The feet are a complex part of the body that contains 25% of our bones. Because the average 50-year-old has walked 75,000 miles, it is important to keep the feet strong and healthy to prevent pain and diseases from impacting them. Common skin-related issues on the feet include fungal nail infections, corns, calluses, warts, ingrown toenails and athlete’s foot. Common muscle, tendon and joint problems include hammertoe, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bunions and arthritis. In order to prevent these issues, proper foot care is important. Regularly washing the feet, wearing clean socks, and making sure your feet are dry are key steps to helping prevent skin-related issues. Wearing comfortable shoes that fit correctly, stretching and massaging the feet, and moving around after sitting for long periods of time are also important in reducing the risk of foot problems. The biggest key to foot health, however, is knowing when to see a podiatrist. If your foot pain is inhibiting your ability to walk and function, or you are diabetic and notice new issues with your feet, it is important to seek the care of a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Running can be a healthy activity that helps with weight loss and staying in shape. Those who are beginning to run for the first time should make sure to have running shoes that fit properly. If you are worried about a past foot or ankle injury, or you want to prevent one in the future, consult with a podiatrist for help. When starting out, ease into running by slowly increasing your pace and distance. Warming up before each run will help increase blood flow and prevent unnecessary stress and fatigue. Cooling down after a run will help bring your heart rate back to normal. As you increase your running activity, keep an eye on any wear and tear that your shoes may experience, because as the shock absorbers in the shoes weaken, the chances of injury increase. If you have any questions in regards to keeping your feet healthy while running, please consult with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

There are many reasons people can develop diabetes. These can consist of genetics, environmental factors, and eating habits. The feet are often affected in diabetic patients, and it may be difficult to feel sensations. This can result in the development of foot ulcers, and in severe cases, the toes and entire foot can be lost to amputation. It is beneficial to check your feet on a daily basis for any cuts, scrapes, or sores. It is important to wear shoes that fit correctly, and this can be implemented by trying shoes on at the end of the day when the feet are generally at their largest. There are several methods diabetic patients can use to protect their feet, and it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted for additional information.

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 one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peroneal tendonitis refers to an inflammation in one of the tendons in the back of the foot, which can cause pain in the foot and ankle. Stretching these tendons can help improve their flexibility and range of motion. One stretch that is commonly suggested to try is the towel stretch. Sit on the floor with your feet straight out in front of you. Take a towel and wrap it around the toes of one foot, then gently pull back. You should feel a stretch from the bottom of the foot up to the back of the lower leg. Hold this stretch for between 30 seconds and a minute, then switch to the other foot and repeat. Do this stretch two to three times on each foot daily. For more information about stretches that can benefit your foot health, consult with a podiatrist. 

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 Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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