February 2018

Walking may be thought to be one of the best foot exercises that can be performed.  A full range of motion occurs when the foot strikes the ground and the toes lift up. The many benefits of walking and practicing resistance exercises are known to enhance mood and overall health, in addition to improving circulation.  Incorporating gentle foot stretches in your daily routine will not only build flexibility, but also promote strength.  This can help avoid any potential injuries. A stretching exercise that benefits the ankles can be done while sitting down. This consists of rotating the ankle a few times, then changing direction. Additionally, it is beneficial to stretch the bottom of the foot. This can be accomplished by keeping the heel raised while the toes lie flat against the ground as you step back and gently stretch your right foot, then repeat on the opposite foot. A consultation with a podiatrist may be considered for additional knowledge about foot stretches

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 Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. 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 office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you have a growth that’s protruding out of the heel bone, you may have what is referred to as a heel spur. When activities, such as running, are practiced excessively, the band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot may become painful and inflamed. This tissue is known as the plantar fascia, and a spur may develop where the tissue attaches to the heel bone. If you have a heel spur, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist to learn about appropriate stretching exercises and possible anti-inflammatory medicines to alleviate the pain. Jogging will often enhance any pain resulting from this condition, and it may be suggested to avoid any running activities until seeing a doctor.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Recent research has suggested that obesity affecting children may contribute to their feet becoming damaged, possibly resulting in loss of stability. Walking can become difficult, and balance may be affected, which may encourage slower mobility.  Alignment and the overall function of the foot may suffer, often caused by pressure the joints must endure from the additional weight. If your child is overweight, it’s important to incorporate a lifestyle consisting of dietary changes and exercise habits that promote the general well-being of the feet.

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 Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. 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 our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the feet feel cold, it may be because of restricted blood flow, otherwise known as poor circulation. Additional symptoms may include a tingling feeling or “pins and needles” sensation experienced throughout the feet and legs, and the muscles may feel achy and cramped. Wearing loose socks may be of help in avoiding poor circulation, and walking may be beneficial in improving the blood flow throughout the body. The cells of the body will hydrate when plenty of fresh water is consumed; this will help the blood move easily. If you believe you have blood circulation problems in your feet, contact a podiatrist to discuss possible causes.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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