February 2023

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. The feet are a common area for this type of injury to happen, and it generally occurs from overuse. People who enjoy running may experience this type of fracture, which can be a result of the consistent stress the feet endure. Common symptoms that are associated with stress fractures can consist of pain that gradually worsens, and it can be difficult to put weight on the affected foot. Many people will ignore this type of discomfort and will notice it gets worse at night while resting. Stress fractures can happen from suddenly increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, and people who have osteoporosis may be susceptible to developing this type of fracture. Relief begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the injury and frequently resting the foot. If you have a stress fracture in the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform an effective diagnosis and offer you a treatment method that is best for you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

There’s an old saying: What price beauty? And when it comes to footwear for women, that is the question. Choosing fashion over foot health is common, but in many cases, a high price is paid. The footwear determined to be likely to cause foot, ankle, or toe pain are high heels, flip-flops, stilettos, shoes with pointy toes, and ballet flats. High heels often have pointy toe boxes and stiletto, or thin, heels. This leaves the wearer open to several problems, including pain in the ball of the feet, instability, and sprained ankles. They can also be responsible for bunion pain, corns, hammertoes, and claw toes. Flip-flops offer little to no support for the feet, causing the feet to work harder with each step and expose the heels to cracks and fissures. Because they contain limited cushioning, flip-flops may even contribute to heel pain from plantar fasciitis. Ballet flats rarely have arch support, offering little to no protection from injury, and can lead to knee, hip, and back problems. To learn more about shoes that can promote good health for your feet, please consult a podiatrist. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Injuries may be more common among the elderly population, and it is essential to maintain proper foot care. This begins with washing and drying the feet, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Older people may have neuropathy, which is the inability to feel existing cuts and scrapes on the feet. Using a mirror with a long handle may help to see the soles of the feet, which may make it easier to examine them. It is important to wear shoes that fit correctly, possibly preventing uncomfortable conditions such as ingrown toenails or bunions from developing. It is suggested to refrain from walking barefoot and wearing appropriate shoes while in public areas may help to prevent athlete’s foot. Circulation may be improved when foot stretches or massages are part of a regular routine. If you would like additional tips on elderly foot care, please confer with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Peripheral neuropathy can cause a lack of feeling in the feet. One who has this condition may have serious changes in their bodies and foot ailments, like foot ulcers, that they are not aware of. A foot ulcer can come from things like cuts sustained from stepping on sharp objects or not tending to a blister from ill-fitting shoes. Causes of peripheral neuropathy can include having diabetes. Having uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels and lead to restriction of the blood supply to the feet. This, in turn, means the feet receive a lower number of infection-fighting cells and wounds can take longer to heal, sometimes even resulting in gangrene and the need for amputation. If you develop foot ulcers, and particularly if you are diabetic, it is highly suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist and receive immediate and ongoing treatment. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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