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Friday, 11 July 2025 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 08 July 2025 00:00

Understanding Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can appear from birth or develop over time due to aging, injury, obesity, or medical conditions such as arthritis. Symptoms may include foot pain, swelling, fatigue, or discomfort in the ankles, knees, or lower back. Some people with flat feet may experience difficulty standing for long periods or walking without strain. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure and function of the feet, provide customized orthotics for support, recommend strengthening exercises, and address related complications. If you were born with flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can address existing foot discomfort and help you manage your foot health.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet
Tuesday, 01 July 2025 00:00

Common Causes of Toe Pain

Toe pain can stem from a variety of everyday causes. Stubbing the toe may lead to bruising or even fractures, while wearing tight or narrow shoes can cause pressure, irritation, and alignment problems. As people age, joints in the toes may stiffen or develop arthritis, leading to chronic discomfort. Persistent toe pain should not be ignored, especially if it interferes with walking or daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of the pain, offer treatments to relieve discomfort, and suggest footwear or custom supports to prevent future issues. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore comfort and maintain your foot health.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Tupper of Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Read more about Toe Pain
Tuesday, 24 June 2025 00:00

Facts About Broken Toes

A broken toe occurs when one of the bones in the toe cracks due to trauma or repeated stress. Common causes include stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or overuse in activities like running. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, difficulty walking, or visible deformity. Risk factors include poor footwear, reduced bone density, and high-impact activities. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis through a physical exam and imaging, then recommend appropriate care such as splinting, immobilization, or, in some cases, surgery. If you suspect a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert treatment and prevent long-term complications.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Tuesday, 17 June 2025 00:00

Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Podiatric Care

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores that typically develop on the bottom of the foot in diabetics. They are caused by a combination of poor circulation, nerve damage, and repetitive pressure or injury to the foot. Risk factors include long-term diabetes, smoking, poorly controlled blood sugar, and improper footwear. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, drainage, or a foul odor. These ulcers can become infected and lead to serious complications. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic foot ulcers by providing wound care, pressure relief, and guidance on foot hygiene. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that regular visits to a podiatrist are part of a routine plan that can help you to manage existing foot ulcers.

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 Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health 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 Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Wound Care
Wednesday, 11 June 2025 00:00

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!

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, may experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the feet that affect how they walk or play. Inflammation can appear in the ankles, toes, or the bottom of the foot, making daily movement more difficult. These foot issues are often overlooked but can have a real impact on a child’s ability to stay active and comfortable. Some children may walk differently to avoid pain, which can lead to other issues over time. Wearing supportive shoes, targeted exercises, and custom orthotics can help manage symptoms and improve function. Because arthritis in children can look different from case to case, regular check-ins with a podiatrist are important. If a child with arthritis begins to limp or complains of foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full evaluation and support.

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 term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

Read more about Arthritic Foot Care
Tuesday, 03 June 2025 00:00

Foot and Ankle Pain Caused by Running

Foot and ankle pain from running is a frequent problem, often caused by repeated stress and small imbalances in how the feet move. Runners put a lot of pressure on their feet with every step, which can lead to soreness. This is especially true if they increase distance too quickly, wear worn-out shoes, or return to running too soon after an injury. Common running injuries include stretched or torn ligaments from twisting an ankle, pain on the inner or outer sides of the ankle from overworked tendons, or aching at the back of the heel where the foot connects to the leg. Some runners feel sharp pain in the arch or bottom of the foot, while others may feel burning or tingling from pressure on nerves. A podiatrist can check how your foot moves, look for signs of overuse, and recommend proper treatment. If you are experiencing pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Tupper of Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

Running shoes and walking shoes are designed with different purposes in mind, and choosing the right type is important for comfort and injury prevention. Running shoes are built to handle the higher impact and greater force that occurs with each stride. They typically offer more cushioning, flexibility, and support in key areas, such as the heel and forefoot. In contrast, walking shoes are designed for a more consistent, rolling motion of the foot and often feature a more rigid sole with support focused on the arch and heel. The differences in design help accommodate the unique movements of each activity. Wearing the appropriate shoe for your chosen exercise not only improves performance but also supports long-term foot health by reducing strain on muscles and joints during regular physical activity. If you have developed foot pain from wearing the wrong type of shoes for walking or running, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies and guide you on what features to look for in desired shoes.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toes thickens, often due to irritation or compression. Common causes include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, repetitive stress, and foot deformities. Symptoms typically include a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling, or numbness in the toes. Many describe the feeling as if there is a pebble in the shoe. Risk factors for developing Morton's neuroma include flat feet, high arches, certain sports, and wearing improper footwear. If you have symptoms of this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose it and offer treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Tupper of Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
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