of Podiatry training:

1. New Skill: Podiatry training is a great way to learn a new skill. Whether you are looking to become an expert in foot care or just want to be able to take care of your own feet, learning podiatry will give you the tools you need to do so.

2. Unique Specialty: Podiatry training provides a unique specialty that many people may not have heard of. As a result, it will give you an edge when it comes to foot care and can open up doors for you in the healthcare industry.

3. Fastest Diagnosis: Podiatry training enables you to quickly and accurately diagnose foot problems. This can help to ensure that your patients get the best treatment possible and can also help you to get your patients back on their feet faster.

4. Immediate Response: One of the biggest advantages of Podiatry training is the ability to provide immediate response in the case of any foot problems or injuries. This can help to save lives and reduce the amount of time it takes for a patient’s recovery.

5. Improve Patients Compliance: By having a better understanding of the foot, podiatrists can help their patients understand the importance of compliance with treatments and follow-up visits. This can help to improve overall patient satisfaction, as well as improve their health outcomes over time.

6. Chronic Problem Can Solve: Many chronic foot problems can be solved through Podiatry training. This includes issues such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammer toes, and more. Having an expert handle these cases can help ensure that your patients get the best possible results.

7. Root Cause Diagnosis: Podiatry training enables you to identify the root cause of foot issues quickly and accurately. This can help you determine what treatments will be most effective for your patients, making them more likely to adhere to them in the long term.

8. No Extra Space Required: With Podiatry training, there is no need for extra space or equipment. As long as you have a chair and table available, you can carry out consultations and treatments at your own convenience. 

9. No Need To Hire Technical Support: Podiatry training gives you all of the skills and knowledge that you need in order to provide quality foot care services without having to hire technical support staff or buy expensive equipment. 

10. Revenue Boost: Providing quality foot care services is an effective way to increase your revenue stream in any healthcare setting. By learning podiatry skills, you can make more money by offering specialized services that many other health professionals may not be able to provide. 

Podiatry training is an incredibly valuable skill that provides a range of benefits for both health professionals and their patients alike. If you are looking for a way to expand your career opportunities or just want to learn how to take better care of your own feet, investing in podiatry training could be just what you need!

We are into Podiatry Training courses for the last decade, and our course is certified by LBG Medical UK. For More details kindly contact bellow.

India needs podiatry because of the country's high prevalence of diabetes and neglect of foot care.



Friday, 2 September 2022

Corn & Calluses



Corn & calluses are prevalent issues. Some people suffer for many years like 15 to 30 years also. Why do you think any medications or even surgery doesn't give a complete cure? It is essential to understand that corn & calluses are one of the symptoms & the root cause is always different.

Let's understand why the corn & calluses occur in the first place.

When we stand & walk our body weight passes through our soles to the ground. this creates certain pressure areas in our feet. These pressure areas are the variable person to person spends on his/ her arches & walking pattern. For example, a person with flat feet will have more pressure on the inner side of the feet which can lead to corn at the great toe, and a person with a high arch can get corn below the little finger. Apart from this footwear also plays a major role. for example using high heels will increase a lot of pressure on the forefoot.



WHAT IS THE REMEDY?

Once we get any patient with corns we not only assess their foot arches but also their posture & walking pattern. This is necessary for a complete understanding of excess pressures. Further prescribed corrective insoles/ orthotic footwear to offload pressures from the corn area. As the patient starts using this correction they get pain relief immediately & corn starts healing. In follow-up visits, we remove corn without any surgery. Sometimes small corn falls down by itself.

 RESULTS:

In most cases, the influence is evident in one month. As the patient will continue using corrective footwear minimize the risk of recurrence.

 
 
 
 










Thursday, 15 April 2021

SUCCESS STORY OF FLAT FEET WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

 



The degree of freedom for podiatry in rheumatoid arthritis is very restricted. As podiatry approach in R.A. is mainly to reduce foot-related pain, maintain/improve foot function and so mobility while protecting skin and other tissues from damage. Pain & swelling are the main causes of restrictions.

Finely tuned podiatry intervention can give dramatic results in long run. Check out the images.
60 years old Lady with RA & pain 😔mostly at the right foot.
Drastic relief in foot pain in a month with customization in STRIVE orthotic footwear. But the real treat is the visible correction in her foot deformities within two years. (P.S. RA deformities are progressive means worsen day by day)
Good changes can happen at any age....!
Happy to see the smile on her face.


For video click the link- https://youtu.be/pIly9BttlPI