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Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
If you’re a ballet dancer, performing proper stretches for the feet is crucial in maintaining an eloquent and graceful form. The feet need to feel strong to execute perfect dancing, and implementing correct stretches are necessary in achieving this. The tendon in the body that connects the back of the leg to the lower heel is referred to as the Achilles tendon, and this must be stretched to avoid any tears or strains. An inflammation can be caused by damage that’s inflicted on this tendon, which may often result in severe pain. An effective stretch for the Achilles tendon is to stand on a staircase, with one foot hanging off the step. Gently flex the foot, and this will properly stretch the tendons and muscles in the foot. When this is accomplished, you can switch feet. Ballet dancers tend to put enormous pressure on the big toe, and there are certain stretches that can possibly prevent any injuries from occurring. Grasping your big toe and pulling it back toward your body will not only enable the joint to remain flexible, but will also stretch the sole of the foot for improved mobility. Keeping the feet strong and flexible is accomplished by choosing to perform the correct stretching techniques.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor 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:
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 feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Your child may begin to walk at about 12 months of age. Recent research has shown that it’s beneficial to walk barefoot as much as possible, which may help strengthen the foot muscles. It’s important to measure the feet every few months in the early years to ensure a proper fit while choosing shoes. As your child gets older, common ailments that can occur may include athlete’s foot, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts. It’s crucial to maintain daily foot care, which includes washing the feet in lukewarm water and drying thoroughly between the toes. Additionally, complaints about heel pain can be a common occurrence, typically resulting from playing sports. If the pain becomes severe, a consultation with a podiatrist may be suggested to alleviate any discomfort and to learn about possible treatment options.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Hammertoe is caused by a deformity that bends the toes, causing them to be crooked. The joint affected is located at the bottom of the big toe and can often appear unsightly. The skin on top of the toes may look swollen, and corns and calluses will often form there, typically caused by friction as it rubs against the shoes. Causes of hammertoe are commonly due to shoes fitting poorly, which may cause the toes to be constricted for long periods of time. There may be a predisposed genetic trait that may cause this condition, in addition to diabetic patients and arthritis sufferers being prone to hammertoe. There are numerous treatment options available, depending on the severity of this condition. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for a proper diagnosis.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Many people are unaware of the differences between walking and running shoes. Both types of shoes have different features that are meant to support the foot. Walking shoes tend to be firmer, and they may not be as flexible as shoes that are made for running. This enables the walker to have additional stability that’s needed for proper posture. The walker benefits from shoes that are lighter because the feet are properly supported. Recent research has suggested that adequate cushioning is necessary for comfort and support, however an excess of this may make the shoe too heavy for walking. When choosing shoes that are made for running, it’s important to take the running technique into account. If the impact is felt on the balls of the feet, a slightly higher heel will be beneficial for proper support. For runners whose midfoot meets with the ground, lower heels will be more favorable for achieving maximum comfort and stability.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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