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Body Mass Index and Your Feet

Tuesday, 28 October 2025

Being obese, or having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher, can cause serious, negative effects throughout your body, including your feet, which absorb the force of your body weight. People with a higher BMI put an increased amount of foot pressure under the heel and metatarsal heads (balls of the foot) which is where you push off to walk or run. Obesity can also change the structure of your feet, causing them to widen, putting excess strain on your ankles, and overburdening your arches. Common foot problems that cause pain and discomfort in obese individuals include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoe. Trying to reduce your body mass is a good step towards improving your overall health. Contacting a podiatrist is another good step to take to treat any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing in your feet or ankles.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.

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

Getting to the Root of Heel Pain

Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Heel pain is a common problem that can interfere with walking, exercise, and daily activities. The discomfort may be caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendonitis, or nerve irritation. Because the heel supports much of the body’s weight, even minor issues can become persistent if not addressed. Diagnosis begins with a podiatrist evaluating your medical history, activity level, and footwear. A physical exam, along with imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, may be used to pinpoint the cause. Identifying the source of pain is essential, since treatment varies depending on the condition. Management can include rest, stretching, footwear changes, custom orthotics, or targeted exercises. Anti-inflammatory medications and advanced treatments may also be recommended. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary. If heel pain is interfering with your mobility or quality of life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

Wearing ill-fitting shoes
Wearing non-supportive shoes
Weight change
Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Choosing the Right Shoes for Marathon Running

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Finding the right shoes for marathon running is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Shoes should provide enough length to allow natural toe movement, proper width to avoid pressure, and a secure heel fit that prevents slipping. The overall feel should support your stride without causing rubbing or tightness. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, plantar fasciitis, or even stress fractures, over time. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, gait and any existing conditions, as well as recommend footwear that match your needs. If you are training for a marathon, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure you have the right support for your feet and reduce your risk of painful setbacks.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
There should be little to no slipping at the heel
Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Foot Injuries Common in Ballet Dancers

Tuesday, 07 October 2025

Dancers often experience foot and ankle injuries due to the constant stress placed on these areas during training and performance. Stress fractures, bunions, and ingrown toenails are common dance injuries caused by repetitive movement, wearing tight footwear, and pressure on the big toe joint. Pointe work in ballet adds further risk, as dancers balance their body weight on the tips of their toes, which may lead to blisters, calluses, broken nails, and ankle sprains. Over time, conditions such as plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and stiffness in the big toe may develop from overuse and repetitive impact. Male dancers, who generally perform jumps and lifts, are more at risk for Achilles tendonitis and sprained ankles. If left untreated, these injuries can worsen and may eventually require surgery to restore function. A podiatrist can provide diagnosis, treatment, and guidance to protect foot health. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Sunday, 05 October 2025

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

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