Items filtered by date: April 2023

There are many reasons why an individual may want to stretch their feet. For example, flexibility, mobility, and foot strength may be improved, which can make it easier to complete daily activities. There are also many different ways to stretch the feet. For example, the feet can be stretched before and after a workout. Alternatively, the feet are often stretched during yoga practice. An effective yoga stretch is known as the toe stretch. This stretch can be performed by sitting on the back of the heels with the toes stretched out horizontally on the yoga mat. If you are someone that enjoys practicing yoga, performing a toe stretch may be an easy way to incorporate foot stretches into your daily routine. If you want to learn more about toe stretching, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today, who can provide you with helpful knowledge. 

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 Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. 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 Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many moving parts each foot is made of. There are 26 bones along with several joints, tendons, and muscles that work together that enable the body to walk, run, and balance. Approximately one-quarter of all the bones that are in the body are located in the feet. Each toe has three joints, and the big toe has two joints. The calcaneus is considered to be the largest bone in the foot, and it forms the heel bone. The muscles provide the ability to move the feet, and each group of muscles provides a different function. The largest ligament in the foot is known as the plantar fascia, and it connects the heel to the toes. The Achilles tendon has the ability to provide mobility to the foot, and if an injury happens to this tendon, walking is often impaired. If you would like additional information about various components of the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can give you interesting and useful knowledge.

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.

Many jobs require employees to have adequate foot protection. Accidents may easily happen in the working environment, such as slipping on wet surfaces, being exposed to electrical hazards, or operating jack hammers. It is beneficial to choose shoes or boots that are slip resistant, and having a steel toe may be necessary for specific occupations. When purchasing shoes, it is helpful to try them on at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. It is important that the feet are properly measured and shoes are tried on before completing the purchase. It is beneficial to replace existing shoes if they become cracked, damaged, or if water has seeped into the shoes. If you would like additional information about what type of shoes to buy for your workday, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with correct knowledge.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

The Achilles tendon is located in the lower portion of the back of the leg, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel. An injury can cause this tendon to partially or completely tear and this can happen as a result of repetitive stress on the feet and ankles. This can occur from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, and the symptoms are generally immediate. These can include hearing a popping sound when the injury happens, and it is often impossible to move the ankle. Additionally, the pain is typically in the back of the leg, and it may be swollen. There is another type of Achilles tendon injury that is known as Achilles tendinitis. Some fibers are found inside this tendon, and non-insertional Achilles tendinitis occurs when the fibers in the middle of the tendon are affected. Intense physical activity may cause insertional Achilles tendinitis to happen, which affects the fibers in the lower area of the tendon. If you have developed an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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