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Home Blog (Page 51)

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Person performing foot exercise using a massage ball for foot health.
25Aug

Person performing foot exercise using a massage ball for foot health.

Our feet move us around all day, yet we less often care about what we wear, the surfaces we walk on, and when it comes to self-care, the feet get the least attention. Most people have experienced one kind of foot problem, and it impacts on your health and the quality of your life. Unfortunately, you are likely to suffer social, physical, and psychological afflictions because of foot dysfunction. Be a good friend to your feet, avoid harmful habits, and promote foot exercises for happy, healthy feet.

Foot Exercises

They keep the feet strong, improve their flexibility and overall health. The muscles at the feet and ankles provide support, and regular exercising and stretching ensure healthy, strong muscles. The exercises keep you strong and in motion for long. Most exercises do not require complicated equipment and they can be done at home as a routine.

Toe raise, point, and curl

Step 1: Sit up straight with the feet flat on the floor, then raise the heels and keep your toes on the floor. Let the balls of the feet remain on the ground and hold the position for at least 5 seconds before lowering them.

Step 2: Raise the heels and leave the tip of the toes touching the floor. Hold for 5 seconds and lower the feet.

Step 3: Raise the heel and curl the toes inwards, and the tips of the toes remain on the floor and hold of five seconds. Repeat each for about ten times to build mobility and flexibility.

Foot Drop Exercises

Foot drop is the inability to raise the feet due to paralysis and nerve weakness. Foot drop is not a condition, but it can be a symptom of a foot condition. Foot drop can cause one to drag their toes when walking because it is difficult to lift the front of your foot. The underlying condition causing foot drop must be treated to improve foot motion. The exercises strengthen the muscles of the lower foot, and ankle and improve the foot drop condition.

Towel stretches

Sit on the floor with both legs in front of you straight. Then loop a towel or an exercise band around the foot and hold the ends. Pull the towel towards your body hold for 30 seconds, then stop. Repeat this exercise three times.

Plantar Fasciitis Exercises

Plantar fasciitis is common with people who engage in physical activities and pregnant women because of increased pressure on the plantar fascia ligament, causing inflammation and pain. Plantar fasciitis stretches help soothe pain on the feet.

  1. While sitting up straight, roll the foot back and forth over an ice-cold can or a frozen water bottle. Roll each foot for one minute and switch to the other foot.
  2. Cross one leg over the other. Grab the big toe and pull gently towards you and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat this three times on the same foot before switching to the other foot.

Foot exercises help you maintain happy feet and if you have questions about the right kind of exercise for your foot, reach out to a foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Close-up of a foot showing a swollen, inflamed joint typical of gout.
13Aug

Ankle Gout

Gout usually affects the feet and is a complex form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid. Its characterized by severe attacks to the joints causing tenderness, redness, swelling, and pain especially, the big toe joint. Gout in the foot treatment is important because it slowly harms tissues around the inflamed area.

Gout Symptoms

The symptoms might happen suddenly, especially at night.

  • Intense joint pain within the first 12 hours, which can occur in any joint, but mainly affects the big toe. Other joints affected include wrists, knees, ankles, fingers, and elbows.
  • Discomfort. After the initial pain attack subsides, you will experience discomfort for a few days or weeks. The pain attacks may reoccur and last longer and affect more joints.
  • The inflamed joints are red, swollen, warm, and tender.
  • Problems moving your joints normally.

Gout Pain Relief

  1. You can take over-the-counter prescription or NSAIDs at the onset of the initial attack. When buying over the counter drugs, avoid aspirin because it contains acetylsalicylic acid that worsens gout. Discuss with your doctor before continuing with the over-the-counter drugs, to avoid other potential side effects such as increased blood pressure.
  2. Take prescribed drugs by your physician. Some prescribed drugs include colchicine and prednisolone taken as oral tablets.
  3. Apply ice to the inflamed joint throughout the day for about 20 minutes a time. It dulls pain signals and decreases inflammation.
  4. Rest the affected joint to reduce pain and ease the pressure. Prop the foot up with a footstool or a pillow.
  5. Keep your feet comfortable to get some Gout pain relief. Wear roomy slippers or footwear to keep pressure off until the pain subsides.
  6. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day to remove uric acid from your body system. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol that can make gout worse.

