PLANTER FACIITIS

The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest bone in the foot and absorbs the most amount of shock and pressure. Calcium deposits form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, causing a bony protrusion, or heel spur. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the rearfoot, especially while standing or walking.
CAUSE

Heel spurs develop as an abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel. This stretching of the plantar fascia is usually the result of over-pronation (flat feet), but people with very high arches can also develop heel spurs. Women have a significantly higher incidence of heel spurs due to the types of footwear often worn on a regular basis.

When the cause is over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation, and allow the condition to heal. Other common treatments include stretching exercises, losing weight and wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel that absorbs shock.
Rıfat TOPCUOGLU M.D.

ACHILLES TENDON

The Achilles tendon is a thick tendon located in the back of the leg
Achilles injuries can occur in several places, but the most common area is at the muscle-tendon junction – the area where the calf muscles join with the tendon.
Chronic, long-lasting Achilles tendon disorders range from overuse injuries that cause inflammation or degeneration, to acute traumas such as Achilles tendon ruptures. Pain along the back of the ankle or in the heel are often the result of distinct problems along the course of the Achilles tendon or at its point of attachment to the heel of the foot.
Over-pronation occurs in the walking and/or running process when the arch collapses upon weight-bearing, adding stress on the Achilles tendon. Other factors that lead to Achilles Tendonitis are improper shoe selection, inadequate stretching prior to engaging in athletics, a short Achilles tendon, direct trauma (injury) to the tendon, and heel bone deformity.
PREVENTION
Those with Achilles tendonitis should wear lightweight, shock-absorbing orthotics to help reduce stress and pressure on the Achilles tendon. The orthotic can help control over-pronation, support the longitudinal arch, and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
Rıfat TOPCUOGLU M.D.

HELL SPUR

VARICOSE VIENS

The veins have one-way valves so that the blood can travel in only one direction. If the walls of the vein become stretched and less flexible, or elastic, the valves may get weaker.
A weakened valve can allow blood to leak backward and eventually flow in the opposite direction. When this occurs, blood can accumulate in a vein or veins, which then become enlarged and swollen.
The veins farthest from the heart, such as those in the legs, are most often affected. This is because gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow back to the heart.
Normally, one-way valves in your leg veins keep blood moving up toward the heart. When the valves do not work properly, they allow blood to back up into theo vein. The vein swells from the blood that collects there, which causes varicose veins over time.
Varicose veins are common, and affect more women than men. However, if the flow of blood through veins becomes poor enough, problems such as leg swelling and pain, blood clots, and skin changes may be present.
Every time the muscles contract, they squeeze the deep veins in the legs together and transport the blood further. Here too, the venous valves determine the direction of flow and stop the blood flowing backwards.
Long periods of standing or sitting still can lead to blood pooling in the legs.
Whenever the muscles of the feet and legs are working, the muscle pump works too and jump-starts venous return again.

Rıfat TOPCUOGLU M.D.

METATARSALGI

Your foot becomes painful and inflamed. You might develop it if you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose.

Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can sideline you. Fortunately, at-home treatments, such as ice and rest, often relieve symptoms. Wearing proper footwear with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports might prevent or minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.

Rıfat TOPCUOGLU M.D.

HAMMER TOE

Your toes appear crooked or bent downward you may be suffering from hammer toes, mallet toes or claw toes. These three very similar toe deformities result in shortening of the toe tendons thereby limiting toe motion, and causing claw-shaped toes and painful rubbing inside shoes.

Mallet toe usually develops gradually, when forces — like the shoes you wear or the way you walk — cause a tendon in your toe to tighten and contract. The contracture is usually somewhat flexible in the early stages, but after a while, it becomes rigid and “fixed.” Contributing causes may include:

Poor-fitting shoes.
High heels.
Congenital (present at birth) foot differences.
Previous injury.
Neuromuscular disorders.
Foot and ankle arthritis.

Change your footwear. Choose shoes with roomy toe boxes, low heels, and good arch supports. Sandals or athletic shoes that don’t rub on your toe may be a good option. You could also try custom-made shoes or shoes made for people who have foot problems.
Use products that cushion the toe or hold the foot in a more comfortable position, such as moleskin, toe tubes, arch supports, or other shoe inserts (orthotics).

Rıfat TOPCUOGLU M.D.

HALLUX VALGUS

Rıfat TOPCUOGLU M.D.

EDEME FOOT

Edema is swelling  caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues ,most often in your feet and ankles.

Padding is important in a shoe for swollen feet because it provides the comfort and support needed to help relieve pain and pressure on the foot.
If the foot has edema,often the articulation of the ankle is compromised and it can be diffucult to manoever your foot easly into the shoe. A shoe for edema  needs to open up so the foot can be easily placed on the footbed.

Common causes of edema are prolonged standing,prolonged sitting,pregnany,being overweight,and increase in age.
Padding is important in a shoe for swollen feet because it provides the comfort and support needed to help relieve pain and pressure on the foot.
Edema shoes are available for people who experince chronic edema and need adjustablefootwear forsw

Rıfat TOPCUOGLU M.D.

PREGNANCY AND YOUR FEET

We all know that pregnancy brings multiple changes to the body, but you may be surprised to hear how it affects the feet. Often swelling in the feet is not significantly increased until the 2nd trimester. During this time the change in hormones results in an approximately 50% increase in your blood volume, which understandably increases leg swelling.
The farther along you get in your pregnancy, the accumulation of weight gained will place an increasing amount of stress on the feet.
Also consider limiting the time you spend on your feet, and elevate them as much as possible. Taking walks also helps. As you walk, the muscles contract and force the blood back up to the heart and the one-way valves in the veins prevent it from returning to the feet.
When purchasing the shoes you’ll wear throughout your pregnancy, there are a few things to consider. Look for shoes that will give you a little extra room. You may consider getting a shoe a half to a whole size larger. Do not choose shoes that are constructed with rigid materials or have straps that are not adjustable. This may cause cutting off circulation if your feet swell. Dr Mery shoes are the best shoes to wear during pregnancy
Dr Mery shoes have a larger toe box, mesh top covering and increased cushioning which are well suited for foot swelling.
As your pregnancy progresses, it will be harder to bend over and tie your shoes
Another thing to remember is to avoid walking barefoot as this might increase foot pain as weight gain increases the stress on the foot.

Remember comfortable footwear (Dr.Mery) is an important part of maintaining good foot health, especially throughout pregnancy

Rıfat TOPCUOGLU M.D.

SILVER SOCKS