Items filtered by date: August 2024

Tuesday, 27 August 2024 00:00

Boosting Foot Health With Yoga Stretches

Exercising the feet with targeted yoga stretches can greatly enhance flexibility and strength. The big toe stretch involves gently pulling the big toe backward to release tension and improve flexibility. This type of foot stretch, achieved by sitting back on your heels and pressing the tops of your feet into the floor, helps alleviate tightness and enhances foot mobility. Toe taps clock is a dynamic exercise where you tap each toe to various imaginary clock positions, boosting coordination and strengthening the toes. Additionally, the ankle dorsiflexion stretch involves flexing the foot upward while keeping the heel on the ground, which improves ankle flexibility and reduces strain. Regular practice of these stretches supports better foot health, reduces discomfort, and enhances overall foot function. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment options, and guide you on how to perform effective foot exercises.

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 Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 20 August 2024 00:00

Peripheral Artery Disease and the Feet

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, can significantly affect the feet, often causing pain, even during normal activities like walking. This discomfort, medically known as claudication, occurs because of reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup in the arteries. Symptoms of PAD in the feet include cramps, numbness, skin discoloration, temperature changes, and the development of ulcers. These symptoms are concerning because they indicate insufficient blood circulation, which, if untreated, could lead to serious conditions like limb ischemia. In severe cases, this can result in tissue death or even amputation. It is vital for individuals with peripheral artery disease to engage in regular, supervised exercise to improve circulation. A podiatrist can help to manage the effects of PAD by providing specialized foot care, monitoring symptoms, and advising on exercise programs tailored to enhance blood flow. They can also guide patients in footwear choices and care for ulcers to prevent infections. If you have foot problems related to peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

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Safely stretching the Achilles tendon is essential for preventing injuries and improving flexibility. Begin with gentle stretches like the calf stretch, where you lean against a wall with one foot behind the other, keeping the back leg straight and heel on the ground. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, then switch legs. It is important to avoid overstretching or sudden movements to prevent strain. Common Achilles tendon injuries include tendinitis, an inflammation causing pain and swelling, and Achilles tendon rupture, a severe tear resulting in sudden, intense pain and difficulty walking. Preventing these injuries involves warming up properly, gradually increasing activity intensity, and wearing supportive footwear. If you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 07 August 2024 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

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!

Tuesday, 06 August 2024 00:00

How Runners Manage Broken Toes

Broken toes, common among runners, often result from stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or repetitive stress from intense running. Symptoms include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes. For runners, broken toes can significantly impact training and performance. The injury requires prompt attention to prevent complications. Initial treatment involves rest, compression, and elevation. Buddy taping, where the injured toe is taped to an adjacent toe, provides support and stabilization. Wearing stiff-soled or supportive shoes can protect the toe during the healing process. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. This foot doctor can recommend appropriate footwear, exercises for maintaining foot strength, and a safe return-to-running plan to ensure a complete recovery.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

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