Should I Walk with Gout?

Gout attack lasts from three and ten days, and it can take a few months before it happens. It is common to find it difficult to walk or stand after an attack because of swelling and pain. Keeping mobile can be painful however, to others, it eases the pain. Feel energized and increase your range of motion and exercise to reduce weight. Having excess weight leads to excess uric acid in the body. Physical activity should be part of your life. It is difficult to walk on the usual shoes because of swelling and pain. Bigger footwear will give you comfort while walking and standing.

  • Aerobic exercises boost endurance and increases the heart race.
  • Flexibility exercise improves your range of motion.
  • Strengthening exercise increases the strength of the joints by lifting weights and resistance exercises.

A vital part of effective gout treatment is you will be forced to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of gout attacks. If you experience symptoms of gout, visit a doctor for gout treatment because, if left untreated for long, it will lead to joint damage and frequent gout attacks. If you are dealing with gout in the foot, you may want to seek help from a foot and ankle doctor. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Close-up of elderly foot with skin issues, being examined by a healthcare professional.
2Aug

elderly foot care

How significant is elderly foot care? Elderly foot self-care is difficult due to internal factors related to aging and physical factors such as changes in nail structure. Poor foot health is not only by aging, but there might be some underlying health conditions. Foot health is promoted and maintained through self-care. Foot problems are prevalent in older people, but women are likely to suffer more. There has been an emphasis on people to adapt to their lifestyles and take control of their health to reduce the chances of developing aging health effects. With age, the fatty padding in the feet wears down, and the feet become wide as they flatten. These cause a simple injury to the feet, impair their function.

Senior Foot Care Tips

  1. Keep the feet clean

Elderly feet need thorough cleaning several times a week. The cleaning is done outside the bathroom to maintain good foot hygiene and prevent bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

Use soap, warm water, and a washcloth. Cleaning the feet at night promotes relaxation.

  1. Moisturize the feet

The older we get, our skin becomes drier, leaving it vulnerable to open sores from breaking, cracking, and flaking of the skin. After thorough washing and drying the feet, use foot lotions that lock in moisture to keep the skin soft and supple.

  1. Toenail cutting for the elderly

Overgrown toenails interfere with stable walking. Toe trimming is an important practice for feet care. Nail care for the elderly can be done at home, but if they are paranoid or uncomfortable its best to visit a podiatrist since they offer elderly foot care services. The latter is encouraged, especially if the senior has underlying health conditions that may affect their feet. Visiting a podiatrist ensures feet problems are detected and dealt with in time.

If you are dealing with an elderly loved one with foot issues, you may want to seek help from a foot and ankle doctor. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale, can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

  1. Proper fitting footwear

Improper footwear has been identified as a major contributor to falls among seniors. The health of the feet is impacted by the footwear one wears. Shoes are important for security and balance when walking. Too tight or loose shoes can rub on the feet, causing blisters, sores, and other foot ailments which can easily impair your ability to walk.

The footwear should be comfortable to support your arch type and the heel should not be higher than 1 inch.

  1. Foot exercises

Seniors do not move around a lot, so foot exercises are the way to go. Encourage exercises that promote ankle flexibility and balance.

  1. Encourage wearing of socks

Seniors have poor circulation in their feet, so encourage wearing of breathable cotton socks for warmth and comfort.

Foot self-care and self-management should be encouraged to prevent foot problems for seniors. The elderly need to be advised, supported, and educated on how to maintain healthy feet. It is vital to visit a foot care professional regularly for medical pedicures and examination of the feet with recommendations on best foot-care practices.

Highlighted Achilles tendons showing injury or strain in the lower legs.
20Jul

achillesTendon

Experiencing pain or swelling in the posterior aspect of the ankle is a sign of Achilles tendon disorder. The Achilles tendon is susceptible to damage since it is the largest tendon with a limited supply of blood and subject to a lot of pressure. The two causes of Achilles tendon disorders are increased activity and aging. The onset of the disorder can be gradual or sudden, but either way, the healing process is lengthy. A medical practitioner does a thorough physical examination and medical history for appropriate diagnosis and Achilles tendonitis treatment plan. When the proper treatment is administered, it leads to full recovery.

