Pronation, a natural part of walking and running, specifically involves how you place the heel on the ground and the subsequent transfer of weight to the rest of your foot. People with normal pronation have a normal arch and the weight is transferred in line. People with flat feet generally overpronate, causing the arch to roll inward. With underpronation, the foot rolls outward as the weight is distributed. Many foot problems are associated with over- or under-pronation. Among them are bunions, arch pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, calluses and corns, ankle sprains and hammertoe. You may have pronation problems if your heels or knees turn inward while standing, if you develop bunions or flat feet, or if you wear out the soles and heels of your shoes quickly. Obesity, pregnancy or repetitive pounding of the feet on a hard surface contribute to the problem, along with wearing high heels and standing for long periods in them. One solution for pronation problems is wearing custom orthotics to help distribute the weight properly. A visit to your podiatrist is suggested to have a full diagnosis of your gait and consequent foot problems, and to be fitted for the appropriate shoe inserts.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor 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
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 Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Fungal infections of the toenail (onychomycosis) can cause nails to thicken, turn yellow, and possibly separate from the nail bed. Onychomycosis can be very stubborn and difficult to treat. This is because the nail grows so slowly, and fungus gets in between the multiple layers making up the nail, under the nail, or even in the nail matrix. Laser treatment for fungal nails is believed to be an effective and safe treatment for the eradication of onychomycosis. This is because the laser can penetrate the nail and be precisely targeted to attack the fungus without damaging surrounding skin or tissue. Laser treatment for fungal nails can take as little as one treatment and prevent the infection from spreading or returning. If you have developed a fungal toenail infection, ask your podiatrist if laser treatment is right for you.
Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.
What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?
Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:
Diagnosis for Fungal Nails
Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.
What Is Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Laser Treatment for Fungal Nails
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
If your child is between 8 and 14 years old, is active in sports, and complains of heel pain, he or she might have developed Sever’s disease. Symptoms include redness and swelling in the heel, pain first thing in the morning, limping or walking on tiptoe, and pain when the heel is squeezed on both sides. This condition is caused by irritation of the cartilage around the growth plate of the heel bone. It commonly affects adolescent children who are physically active and experiencing a growth spurt. Running and jumping on hard surfaces increases the child’s chances of developing Sever’s disease. One way to help reduce the pain is to stop the sports activity for a few weeks and give the heels a rest. Also, it’s helpful to ice the heel for around 15 minutes every few hours. If the pain does not subside, it is a good idea to introduce your child to a podiatrist who can examine the heel and recommend further treatment.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle. This typically occurs when the ankle is twisted awkwardly or the foot rolls onto its side. Ankle sprains frequently affect athletes, but can happen to anybody. The symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the injured ankle. Treatment for your ankle sprain will depend on the type of sprain and on how severe it is. Resting the injured ankle is strongly suggested regardless of how severe the injury is. By keeping weight off of the ankle you are giving it time to heal. Full recovery is important to avoid recurrent sprains, chronic ankle instability, and pain. If you suspect that you’ve sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
