Flat feet occur when the arches collapse, and the entire sole touches the ground while standing. You may identify flat feet by noticing little or no arch, uneven shoe wear, or ankles that roll inward. Symptoms can include foot pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, heel discomfort, and fatigue after standing or walking. Causes may involve genetics, injury, obesity, aging, or weakened tendons. Solutions include supportive footwear, strengthening exercises, stretching routines, and custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce strain. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, perform a gait analysis, and design a personalized treatment plan. If your flat feet are causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Gaithersburg, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A dancer's ankle is a remarkable structure that provides strength, flexibility, and control while supporting the entire body on tip toes. During movements such as en pointe and plie, the ankle, forefoot, and midfoot must work together with exceptional coordination and stability. Dancers require extra range of motion in the forefoot and midfoot to achieve proper alignment and graceful extension. At peak activity, up to three times body weight can pass through the feet, placing significant stress on bones, ligaments, and tendons. Without proper conditioning and alignment, overuse injuries may develop. A podiatrist can assess biomechanics, recommend supportive care, and guide injury prevention strategies. If you have injured your foot or ankle while dancing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Shady Grove Podiatry. 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 Gaithersburg, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that affects blood flow and nerve function, often causing intense burning pain in the feet. Symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, and severe discomfort that worsens with heat, walking, or standing. Many people notice flare-ups at night or after activity, making sleep and daily movement difficult. The condition may occur on its own or be associated with nerve disorders, autoimmune disease, or blood-related conditions. Because symptoms can fluctuate, management focuses on identifying triggers and reducing flare intensity. Cooling strategies, activity pacing, and careful footwear selection may help, although excessive cold exposure should be avoided. Medications aimed at nerve pain or circulation issues are sometimes used as part of treatment. Early evaluation is important to rule out other causes of burning foot pain and guide care. If persistent burning, redness, or foot pain develops, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, pain,and possible infection. This condition often leads to redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage surrounding the nail. Common causes include improper nail trimming, curved nails, wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the toes, and repeated trauma to the nail. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common nail problems treated in podiatry, and can worsen if not addressed early. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, treat the infection, and provide guidance on proper nail care and footwear. If you notice toe pain, redness or swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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