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To help keep your feet strong and flexible, it can be beneficial to practice certain yoga stretches. One stretch you can practice is performed by standing on your feet, and slowly lifting yourself up on your toes. Slowly lower yourself to your beginning position, then rock forward and backward on the heels. Another yoga stretch you can practice involves standing on a step with your heels slightly hanging off. Begin lifting your heels up and down, repeating this action. These stretches can help prevent injury by strengthening your feet and increasing their flexibility. For more advice on what yoga stretches…

The medical term for the Achilles tendon is the calcaneal tendon. It is located in the back of the leg, and connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is considered to be one of the longest tendons in the body, and is used during walking and running activities. An injury to the Achilles tendon may occur as a result of not warming up adequately before beginning an exercise program. Achilles tendonitis or a rupture can cause severe pain and discomfort. Patients may be susceptible to experiencing this type of injury with existing flat feet or tight calf muscles. There…

Patients who have pain between the toes may be experiencing a condition that is referred to as Morton’s neuroma. This condition is a result of a compressed nerve and can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, it may occur from participating in sporting activities such as running and dancing. Some patients have a foot structure that can lead to developing this ailment, and existing foot conditions including hammertoes and bunions may contribute to the onset of Morton’s neuroma. The pain and discomfort can range from a tingling to a burning sensation, and can radiate to…

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Some foot conditions can become so serious that they may require surgery as a treatment option. In order to figure out if you should have surgery performed on your feet, it’s important to consider the following: how bad your symptoms are, your needs, and how you have responded to other non-invasive treatments. The different types of foot conditions or deformities that can require surgery may include bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, and Achilles tendon injuries. The advantages of having foot surgery performed are the long-lasting results of pain relief and having better mobility and functionality of the affected foot.…

Some people may experience a condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. This ailment causes the feet to sweat excessively and can cause discomfort and embarrassment. It can occur as a result of a thyroid disorder, genetic factors, and obesity. In severe cases, sweaty feet may cause shoes to slip off, and dangerous scenarios may happen while driving if the affected foot slips off the brake. Mild cases of plantar hyperhidrosis may be treated with anti-anxiety medication. For more severe cases, surgery may be considered to clip the nerve, and permanently remove it. If you are afflicted with this…

When shoes do not fit properly friction may occur, and this can lead to pain or discomfort. While simple discomfort can be annoying, improperly fitting shoes may also cause many other foot conditions to arise. These can include corns, which are small hardened bumps of skin. Bunions, that typically cause swelling on the joint of the big toe, and depending on the severity, may require surgery for permanent removal. And lastly blisters, which is when the skin forms a bubble that is filled with fluid and this is a direct result from excess friction. One solution to managing these various…

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Research has indicated the condition known as plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The majority of patients notice the pain and discomfort is worse in the morning, and can be felt when the first steps are taken. Plantar fasciitis can occur when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This is the portion of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot, and its function is to connect the heel to the toes. When this condition develops, the pain may be managed when appropriate foot and calf stretches are performed. It can be caused by a…

The tissue that connects the heel to the calf muscles is referred to as the Achilles tendon. This tendon is responsible for the ability to walk, run, and jump, and these activities may be difficult to perform if it becomes injured or torn. This type of injury can occur as a result of exercising on an uneven surface or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, if the calf muscles are tight, the Achilles tendon may endure stress, and this can possibly lead to a rupture. Common symptoms many patients experience can include severe pain in the calf …

A common cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This condition can develop as a result of wearing certain types of shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the outer edges of the skin, and can generally cause pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms can include redness, swelling, and pus that may drain from an infected toenail. Moderate relief can be found when the impacted foot is soaked in warm water, which typically helps to soften the skin.…

Orthotics are insoles that are worn inside of shoes. They can be helpful in realigning the body when certain foot conditions are present. They are designed specifically for each patient. The process begins by having an assessment performed that can determine what type of orthotics are needed. This is followed by taking a mold of each foot to ensure a proper fit. Wearing orthotics daily may be beneficial in correcting foot conditions that can include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. If you are considering having orthotics made, please consult with a podiatrist who can help determine if this is the…

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

The field of medicine which is referred to as podiatry involves diagnosing and treating foot conditions. These can include plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, corns, and ankle injuries. Mandatory education consists of obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in a school of podiatric medicine. This program typically takes four years to complete, and then the student becomes a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) after three years of working in a residency environment. Residencies often include working at hospitals, where surgical and medical experience can be achieved. Many podiatrists can prescribe medication, perform foot and ankle surgery, and treat diabetic patients.…

Severe pain and discomfort in the joints of the big toe often accompany a medical condition known as gout. It is considered to be a form of arthritis, and can be caused by a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, eating foods that have high purine levels, or from medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. It occurs from excess uric acid levels in the blood, and forms crystals that lodge in the joints of the body. Many patients have prevented uncomfortable gout attacks by incorporating healthy foods into their daily meal plan. Additionally, it is beneficial…

Approximately one quarter of the bones in the body are located in the feet. The feet bear the weight of the body, and may fracture easier than other bones. An important goal in managing symptoms is to keep the affected foot elevated, as this may help to alleviate some of the existing swelling and pressure. It is beneficial to keep as much of the weight off of the foot as possible, which can be accomplished by using crutches. Some patients may find it helpful to wear a boot, which may help to protect and stabilize the foot as the healing process…

Patients who have developed the foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, are often aware of the severe pain and discomfort this can cause. It affects the bottom of the foot, and walking or standing for extended periods of time may become difficult. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. It can become torn and inflamed as a result of an injury, or from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Some patients have found mild relief…

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Blisters may form on your feet as your body’s defense against an injury that has occurred, such as excessive friction on the skin. Blisters normally appear as small, fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the skin. They can cause a great deal of discomfort when frequently touched or rubbed against by shoes that are worn. Blisters can develop due to ill-fitting footwear that are usually too tight. To help relieve the pain a blister can bring and reduce swelling, it’s suggested that the affected area is iced, rested, and elevated. Blisters typically drain on their own as the healing process…

There are common symptoms that many patients experience with peripheral artery disease (PAD). These can include cramping in the legs and feet while walking or exercising, foot wounds that have difficulty healing, and coldness in the feet. This condition can develop as a result of blocked arteries, and cramps are the body’s natural warning method of having inadequate blood flow. A proper diagnosis may include having a test performed that can check the blood pressure in the feet, which can be compared to the blood pressure in the arm. If there is an abnormal difference between the two, additional testing…