The way the foot meets the ground differs in walking and running. Generally, the heel touches the ground first and the weight then rolls onto the ball of the foot and toes during walking. In fact, studies show that walking onto the ball of the foot takes about 50 percent more energy and walking on the toes takes about 80 percent more energy. Heel-first walking is considered to be the most economical way to move. However, this economy of movement does not necessarily transfer to running, some believe. Studies have shown that it is more efficient to land on the toes or ball of the foot while running, rather than on the heel first. In fact, the fastest runners in the animal kingdom – horses, gazelles, deer, and dogs – all land on their toes first. Many elite human runners, both sprinters and distance, do not land on their heels first. That said, many experts agree that your natural strike pattern, toe first or heel first, should remain constant, as it is less efficient to try to convert from one to the other. For more information on the effects of walking or running on your feet, please consult a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. 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

• 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 Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A fracture is when a bone breaks or cracks. When it comes to the ankle, three different bones can be fractured: the tibia (the larger of the two bones in the lower leg), the fibula (the thinner of the two bones in the lower leg), and the talus (the wedge-shaped bone deep inside the ankle). The most common way an ankle can break involves a sharp twist of the ankle or a direct impact to the ankle, causing a fracture to one of the ankle bones. Athletes are at a high risk for ankle fractures. Such a fracture can be particularly dangerous if a bone pokes through the skin and is exposed to the air as the open wound allows bacteria to affect the broken bone and increases risk of infection. Symptoms of a broken ankle include pain, swelling, and bruising of the ankle joint. There will often be an inability to move the ankle normally and to bear weight on it. If you think you have fractured your ankle, see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper evaluation and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

One of the benefits of getting regular foot massages is the overall feeling it can have on the body. It is known to promote blood circulation which may help prevent unwanted foot conditions. Additionally, there are pressure points in the feet that are connected to specific organs in the body, and this can be beneficial in relaxing the muscles and reducing stress. There are various categories of foot massages. A deep tissue massage is done by applying forceful pressure that can reach the muscle layers and connective tissue. This may help people who have endured an injury or who may have painful joints. Diabetic patients can often benefit from having a Thai foot massage performed which may help to increase their range of motion in addition to improving balance. The most common form of massage is known as the Swedish foot massage and the feet can become energized. If you are interested in foot massages and would like to know which one is best for you, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Research has shown that one of the best things you can do if you have arthritis in your feet is to walk as much as possible. This may cause pain to the feet and ankles, despite being overall beneficial. Performing stretches and exercises may strengthen the feet, possibly reduce arthritis symptoms, and this may be helpful to do before walking. An effective exercise is done by spreading marbles on the floor, followed by sitting on a chair. The marbles are picked up one at a time using the toes, and placed into a cup. Many patients find relief when their foot is placed on top of a tennis ball, and the entire foot is rolled on it. This can be beneficial in strengthening the soles of the feet. There are some patients that notice that as their feet become stronger, their arthritis symptoms may decrease. If you would like information about additional stretches to perform that can help arthritic feet, please confer with a podiatrist. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.