Items filtered by date: March 2025

Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls excessively inward with each step, placing abnormal stress on the arches, ankles, and toes. Treatment for overpronation primarily involves relieving this pressure to reduce pain or discomfort in the feet and ankles. Wearing supportive footwear, featuring firm cushioning around the heel and midfoot, can help limit unnecessary foot motion and stabilize the arch. Custom orthotics may be prescribed by a podiatrist to offer individualized foot support, effectively aligning and stabilizing the feet and ankles. In moderate cases, kinesiology taping or braces are beneficial in providing extra support, improving foot alignment, and preventing further pronation. In rare instances, severe overpronation due to flat feet or structural damage might require surgery. Such procedures typically involve reconstructing or realigning foot bones and tendons to stabilize the arch, correct the foot's alignment, and relieve symptoms. If you suspect you have a pronation problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. 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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Juvenile gout is a rare condition in children where uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of crystals that cause pain and inflammation in the joints. This condition is similar to gout in adults, but it occurs in younger individuals, typically affecting the big toe, knees, or ankles. The primary cause of juvenile gout is an overproduction of uric acid, often linked to genetic factors that cause the body to either produce too much uric acid or fail to eliminate it properly. Other causes include kidney problems, obesity, and certain medications. In some cases, a diet high in purine-rich foods, such as red meat and seafood, may contribute to the condition. Symptoms of juvenile gout include sudden joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, which can be quite severe. If your child has sudden pain in the big toe and other symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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