A toe squat is a yoga pose that can be used to stretch the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. To do this pose, sit on your heels with your feet together. Tuck your toes underneath, so that your weight is on the balls of your feet rather than on your toes. Hold for several seconds. If this stretch is too challenging, you can modify it to suit your needs. If holding the pose for more than a few seconds is too difficult, take a break by standing up on your knees or leaning forward onto your hands. If you are unable to sit on your heels, place a blanket on top of your heels so you can sit on something. If you have knee pain, place a rolled-up towel behind the knees. For more information about stretching the feet, please consult with a podiatrist. 

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 Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arthritis, especially in older adults, brings with it a chance of problems that can affect your feet and your overall health. A loss of blood supply to your lower extremities can cause numbness. Your skin can become thinner, and your feet can change shape, which may increase the chance of wounds, or ulceration, and slow the healing process. Because of this, preventing wounds can be an important part of your foot care health plan. Preventative measures include keeping your feet clean and dry, moisturizing them, and avoiding wearing socks that are too tight. If you discover a foot wound, avoid touching it, wash and pat dry the affected area, and loosely cover it with sterile gauze. If after taking these precautions, you notice that it is still not healing or has become infected, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can examine the problem and suggest further treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. 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

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate 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 Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If standing or walking for long periods causes a pain on the outside of your ankle, you may have sinus tarsi syndrome. The sinus tarsi is a kind of tunnel between two other foot bones that contains ligaments, muscle, nerves, blood vessels and fat. When it gets pinched, it causes pain in front of and below the pointy bone on the outside of your ankle, which is actually the end of the fibula. Swelling and pain when rotating your foot outward are also symptoms. Sinus tarsi syndrome is common in people who have previously sprained an ankle. Non-operative treatments include stopping the activity that is causing the pain, wearing more comfortable shoes and an ankle brace, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and getting corticosteroid injections. An X-ray or digital imaging test from a podiatrist is suggested for a full examination and diagnosis of your foot and ankle. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot consists of 26 bones. When one or more of these bones are broken, it is known as a foot fracture. Although it may sound frightening, a broken foot is not always an emergency. Whether or not you should rush to the ER depends on the severity of the injury. If you are experiencing mild pain, swelling, and bruising, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. If, however, you have moderate to severe pain, swelling, bruising, visible deformity, numbness, coldness, or discoloration in the injured foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek emergency treatment. For more information about foot fractures, please consult with a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.