Flatfoot is both embarrassing and sometimes painful problem of many people. While the armed forces has decreed that flatfoot is no longer a risk factor for joining the services, it is still a risk factor for harm to your feet. When you have flat feet, the nerves, arteries, and tendons on the inside of the foot get pulled and have to work harder, while the tendons on the outside of the foot shorten and sometimes spasm to counter balance.

The initial treatment of flatfoot is usually special strapping or orthotic management to try and keep the foot in a more "normal" position. This gets rough though because orthotics must be worn at all times....which means it is inadvisable to go barefoot or in sandals....

If you consider surgery for flatfoot, new technology allows the placement of a small stent that goes between the bones in the back of the foot to balance the flatfoot into alignment. It has a very short recovery period which is near 3 weeks until your back in regular shoes.

The alternate for this newer surgery is to lengthen the bones on the outside of the foot, which is a bit more involved, and usually takes about 6 weeks in a cast.

flatfoot surgery is one of the most gratifying surgery to perform and it has a huge impact in many patients future life and exercise routine.

The most common question patients ask when discussing bunion surgery is when they can get back on their feet.

That question is answered usually : "you can immediately, with good judgment!"

All but the most severe bunions that are repaired by me are allowed partial or full weight bearing privileges usually by the second or third day of surgery. Here is the "good judgment" part: Usually on day 3 I give you a special "boot" to walk in. This is your new shoe for at lease 4 weeks after surgery. I never recommend "walking the mall" after surgery, especially Lenox, and usually will keep you out of work if you stand a lot for at least 3-4 weeks if necessary.

Myths

-"It can't be broken, because I can move it." False; this widespread idea has kept many fractures from receiving proper treatment. The truth is that often you can walk with certain kinds of fractures. Some common examples: Breaks in the smaller, outer bone of the lower leg, small chip fractures of either the foot or ankle bones, and the often neglected fracture of the toe.

-"If you break a toe, immediate care isn't necessary." False; a toe fracture needs prompt attention. If X-rays reveal it to be a simple, displaced fracture, care by your podiatric physician usually can produce rapid relief. However, X-rays might identify a displaced or angulated break. In such cases, prompt realignment of the fracture by your podiatric physician will help prevent improper or incomplete healing. Often, fractures do not show up in the initial X-ray. It may be necessary to X-ray the foot a second time, seven to ten days later. Many patients develop post-fracture deformity of a toe, which in turn results in a deformed toe with a painful corn. A good general rule is: Seek prompt treatment for injury to foot bones.

-"If you have a foot or ankle injury, soak it in hot water immediately." False; don't use heat or hot water on an area suspect for fracture, sprain, or dislocation. Heat promotes blood flow, causing greater swelling. More swelling means greater pressure on the nerves, which causes more pain. An ice bag wrapped in a towel has a contracting effect on blood vessels, produces a numbing sensation, and prevents swelling and pain.

-"Applying an elastic bandage to a severely sprained ankle is adequate treatment." False; ankle sprains often mean torn or severely overstretched ligaments, and they should receive immediate care. X-ray examination, immobilization by casting or splinting, and physiotherapy to ensure a normal recovery all may be indicated. Surgery may even be necessary.

-"The terms 'fracture,' 'break,' and 'crack' are all different." False; all of those words are proper in describing a broken bone.

Things to consider when buying sports shoes.

1. Fit the shoe to the shape of your foot, if you have a fairly straight looking foot choose a shoe that has a straighter last in it.

2. Select a shoe that is rigid in the heel portion of the shoe. Heel stability is important especially if you fit a sports orthotic into it. The heel is the backbone and the supportive stucture of the shoe.

3. The shoe should be fairly flexible in the forefoot area. If the shoes does not easily flex in the front part then as the heel comes off the ground during walking and running the big toe is unable to move properly. Avoid the shoes that are so flexible that you can roll it up. Unless you have been running barefoot since infancy till now, starting to walk or run in these shoes will injure you.

4. When examining the shoe, make sure to put the shoe on the ground and make sure the entire heel touches the ground. If it doesn't, dont' buy it.

5. Feel around the inside of the shoe and check for enlarged seams that may cause irritation to toes.

It is easy to think that if you have a wound on your foot, and you have Diabetes, that this is not a big deal. The truth is, new statistics show that 45% - 55% of Diabetic Patients with foot wounds may respectivey die within 5 years!!!

This is very alarming! A Diabetic Foot Wound has a higher mortality rate that Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, and Hodgkins Disease.

This is why it is so important to get treatment immediately if you have Diabetes and a Wound on your foot. It may just be a scratch to some people, but to the Diabetic if could be life or limb threatening.