Items filtered by date: June 2025

Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint, causing pain and discomfort during movement. It is often caused by repetitive pressure from activities like running, dancing, or wearing high heels. Risk factors include having high arches, a sudden increase in activity, or improper footwear. Symptoms include aching pain under the big toe, swelling, and difficulty bending the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, recommend activity modifications, provide custom orthotics, and guide recovery through targeted care. If you are experiencing persistent forefoot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to restore foot comfort and prevent further injury.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Franklin Harry, DPM of Best Foot Forward. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Festus and St. Louis, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As people age, the feet undergo natural changes that can lead to discomfort and mobility challenges. Age-related foot conditions, such as thinning skin, reduced circulation, and joint stiffness, often combine with chronic medical issues like diabetes and arthritis. Cognitive impairment may make self care more difficult, increasing the risk of complications. A podiatrist educates older adults and caregivers about proper foot hygiene, footwear, and fall prevention strategies. Common foot concerns such as plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, and skin problems can be treated effectively with regular care. If you or a loved one has foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer effective tips on foot care.

If you need your feet checked, contact Franklin Harry, DPM of Best Foot Forward. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Festus and St. Louis, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathy are serious complications of diabetes that can lead to infection, hospitalization, or even loss of limbs if left untreated. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to feel pain, heat, or injuries. This numbness increases the risk of unnoticed wounds, which can develop into open sores called ulcers that are slow to heal. These ulcers often occur on pressure points like the ball of the foot or heel. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, drainage, and, in severe cases, a foul odor. Some people may not feel any pain due to the loss of sensation, which can delay treatment. A podiatrist will examine your feet, assess circulation, and possibly use diagnostic tools like X-rays or vascular studies. Treatment may involve wound care, custom footwear, antibiotics, and offloading pressure from the affected area. If you have diabetes,  it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Franklin Harry, DPM from Best Foot Forward. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Festus and St. Louis, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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 Franklin Harry, DPM of Best Foot Forward. 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 offices located in Festus and St. Louis, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.