Stretches May Help Before Walking
Research has shown that one of the best things you can do if you have arthritis in your feet is to walk as much as possible. This may cause pain to the feet and ankles, despite being overall beneficial. Performing stretches and exercises may strengthen the feet, possibly reduce arthritis symptoms, and this may be helpful to do before walking. An effective exercise is done by spreading marbles on the floor, followed by sitting on a chair. The marbles are picked up one at a time using the toes, and placed into a cup. Many patients find relief when their foot is placed on top of a tennis ball, and the entire foot is rolled on it. This can be beneficial in strengthening the soles of the feet. There are some patients that notice that as their feet become stronger, their arthritis symptoms may decrease. If you would like information about additional stretches to perform that can help arthritic feet, please confer with a podiatrist.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. 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 Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Arthritic Foot Care
During your lifetime, you will probably walk about 75,000 miles, which is quite a lot of stress to put on your feet. As you get older, the 26 bones and 30 joints in each of your feet will lose flexibility and elasticity. Your foot’s natural shock absorbers will wear down as well. Having arthritis added to this mix only makes matters worse. Your joints will become distorted and inflamed, which is why arthritic foot care needs to be something to think about every day.
When dealing with arthritis, having additional foot complications, such as bunions, hammertoes, or neuroma, can be a serious detriment. To avoid these, buy well-fitting shoes with a lower heel and good support. Arthritis causes you to lose your arch, so having shoes with good arch support is also highly recommended.
Aside from getting good arch support, the shoes need to fit comfortably and properly as well. A good place to start is by leaving a finger width between the back of the shoe and your foot to gauge proper size. It is also helpful to have a square or rounded toe box in the front to provide even more comfort. Another thing to look for is a rubber sole that can provide a cushion and absorb shock as you walk. This adds flexibility to the ball of your foot when you push off your heel to walk.
Exercise is another key aspect of arthritic foot care. Exercise not only strengthens and stretches your muscles and joints, but helps to prevent further injury and pain as well. Stretching the Achilles tendon, the tendon located in the back of your heel, will give you added mobility and reduce pain due to stress. Another thing you can do is massage your feet, kneading the ball of your foot as well as your toes from top to bottom.
Stretching the Achilles tendon is a simple exercise that you can do at home anytime. Lean against the wall with your palms flat against the surface while placing one foot forward, towards the wall, and one foot behind you. Bend your forward knee towards the wall while keeping your back knee locked straight, and make sure both your heels are completely touching the ground at all times. This will stretch your Achilles tendon and calf muscles as well. You will feel the stretch almost immediately. You can also stretch your toes in a couple ways. One involves taking a rubber band and wrapping it around both your big toes while your heels remain together. Then, pull them apart to stretch your big toe. You can also place a rubber band around all the toes of one of your feet. Then, try to separate each individual toe, stretching them all.
A final step you can take to help your arthritis is taking non-steroid, non-inflammatory drugs or topical medicines with capsaicin. Unfortunately, there is no complete way to remove all of your arthritic pain. However, following some of this advice can go a long way in staying as pain-free as possible.
Common Symptoms of Sesamoiditis
A foot injury can lead to inflammation and irritation of the sesamoid bones which is known as sesamoiditis. Prompt medical attention is often needed and failure to do so may lead to additional inflammation of the surrounding tendons and ligaments. The pain of this foot condition is often felt in the ball of the foot directly under the joint in the big toe. It can be difficult to walk, and the pain may intensify when the big toe is stretched. Many patients often have a limited range of motion in the big toe, and it may be hard to straighten the toe. Sesamoiditis can occur when the pressure on the ball of the foot is increased, and this may happen from frequently participating in running and jumping activities. Existing foot structures like high arches and bony feet may contribute to sesamoiditis. If you have pain in this part of your foot or exhibit any of the above symptoms, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat sesamoiditis.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
- Sudden increase in activity
- Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
- Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition in which the sesamoid bones in the forefoot become inflamed from physical activity. Sesamoid bones are bones that are not connected to other bones but are located in tendons or muscle. Two of these sesamoid bones are very small and located on the underside of the foot near the big toe. Athletes such as runners, baseball and football players, and dancers are likely to experience sesamoiditis. Those with high arched feet, flat feet, or runners who run on the ball of their foot are also prone to suffer from sesamoiditis.
Symptoms include pain or throbbing on the ball of the foot near the big toe. The pain generally starts with a mild throbbing but gradually builds up to shooting pain. Bruising, swelling, and redness are possible, but in most cases, these symptoms are not present. However, moving the big toe can result in pain and difficulty.
To conduct a diagnosis, the podiatrist will examine the ball of the foot and big toe. They will look for any outliers and check the movement of the toe. X-rays will be taken to rule out any other conditions and ensure that it is sesamoiditis.
Treatment for sesamoiditis is generally mild and includes rest, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and ice treatments to deal with the swelling and pain. Orthotics may be needed with people who have flat or high arched feet to relieve pressure off the bones. In some cases the toe will be taped and immobilized to allow healing. The podiatrist may also decide to use a steroid injection to help with swelling as well. If you have sesamoiditis, you shouldn’t engage in any intensive activity, as it may inflame the area and worsen your pain. If the sesamoid bone has fractured, surgery may be required to remove the sesamoid bone.
