February 2025

The Tip Toe Test for Flat Feet

Flat feet are not all the same. Some are flexible, while others are rigid. Understanding the difference is key to managing symptoms and preventing discomfort. Flexible flat feet appear when standing but form an arch when the foot is lifted or when standing on tiptoes. This type is often painless but can cause fatigue, aching arches, or ankle instability over time. Fixed flat feet remain flat regardless of position. The arch does not reappear when standing on tiptoes, signaling a more rigid structural issue. This type is more likely to cause chronic pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. The tiptoe test helps differentiate the two types of flat feet. If an arch forms when rising onto the toes, it is flexible. If not, it is likely fixed. If you have flat feet that causes persistent pain or mobility issues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. 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 offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Off-Loading Practices for a Wounded Foot

Off-loading is essential for promoting healing in a wounded foot, as it reduces pressure on the affected area and prevents further damage. By redistributing weight away from the wound, off-loading minimizes pain, enhances blood flow, and accelerates tissue repair. Common methods include wearing specialized footwear, such as surgical shoes, total contact casts, or orthotic inserts, which cushion and protect the foot while allowing limited mobility. For severe wounds, crutches, knee scooters, or wheelchairs may be recommended to completely off-load weight. Regularly elevating the foot also helps reduce swelling and improve circulation. It is vital to keep weight off the wound to avoid reopening or worsening the injury. Proper off-loading techniques depend on the type, location, and severity of the wound. To ensure effective care and recovery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan.

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 one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors 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 offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Wound Care

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Common Running Foot Injuries and Relief Tactics

Running can lead to a variety of foot injuries, with some of the most common being plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, toenail damage, and peroneal tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, often causing heel pain, especially in the morning. Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot, typically from excessive pressure or improper footwear. Toenail damage, such as bruising or loss, can result from tight shoes or repeated trauma during long runs. Peroneal tendonitis affects the tendons along the outside of the ankle and foot, leading to pain and swelling. To relieve these injuries, runners can benefit from rest, proper footwear, and targeted stretching exercises, in addition to gradually increasing mileage to allow the body time to heal. If you have sustained foot or ankle injuries from running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide on additional injury prevention methods. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

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