Having foot and ankle pain is common among many people. The feet will feel better when they are frequently stretched. They will also have increased flexibility and range of motion. It is suggested that stretching the feet become part of a daily exercise regime, and there are simple methods that can be implemented to accomplish this. An effective stretch is known as the toe raise, point, and curl, and it is divided into three stages. It is started by sitting in a chair, and raising the heels while the toes are on the floor. The second phase consists of raising the heels, and positioning the toes so the tops of the big and second toe are on the floor. It ends by raising the heels, and curling the toes inward. Mobility may be increased when this is frequently practiced. Additionally, to stretch the big toe, bring the left foot to rest on the right thigh. Manually pull the big toe into an up position, and then down, and repeat several times. It is important to stretch the feet often. If you would like more information about effective foot stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.
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 Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor 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.
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 one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Having dry, cracked skin on your feet can interfere with your plans to wear beautiful, strappy sandals to your evening event. Cracked feet are not just unsightly though, deep fissures and cracks can make walking and standing painful, sometimes unbearable. Furthermore, germs can enter these breaks in the skin and cause infections. There are different things that can cause cracked heels. Dry skin is commonly the culprit of cracks in heels and occurs because the skin loses too much oil and water. This condition often shows up in dry, cold weather. The use of furnaces and air conditioners, bathing in hot water, using harsh soaps, aging, having skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, or physical conditions, like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, can all contribute to dry skin. Another reason for cracked heels might be putting excessive pressure on your feet. This can include prolonged standing, being overweight, and wearing shoes that have open backs and do not protect the pad of the fat under the feet. The feet expand toward the sides, which can result in splitting of hard, dry skin there. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the feet. It thrives in moist, warm areas and the feet are a perfect host for this. This condition can cause peeling, flaking, and cracked skin on the sides of the feet and between your toes. If there is an infection, symptoms can worsen to stinging, burning, blisters, red skin, and itching. Spending too much time in the sun and getting sunburnt can be yet another reason for dry, cracked heels. Washing and drying your feet well, using moisturizer daily, wearing shoes made of material that breathes and that fit properly, controlling excessive sweating, and tending to secondary conditions may all help. If you are not able to keep your dry, cracked heels under control, or if signs of infection are present, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment options that have a greater chance of controlling this annoying condition.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
A bunion is easy to notice. It is classified as a deformity and is a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe. It can develop as a result of genetic factors or from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area. Research has shown it affects approximately 35% of people who are over 65 years old and may affect their quality of life if not promptly treated. The medical term for a bunion is called hallux valgus and happens when the first long bone of the foot meets the first bone of the toe. When this moves out of alignment, a bunion has formed. It often develops slowly and if it becomes severe it may shift the other toes toward each other. Flexibility and range of motion may negatively affect the foot, and the skin may become irritated. Some patients experience foot injuries, and this may lead to the development of a bunion. Additionally, existing medical conditions including flat feet and rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of getting a bunion. If you have noticed a bunion on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you, which may include surgery for permanent removal.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Harris L. Klear of Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Pain in the second toe can cause a great deal of discomfort, but it is rarely discussed. One of the main causes of second toe pain is capsulitis, which is irritation or inflammation of the ligament capsule at the base of the toe. You may notice pain in the ball of the foot that feels worse when you walk barefoot, swelling in the area, and difficulty putting on or wearing shoes. Causes of capsulitis include improper foot mechanics, bunions, tight calf muscles, a weak arch, or a second toe that is longer than the big toe, which can affect the gait. Sometimes, if a person has capsulitis of the second toe, which causes it to drift toward the big toe, surgery may be required. If the pain associated with the second toe becomes debilitating or interferes with daily activities, it is wise to seek the help of a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and provide treatment options.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Harris L. Klear of Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
When to See a Podiatrist
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Running can be an exciting and invigorating way to maintain your health and keep yourself in good shape. However, if you are not properly taking care of your body before, during, and after the run, you may be setting yourself up for a painful foot injury. One way in which you can be proactive in preventing potential running injuries is by performing foot and lower leg exercises. These exercises might help strengthen muscles and improve the agility of your feet when running, making injuries less likely. One exercise is known as calf stretches. Stand facing a wall and put both hands on the wall. Get into a lunge-like position. Slowly and slightly bend your back knee down so that you can lean into the wall. You will feel a gentle stretch in your upper calf. If you want to stretch the lower parts of the calf, you can perform this calf stretch exercise with both feet closer to the wall. You might consider performing this muscle-strengthening exercise shortly after a run. To stretch and strengthen your toes, you might perform the toe spread exercise. When you are in a seated position, wrap a rubber band around your toes. Spread your toes and hold the spread position for a few seconds. You can repeat this exercise on both feet several times. These are just some exercises that might help you prevent a running injury. For more information, reach out to a podiatrist.
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 Dr. Harris L. Klear of Burlington County Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