If you are suffering from sesamoiditis or are experiencing symptoms similar to sesamoiditis, you should stop all physical activity that puts strain on the area. Furthermore you should see a podiatrist for a diagnosis to see if you have sesamoiditis.
Uncomfortable Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are found on the bottom of the feet, and can be very painful. The majority of warts grow outward, but plantar warts grow inward as a result of standing and walking for most of the day. The medical name for this type of wart is a verruca, and is connected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The wart appears as a small, thickened area of skin on the bottom of the foot, and many times will have tiny black dots in the center. The virus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin of the feet, and generally lives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is advised that appropriate shoes, like flip flops or water shoes, are worn while in these areas. Plantar warts can be extremely uncomfortable, and many patients seek immediate relief. If you are afflicted with a plantar wart, please consult with a podiatrist who can discuss several effective treatment options with you.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
All About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are warts that are only found on the feet, hence the term “plantar”, which means “relating to the foot.” They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and occur when this virus gets into open wounds on the feet. The warts themselves are hard bumps on the foot. They are easily recognizable, mostly found on the heels or ball of the foot. Plantar warts are non-malignant, but they can cause some pain, discomfort, and are often unsightly. Removing them is a common step toward treating them.
Plantar warts can cause some pain while standing, sometimes felt as tenderness on the sole of your foot. Unless the wart has grown into the foot behind a callus, you will be able to see the fleshy wart. A podiatrist should only be consulted if there is an excessive amount of pain. Plantar warts are not cancerous or dangerous, but they can affect your walking and continually reappear. Anyone who suffers from diabetes or a compromised immune system disease should seek out care immediately.
Podiatrists are easily able to diagnose plantar warts. They usually scrape off a tiny bit of the rough skin to make tiny blood clots visible and examine the inside of warts. However, a biopsy can be done if the doctor is not able to diagnose them from simply looking at them. Although plantar warts usually do not require an excessive amount of treatment, there are ways to go about removing them. A common method is to freeze them off using liquid nitrogen, removing them using an electrical tool, or burning them off via laser treatment. For a less invasive treatment option, topical creams can be used through a doctor’s prescription. This treatment method takes more time, however. Keep the wart covered for protection in between daily treatments.
The best way to avoid developing plantar warts is to avoid walking barefoot in public places. Avoid this especially if you have open sores or cuts on your feet. It is also important to avoid direct contact with warts in general, as they are highly contagious.
Big Toe Stretches
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.
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 The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors 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:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
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 offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Stretching Your Feet
Debilitating foot pain is a problem for many people. But just as stretching the torso can help alleviate back pain, stretching the feet can also help mend existing foot problems and prevent future ones.
The feet, as the body’s foundation, carry the body’s entire weight and can get easily strained from overexertion. Persistent sharp pain and cramping in the feet are often common concerns. Foot pain and foot problems can be due to any number of causes, and in many cases pain may be eased without medication or doctor visits. It is always a good idea, however, to first rule out any serious medical issues with a physician.
Stretching can help relax the feet and alleviate pain, but is especially important before heavy aerobic exercise. Stretching before such activities can help you avoid experiencing painful cramps or strained foot muscles. Stretches should be performed slowly and deliberately without forceful pulling. The stretch should be held for several seconds before relaxing.
A great way to stretch out and loosen up the foot muscles while sitting is to cross one leg over the other and pull the toes carefully back without overextending. Start by resting the left ankle on the right knee. With the left hand, gently flex the left foot by pulling back on the toes. Do not pull too hard; just hard enough to feel the stretch in the arch of the foot. Then point the toes of the left foot as far as you can. Rotate the motion of pointing with pulling back on the toes. This should relax and stretch the muscles on the bottom and the top of the foot. Doing this stretch ten to twenty times should bring relief. Repeat the whole process for the other foot by resting the right ankle on the left knee.
A stretch that focuses on the often injured Achilles tendon involves standing and facing a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot, keeping it flat against the floor. Move the other leg forward and lean toward the wall. You should feel a stretch through the back of your leg and your Achilles tendon, but do not push yourself too much. Stop when you feel a stretching sensation, and hold for 30 seconds. Ten repetitions may be done for each foot.
Stretching the feet is important for athletes or those performing aerobic exercise, but it can also help anyone with foot pain caused by poor footwear, plantar fasciitis, or long hours standing and walking. Individuals who tend to their feet by regularly stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
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Methods to Maintain Proper Diabetic Foot Care
Ordinary foot problems are often more complicated for diabetic patients. Diabetes can occur as a result of elevated blood sugar levels and affects the nerves in the feet. This can make it difficult to feel existing cuts, scrapes, or bruises that have developed which may cause diabetic foot ulcers to form. It is important to practice proper everyday foot care and there are simple methods to accomplish this. It is beneficial to start with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Many patients find it helpful to use a mirror to look at the bottom of their feet for any wounds that may have developed. It is imperative to have the toenails trimmed properly and many people choose to have this done by a podiatrist. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, and it may help to wear socks that can absorb moisture. It is frowned upon to walk barefoot as this can help to protect the feet from the elements. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition in addition to treating any other foot conditions that are associated with diabetes.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
