Carrying excess body weight places continuous pressure on the feet, which can strain bones, joints, and soft tissues with every step. The arches may gradually flatten under the increased load, altering foot posture and leading to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or toe deformities. Extra weight can also add to plantar pressure, particularly under the ball of the foot and heel, which may result in pain and changes in walking patterns. Over time, this stress can affect balance and stability, making it more difficult for the feet and ankles to support normal movement. In some cases, the toes may curl or become misaligned due to the constant pressure on the forefoot. A podiatrist can evaluate these changes, assess how weight affects your foot structure, and recommend treatment to relieve pain and improve mobility. If you experience foot or ankle pain as a result of carrying extra weight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This condition often results from overuse, wearing poor footwear, or tight calf muscles. Gentle stretches can help relieve discomfort and improve flexibility. Heel raises strengthen the supporting muscles, while toe movements increase mobility in the arch. Additionally, bending forward at the hips with one leg extended helps stretch the calf and ease tension in the plantar fascia. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, recommend tailored exercises, and provide custom orthotics or other treatments to promote healing. If heel pain is limiting your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or overuse. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially during sports or physical activity. Risk factors include rapid growth spurts, participation in running or jumping sports, tight calf muscles, and wearing improper footwear. Causes are linked to repetitive pulling of the Achilles tendon on the heel bone. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot structure, recommend stretching, custom orthotics, footwear adjustments, and rest to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer effective relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Football players are at high risk for foot and ankle injuries, with lateral ankle sprains being the most common. These occur when the ankle twists outward, stretching or tearing ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, inadequate warm up, uneven playing surfaces, and ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation, recommend bracing or taping, design rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and stability, and guide a safe return to play. Early treatment prevents chronic instability and long term complications. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions and prevention tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.