The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body. It is important to take care of them in the best way possible. There are daily routines that can be implemented which can help the feet, and positively affect the overall health of the body. These can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by using a moisturizer. This aids in keeping the skin soft, and may prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly. These can consist of choosing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and ensuring the shoes are constructed with breathable materials. It may be helpful to avoid wearing high heels, or to wear them for limited periods of time, which may help to prevent hammertoe and bunions from developing. Research has indicated the importance of trimming the toenails correctly, as this is known to play a significant role in preventing ingrown toenails from developing. If you would like additional information about how to properly take care of your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Raleigh and Henderson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Research has indicated that foot pain may increase in obese patients. This can be a result of added pressure that the plantar fascia must endure. It may lead to a painful foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis. Additionally, patients who are overweight may suffer from heel pain, and may develop heel spurs. An effective method of losing unwanted weight is to practice a regular aerobic exercise routine. Obese people may find difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight possibly due to a lack of exercise, and this may be a result of chronic foot pain that may accompany obesity. Consult with a podiatrist about any foot pain you have from being obese as this will provide you with the best methods in losing excess weight.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Raleigh and Henderson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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First baseman Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals has suffered a “brutal” season due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. The condition made Zimmerman’s returns to the field slow. The nature of the athlete’s injury has also made it slow to heal; fully torn plantar fascia are faster to heal, but Zimmerman’s fascia was only partly torn. Before his return on September 1st, Zimmerman rehabilitated on the treadmill. Plantar fasciitis is a common sports injury that can be disruptive to everyday life. If you think you’ve sustained a plantar fasciitis injury, contact your podiatrist.
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 Family Foot & Ankle Center. 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?
How Can It Be Treated?
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 one of our offices located in Raleigh and Henderson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Toenail fungus is an infection that forms underneath toenails. When this occurs, the nail usually darkens and may begin to smell. This infection can spread to other nails or skin, so it is important to treat it. Over time, the toenail might begin to thicken and the infection might become painful. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent toenail fungus. Proper foot hygiene is the first step in preventing infection. Washing your feet and making sure to fully dry them will help keep infectious organisms out of your toenails. In public areas, wear shower shoes and avoid wearing shoes or socks that trap excessive moisture, because damp environments allow infections to thrive. It is also important to cut your toenails straight across and to make sure any pedicure tools used on your feet are clean. If you would like more information on how to properly prevent toenail fungus, then it is recommended you consult with a podiatrist.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Raleigh and Henderson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
A popular form of foot therapy includes foot massages. Many people find relief at the end of a work day by having their feet gently massaged. This can be beneficial in relieving pain and discomfort the feet may have endured during the day. Additionally, it may be easier to relax and sleep after a massage has been performed, and pain may be minimized throughout the body. Before beginning a foot massage, it can be helpful to soak the feet in warm water, followed by applying massage oil on the feet and ankles. An effective method of starting this type of therapy includes performing warm up twists, which allows the feet and ankles to prepare for the remainder of the massage. If more information is needed on the benefits of having regular foot massages, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, one of our podiatrists of Family Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Raleigh and Henderson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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Research has indicated that approximately one third of seniors in America will fall during the night. This can cause many injuries to occur, that may include painful foot ailments. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to reduce the risk of falling. These can consist of improving the lighting in the bedroom and hallways, removing worn carpeting, and installing grab bars in the shower and toilet areas. Many seniors find it beneficial to live in a home that has one level, and this can aid in preventing hazardous falls that may be caused by stairs. Additionally, it is helpful to incorporate a gentle exercise program into your daily routine. This can result in strengthening muscles which may also help to prevent falling. Please speak with a podiatrist if you would like more information on how falling may affect the feet.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Raleigh and Henderson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Patients who have arthritis in their feet can experience pain and discomfort, especially while walking. It can cause the cartilage to diminish, and this may contribute to bony spurs and bunions. Mild relief can be found when wider shoes are worn, and this may also lead to the overall comfort of the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis typically causes the joints on the ball of the foot to become inflamed, and sores and wounds can form on the bottom of the foot. Another form of arthritis, known as gout, can occur if there is an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. This often causes severe pain and discomfort surrounding the big toe, and it will often become inflamed. If arthritis is affecting your feet, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat the condition.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot & Ankle Center. 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
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 one of our offices located in Raleigh and Henderson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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If the nerves are affected in the ankle, foot and toes, you may have a condition that is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can include numbness, or a burning and tingling sensation. If an injury has occurred, and the tissues surrounding the tibial nerve become inflamed, this condition may develop. The pain and discomfort is typically felt in the heel and may extend to the sole of the foot. There are a number of reasons why this ailment can occur. These often include stress fractures, being overweight, or having flat feet. There may be existing conditions that put pressure on the nerves within the tarsal tunnel, and this may cause inflammation to occur. If you have any of the symptoms that have been mentioned, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment options.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.
Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Raleigh and Henderson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