Achilles tendon pain

Pain associated with the Achilles tendon often begins with mild pain above the heel or back of the leg after an activity such as running. After some time, you might experience more severe pain after prolonged activity. You might also notice stiffness or tenderness in the morning, which vanishes with mild activity. If you are dealing with Achilles tendon pain, you may want to seek help from a foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

One of the main symptoms of Achilles tendon disorders is the sore Achilles and buildup of pain. Soreness is noticeable a few centimeters above the heel bone. The lower leg can feel weak, stiff, and slow.

Achilles tendon rupture

If you overstretch, the Achilles tendon might partially or completely rupture. If it is an achilles tendon rupture, you might hear a pop sound followed by an immediate sharp pain at the back of the ankle. Your ability to walk will be affected while some people might get well through nonsurgical treatment, a ruptured tendon can be corrected through surgery.

Achilles tendonitis treatment

A prolonged tendon disorder may require long term treatment or surgery. Seeking treatment right away is very important, but it is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions for quick recovery. It might take a few months to recover fully from surgery.

Some disorders can go away following proper care, but if you continue putting pressure on the tendon it will take longer to heal. It is important to rest, ice, compress and elevate which is the RICE method.

Rest: whenever possible, avoid pressure on your tendons, sit, or sleep, and you might use crutches for long distances. The injury heals faster if no additional strain is put on the tendon.

Ice: apply ice several times for 15 to 20 minutes a day. This reduces inflammation and swelling fast.

Compression: compress the injury by wrapping an athletic tape or bandage or clothing. The wrapping should not be too tight to limit blood flow.

Elevation: to keep the swelling down, raise your foot above your chest when lying down. Use a pillow or a raised surface to achieve this.

Surgery:

If treatment and other interventions are ineffective, the doctor may suggest surgical intervention, especially if the condition worsens. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor might recommend a few surgery options.

In case you fear of complications of Achilles tendon disorder due to severe pain, disabling your ability to carry on normal activity you need to visit a doctor. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our Houston, TX office can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for treating all foot or ankle related issues.

Pregnant woman's swollen feet and ankles on wooden floor.
15Jul

swollenfeetYou are already conscious of your pregnancy then you have swollen feet, it’s frustrating. The feet swelling might get worse if the due date is near, or during warm weather and in the evenings. Mild swelling is not a cause for concern, but sudden swelling to the hands and face signify a more serious underlying condition. When you notice extreme swelling, please consult a  health professional. Feet swelling, or edema, is prevalent around 22 to 27 weeks of the pregnancy sometimes until the due date.

Causes of swollen feet during pregnancy

Feet swelling during pregnancy occur because of increased body fluids, increased blood flow, and pressure from the growing uterus. All these are meant to nurture the baby and can lead to swelling. Consult a health professional if you notice excessive swelling of the feet and face accompanied by elevated blood pressure, protein in the urine, and rapid weight gain.

Swollen feet after birth (Postpartum edema)

Excess fluids in the body after childbirth can lead to postpartum swelling. When you near the due date, the body prepares for birth by retaining water to adapt to the baby’s growth. After childbirth, the body naturally eliminates the fluids. During the first week after pregnancy, the body flushes the excess water out, however this varies depending on the ability to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and having plenty of rest. The outer layer of the feet might be puffy or shiny.

 

When is postpartum edema alarming? If you experience headaches and intense pain in the feet, it is time to see the doctor. Also, if you notice pain in one area or on one foot, you need a physician to look at the possibility of a blood clot.

If you are dealing with swollen feet during or after pregnancy, you may want to seek help from a foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale, can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Dealing with feet swelling during pregnancy

Swollen feet pregnancy and after pregnancy means taking extra care to avoid complications. These are some simple steps that will go a long way relieving.

