Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing most or all of the sole to make contact with the ground while standing. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop them later in life. Aging, injuries, arthritis, and certain inherited conditions can affect the structures that support the arch. Flat feet do not always cause discomfort, but they can change the way weight is distributed across the feet. This change can place added stress on the heels, ankles, and lower legs. As a result, some people experience pain, fatigue, or difficulty with movement. 

Symptoms of flat feet vary from person to person. Included are pain in the arch, heel, or ankle. Swelling around the ankle or discomfort that increases while walking or prolonged standing may also occur. Flat feet can affect body alignment, leading to pain in the knees, hips, or lower back. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure and function of the feet through a physical examination and gait analysis. This assessment looks at how the feet move and bear weight. Diagnostic imaging, like X-rays can provide additional information about the bones and joints. Identifying the cause of flat feet is an important step in creating an effective treatment plan.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving foot function, and supporting the arches. A podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce strain on the feet. Other treatment options include ankle bracing and recommendations for shoes with proper support and stability. A podiatrist can manage related conditions that contribute to flat feet and monitor changes in foot structure. In severe cases, surgery can correct structural problems that are causing significant pain or limiting mobility. If you have flatfoot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Plantar warts are small skin growths that develop on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or weak areas. Unlike a callus, which develops from pressure and friction, a plantar wart is caused by a viral infection. These warts frequently appear on weight-bearing parts of the foot, making them uncomfortable while standing or walking. A plantar wart has a rough surface and sometimes contains tiny dark spots. These spots are small blood vessels inside the wart. Some people develop a single wart, while others develop several warts grouped together.

The symptoms of plantar warts vary depending on their size and location. Many people experience pain, tenderness, and a feeling that something is stuck beneath the foot. The wart can become flattened because of pressure from standing and walking. The surrounding skin sometimes becomes thick and firm. Pain can increase when walking long distances or standing for extended periods of time. Because plantar warts can resemble corns, calluses, and other skin conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the affected area and determine whether the growth is a plantar wart or another foot problem requiring different treatment.

A podiatrist has several ways to treat plantar warts and reduce discomfort. Treatment depends on the size, depth, and location of the wart. Professional care includes freezing the wart, removing damaged tissue, or using medications that target the infected skin. Some warts require more than one treatment session before they are completely removed. A podiatrist can also monitor the area to make sure the wart is responding properly to treatment. Early care can help relieve pain and prevent the wart from becoming larger or spreading to nearby skin. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Foot blisters develop when repeated rubbing or pressure damages the skin. They often occur after long periods of walking, running, or wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Tight shoes, rough seams, and sudden increases in physical activity can all increase the risk. Moisture from sweaty feet can soften the skin and make it easier for blisters to form. Meanwhile, very dry skin may be more likely to crack and become irritated. Certain foot deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, or other bony prominences, can create pressure points that lead to friction. The way a person walks can also cause excessive rubbing in specific areas of the foot. Some medical conditions, including diabetes, poor circulation, and nerve damage, may make blisters more likely. They also can prevent a person from noticing skin damage right away. A podiatrist can identify the cause of recurring blisters and recommend treatments to protect the skin and improve foot comfort. If foot blisters are a frequent problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Plantar heel pain is a common foot complaint with several possible causes, and proper evaluation helps determine the source. Plantar fasciitis, a condition involving inflammation and strain of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes, is one of the most frequent reasons. This often causes sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Heel pad irritation can create a deep bruised feeling beneath the heel, especially with prolonged standing. Nerve irritation may cause burning, tingling, or shooting discomfort that extends beyond the heel. Stress injuries in the heel bone can develop from repeated impact and often worsen with activity. Inflammatory joint conditions may also contribute to ongoing heel discomfort. Because symptoms can overlap, a podiatrist will assess pain patterns, foot structure, walking mechanics, and activity history to identify the cause. If you have persistent heel pain that affects walking, exercise, or daily comfort, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a complete evaluation.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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