Items filtered by date: May 2024

Maintaining the strength and flexibility of your feet, toes, and ankles can help with overall mobility and comfort, especially if you are experiencing pain or dealing with conditions like arthritis. Start with simple exercises for the feet to help alleviate discomfort and improve function. For example, the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretch involves looping a towel around the ball of your foot, pulling your toes toward your body, and holding for 30 seconds. This should be repeated three times on each foot. Rolling your foot over a round object, like a can or ball, and performing seated stretches can also provide relief. Wall pushes, ankle rotations, and ankle range of motion exercises enhance flexibility. Toe spreads, towel pickups, and standing heel raises can build strength. Balancing exercises, such as standing on one leg while lightly touching a wall, can further improve stability. Begin these exercises gradually, and increasing intensity as you build strength and confidence. Always ensure you have sufficient space to exercise safely and it is important to stay hydrated. If you have any concerns or need personalized advice about foot, toe, or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist before it gets worse.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Understanding and addressing pain in the ball of the foot, medically termed metatarsalgia, is essential for maintaining mobility and overall foot health. Various factors, such as Freiberg disease, metatarsal stress fractures, and nerve damage like Morton neuroma, can contribute to discomfort in this area. Additionally, conditions like sesamoiditis, and age-related changes, such as thinning of the fat pad cushion, may worsen symptoms. Consulting a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans can help. Non-invasive measures, including footwear adjustments and custom orthotic devices, are often effective in alleviating pressure on affected areas. Additionally, injections of anesthetics or corticosteroids may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. When conservative approaches fail to combat metatarsalgia, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore joint function and alleviate persistent pain. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you suffer from consistent pain in the ball of the foot.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. 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 office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, is a common procedure aimed at correcting the misalignment of the big toe joint caused by a bony bump known as a bunion. While bunion surgery can provide relief from pain and improve foot function, it is essential to understand several key facts before undergoing the procedure. Firstly, there are different types of bunion surgeries, ranging from minimally invasive techniques to more extensive procedures depending on the severity of the bunion and individual patient factors. Secondly, recovery from bunion surgery typically involves a period of immobilization followed by exercises to restore strength and flexibility to the foot. Additionally, it is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of bunion surgery, as full recovery can take several months, and there may still be some residual stiffness or swelling afterward. If you have a bunion and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you seek advice from a podiatrist who can determine if this is a right decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are thickened skin areas that form to protect the skin against friction and pressure, and often occur on the feet. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, may recommend changing to footwear that fits better and doesn't squeeze or rub against the foot. Additionally, they might recommend padding or cushions to protect the corn and reduce pressure when walking. In more persistent cases, a podiatrist may carefully trim the thickened skin using a scalpel, a procedure that should never be attempted at home because of the risk of infection. Custom foot orthotics may also be suggested to correct any foot abnormalities that contribute to corn formation. Along with proper foot hygiene, these treatments can effectively manage and prevent the discomfort associated with corns. If you are struggling with corns on the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for help. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.