Items filtered by date: December 2021
Exercises for Arthritis of the Big Toe
Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, can cause pain and stiffness. One joint that frequently becomes affected is the big toe, which by throwing off your gait further affects other body parts. One way to help alleviate this syndrome is by doing simple exercises for the toe. Among them is the toe pull, which helps to increase mobility. Put your affected foot on a stool or chair. With one hand, hold the area where the toe meets the foot. With the other hand, gently pull the toe forward and flex it down for 10 to 20 seconds then let go. Repeat. Toe salutes are designed to stretch and build strength. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground directly below the knees. Raise the big toe of one foot up, while the other toes remain flat. Hold for five seconds and relax. Then raise the four little toes up, while keeping the big toe flat. Repeat, and then change feet. If you plan to begin any exercise regime, it is best to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can monitor your activity and suggest other treatment options.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Arthritic Foot CareHeel Pain Can Be Treated!
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Risk Factors Associated With Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury in which the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This ligament can become damaged when it is strained through repetitive overuse or a sudden increase in physical activity, such as running. Standing for prolonged periods of time, exercising on hard surfaces, and wearing shoes that lack proper support or fit poorly can also injure the plantar fascia. People who have flat feet or high arches, are overweight, have had foot or ankle injuries, or are over age 40 are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
- Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
- Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
- Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Stress Fractures Occur in the Feet or Ankles
Stress fractures in bones are tiny cracks which occur over time. They are caused by frequent, repetitive force being applied to the bone. Athletes that participate in high impact sports – such as track and field, soccer, tennis, basketball, gymnastics, and cheerleading – can be at greater risk of developing a stress fracture in their feet and ankles. This is especially true if the intensity of the activity increases suddenly. Stress fractures can cause dull pain in a specific area that worsens with activity and gets better with rest. If you believe you may have a stress fracture in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you stop the activity and make an appointment with a podiatrist. Along with a physical examination, the podiatrist may need to look at various imaging tests, including X-ray, ultrasound, bone scan, CT scan, or MRI, which is highly effective in detecting fracture lines. These will help in making a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
- Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
- Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
- Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
- Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
- Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