  • Avoid long periods of standing.
  • Hold up your feet while sitting.
  • Take time to stretch every few minutes.
  • The left side acclaimed as the precise resting position.
  • When possible, wear stockings for support.
  • Exercise regularly, try walking and swimming.
  • Lack of fluids causes the body to retain fluid in the body; increase the intake of fluids and water throughout the day.
  • Wear comfortable shoes such as orthotic shoes and inserts.
  • Moderate your salt intake.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our Houston, TX office will handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for treating all foot and ankle related issues.

Illustration of nervous system with affected hands and feet in peripheral neuropathy.
5Jul

Illustration of nervous system with affected hands and feet in peripheral neuropathy.

The peripheral nervous system is responsible for sending information to the central nervous system (spinal cord) and the brain. Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the peripheral nerves and nerves outside the brain. The cause of neuropathy can be because of infections, exposure to toxins, traumatic injuries, inherited causes, and metabolic problems. These cause pain, numbness, and weakness, especially in the feet and hands.

Cause of neuropathy

Different health conditions causing peripheral neuropathy include

  • Diabetes patients are more likely to develop a kind of neuropathy.
  • Autoimmune diseases such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
  • Inherited disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
  • Bacterial and viral infections including hepatitis B and C, Lyme disease, HIV, shingles, leprosy, Epstein-Barr virus, and diphtheria.
  • Bone marrow disorders, a form of bone cancer, abnormal protein in the blood, the rare disease amyloidosis, and lymphoma.
  • Connective tissue disorders, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and liver disease.
  • Other causes of neuropathies include alcoholism, medications, trauma to the nerve, pressure on the nerve, exposure to poisons, and vitamins B and E deficiencies.

If you are dealing with a nerve pain in your legs, you may want to seek help from a foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy

The doctor first conducts a full medical history, including your family history of neurological disease, drinking habits, lifestyle, and exposure to toxins. The doctor can then recommend a neurological examination to check your sensations, nerve pain in legs, tendon reflexes, muscle tone and strength, coordination, and posture.

Tests used for diagnosis include

  • Imaging test- MRI or CT scans to check for abnormalities such as tumors and herniated disks.
  • Blood tests that effectively detect diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and abnormal immune function.
  • Nerve function tests – In this test, a thin needle is inserted into the muscles to record the electrical activity of the muscle.
  • Skin biopsy where a small portion of the skin is tested for the reduction of nerve endings.
  • Nerve biopsy involves removing a small portion of the nerve to check for nerve abnormalities through a sensory nerve.
  • Other nerve function tests include an autonomic reflex screen which records how the nerve fibers work, a sweat test to determine the body’s sweating ability, and sensory test to record reactions to different senses such as heat, cooling, touch, and vibration.

Treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet

If you are experiencing burning feet because of neuropathy, it is very important to stop the nerve damage. Treatment of underlying diseases can improve the symptoms of neuropathy, but if not the doctor can focus on treating the symptoms. Some medications that can be administered to relieve symptoms include

Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve mild symptoms, but for severe symptoms, the doctor can prescribe medications.

Anti-seizure medications: these are used to treat epilepsy and very handy in relieving nerve pain.

Topical treatments: this includes the use of capsaicin cream, which contains a substance found in hot pepper. It reduces irritation and burning skin when applied and the symptoms lessen over time. Other topical treatments include lidocaine patch applied to the skin for pain relief.

Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline and doxepin relieve pain by interfering with the chemical processes spinal cord and brain. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, duloxetine, serotonin, and venlafaxine are extended-release antidepressants that ease pain likely caused by diabetes.

Therapies

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) – A gentle electric current is administered at varying frequencies on the skin. This should be about 30 minutes for about a month.

Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin –beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions because it suppresses the immune system activity. Plasma exchange, your blood is removed, and anti-bodies and proteins removed from it then returned to the body. In immune globulin therapy, the body receives immunoglobulins, which work as antibodies.

Physical therapy– This improves movements and aids can be used such as foot and hand braces, a walker, cane, among others.

Surgery– if the condition is due to pressure on nerves from tumors.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our Houston, TX office can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for treating all foot neuropathy related issues.