Items filtered by date: April 2022

The benefits of frequently performing foot exercises can contribute to staying independent and mobile. The feet are the foundation of the body, and proper foot health can positively affect the overall body. There are specific foot exercises that can improve range of motion, and this may help to improve arthritis, cramping, and tingling that can happen in the feet. Strong feet can help to protect the ankles, and it can be beneficial to wear shoes that are supportive. Some patients find it helpful to place a thick blanket on the floor, followed by walking back and forth on it. Additionally, the foot can become stronger by rolling it on a tennis ball for several minutes. If you would like more information about exercising the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have. 

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 Ultimate Foot Care . 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 Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Exercise for Your Feet
Wednesday, 20 April 2022 00:00

Dealing With Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are dry, thick skin that forms on the heels of the feet. It is an unsightly look and can be uncomfortable. Cracked heels or calluses can develop when the fat pad under the heels of your feet expands while walking. This condition can also result from standing for prolonged periods of time, walking barefoot, taking hot showers, using products that strip the skin of its natural oils, or from severe weather conditions. One can try moisturizing home remedies, such as a honey and water scrub or olive oil or petroleum jelly gently massaged into the feet. If the problem persists or worsens, an appointment with a podiatrist should be made to be evaluated and to receive the appropriate treatment.

 

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 Ultimate Foot Care . 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 Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels

Poor circulation in the feet may be indicative of serious medical issues in the body. It happens when there isn't enough blood being carried to the feet, and generally develops from blocked arteries. Additional reasons may include smoking, an unhealthy diet, or sitting and standing for extended periods of time. Common symptoms many patients notice include cold feet, a numbing or tingling sensation, pain while walking. Noticeable signs of poor circulation can consist of dry skin, swollen feet, and the toes may look discolored. Mild relief may be found when a gentle exercise program is practiced, elevating the legs as often as possible, and it can help to wear compression stockings. If you have any of these symptoms, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage poor circulation.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Read more about Causes Symptoms and Treatment for Poor Circulation in the Feet
Tuesday, 05 April 2022 00:00

What Causes a Bunion to Form?

While the exact cause of a bunion is not always apparent, their bony disfigurement is hard to miss. Genetics are believed to sometimes play a role in the development of a bunion. Many consider gout and rheumatoid arthritis as a possible link to certain bunions that have formed, as well as abnormal foot structures such as flat feet, flexible joints, loose ligaments, and more. Tight, pointy high heels and other types of ill-fitting footwear may worsen a structural abnormality and increase the likelihood of a bunion forming. Standing for prolonged periods of time can also worsen bunion symptoms. Podiatrists deal with bunions every day and have various techniques for correcting them, depending upon how far along the deformity has progressed. Don’t delay in making an appointment with a podiatrist to have your feet examined if you have redness, swelling, soreness, an existing bony bump, or a bump that’s beginning to form at the joint of your big toe.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

Read more about Bunions
Sunday, 03 April 2022 00:00

We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain

Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.

Connect With Us