Items filtered by date: September 2024

Maintaining strong and balanced feet is essential for overall stability and mobility. One effective exercise is toe raises, which involves lifting your heels off the ground while standing on your toes to strengthen the calf muscles and improve balance. Another beneficial exercise is the toe and heel walk, where you walk on your toes for a few steps and then switch to walking on your heels. This helps enhance both strength and coordination. Foot doming is also useful. While sitting, try to create an arch in your foot by lifting the middle of the foot and keeping your toes and heel on the ground. Lastly, resistance band exercises like pulling the band with your toes while seated, can strengthen the foot’s intrinsic muscles. If you have sustained an injury due to weak foot muscles, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer the correct treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Using a cane properly is vital for maintaining balance and mobility, especially when recovering from foot or ankle injuries or after surgery. Selecting the right cane is important, and the choice typically depends on how much support you require. A cane should be held in the hand opposite your weaker leg to provide optimal stability. When walking, advance the cane and your weaker leg simultaneously. This allows the cane to absorb some of the pressure. Ensure the cane is adjusted to your height, with the handle level with your wrist and your elbow slightly bent. For additional safety, always plant the cane firmly on the ground before putting your weight on it. Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid tripping hazards, but try to look forward when you walk. Proper technique for using a cane is essential to prevent strain and further injury. If you foot conditions that require using a cane, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Foot orthotics offer significant advantages for older patients, addressing common issues associated with aging. As people age, they often experience changes in foot structure, such as reduced arch support and increased risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Custom foot orthotics can provide the necessary support and cushioning to alleviate discomfort, improve balance, and enhance overall mobility. By redistributing pressure and correcting misalignments, orthotics can help prevent falls and reduce pain from age-related foot problems. Additionally, they can support proper gait, making walking easier and safer. For older adults, investing in well-designed foot orthotics can lead to increased comfort, greater independence, and a better quality of life by addressing specific foot issues and promoting healthier foot function. If you are elderly and have foot conditions or are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if orthotics are right for you.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Dry skin on the feet is a common issue that is often overlooked until it becomes uncomfortable. Our feet endure daily wear and tear, and without proper care, they can easily develop dry, rough skin. The primary causes include lack of moisture, excessive pressure from walking or standing, exposure to harsh elements, and wearing non-breathable footwear. Additionally, medical conditions like diabetes or eczema can contribute to dryness. To take care of dry skin on feet, it is essential to moisturize daily using a thick, hydrating cream, especially after bathing. Exfoliating regularly can help remove dead skin cells, allowing better absorption of moisture. Wearing breathable shoes and socks, staying hydrated, and avoiding hot showers can also prevent further dryness. If dryness persists or cracks develop, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for specialized care.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Pronation and supination are movements that describe how your feet interact with the ground as you walk or run, significantly affecting your overall alignment and posture. Pronation refers to the inward roll of your foot during movement, while supination involves an outward roll. Ideally, your foot should move through a neutral position, balancing weight evenly across your foot. However, excessive pronation or supination can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and even your lower back. Overpronation often flattens the foot’s arch, causing strain. Excessive supination increases pressure on the outer edge of the foot, potentially leading to shin splints or plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can assess your gait, identify abnormal patterns, and recommend custom orthotics or specific footwear to correct these imbalances. If you often experience foot problems, especially after exercise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, gait analysis, and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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