Items filtered by date: April 2023

The majority of people enjoy stretching their feet. It can produce endorphins, which make the overall body feel good. The feet carry the weight of the body, and they may become stronger when they are frequently stretched. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the heel to the toes. An effective exercise for this band of tissue is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Many people roll their foot on a frozen water bottle or tennis ball for several seconds, then repeat on the other foot. Practicing toe scrunches or picking up marbles can be beneficial in strengthening muscles in the entire foot. Toe scrunches are done by placing a towel on the floor and scrunching it with the toes until the foot becomes fatigued. Picking up marbles with the toes and placing them in a cup is a stretching technique that uses similar foot muscles. If you would like additional information about how to stretch your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

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

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 to determine 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 exercise, 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 to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Foot pain is common and if not controlled, can become chronic and interfere with one’s quality of life. Because foot pain has many potential causes, diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRIs are often necessary to pinpoint what is going on. Common reasons for foot pain may include arthritis, Morton’s neuroma, and plantar fasciitis. Arthritis will present itself with joint pain, swelling, and sometimes deformity. It often shows itself in the big toe or ankle. Morton’s neuroma involves the swelling of a nerve, and one might feel pain in the midsole of the foot that can radiate between the toes. Plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue running from the heel of the foot to the toes, becomes inflamed or sustains micro-tears and causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. If you have pain in your feet and you do not find relief with cessation from the activity that caused it, or if the pain gets worse, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist. A podiatrist can perform radiologic tests to diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma involves the nerves in the feet. Specifically, the nerve that is found between the third and fourth toes is generally affected, and can become irritated and compressed. It can gradually happen from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area, and high heels can fall into this category. The symptoms that can accompany Morton’s neuroma can consist of a burning, numbing or tingling sensation, and many people feel like they have a small rock in their shoe. A proper diagnosis can consist of having a physical examination done of the affected foot. If the neuroma is large enough, it may be felt during the exam. Treatment can begin with refraining from wearing the shoes that may have caused the condition, and opting to wear shoes with a lower heel. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

The condition known as flat feet is a particular kind of affliction of the foot where the arches are not present. In other words, the entire bottom of the foot rests flush against the floor. When a patient has a case of flat feet, many often wonder whether or not they will still be able to engage in a particular kind of ballet dance known as pointe. Pointe involves standing on the tips of the toes, using special footwear. Individuals living with flat feet could potentially still engage in pointe work depending on the particulars of their specific case. For example, if an individual has anatomically flat feet, they may still be able to dance in pointe, especially if the patient’s ligaments are stiff enough to make the foot stable. If you are someone that is living with flat feet and want to engage in ballet dancing, it is highly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help treat you and give you advice. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.