Many people experience foot pain occasionally, or perhaps on a daily basis. It can occur for various reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from having an abnormal foot structure. Additionally, heel pain can be a common problem for patients, which can be indicative of a heel spur or plantar fasciitis. Stretching the heel can be done easily by standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. This may also be helpful in relieving arch pain. There are several muscles in the feet which move the toes, and stretching them may help to keep them flexible. The probability of developing hammertoe may decrease when the toes are frequently stretched. Performing these stretches can keep the toes from curling, which is the noticeable symptom in hammertoe. If you would like to learn about additional stretching techniques for the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.

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 Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who enjoy running and jogging are aware of how a running injury can interrupt this hobby. The importance of preventing running injuries ranks high among runners, and there are effective methods that can accomplish this. It is beneficial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which may help to prevent foot cramps. Stretching before and after running is effective in keeping the muscles limber, in addition to wearing running shoes that fit correctly. Many runners find it is better for their body to gradually change running surfaces, if desired, and to recover for an adequate amount of time. There are several types of running injuries, which may be prevented by taking care of the body. If you would like more information about how to do this, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can present you with effective tips on how to prevent running injuries.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Swelling in the ankles, also known as edema, is not uncommon and has many causes. A sprained ankle is one of the most common causes of a swollen ankle, as are sitting for prolonged periods, airplane travel, pregnancy, and obesity. Certain medications may contribute to swelling in the ankles. Among them are medication for blood pressure, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-allergy remedies. Certain hormonal therapy drugs and antidepressants may also generate swelling in the ankle. More seriously, swollen ankles can be caused by a number of underlying health conditions such as a blocked lymphatic system, arthritis, and blood clots. Preeclampsia, a common and potentially dangerous condition among pregnant women, can be indicated by a sudden swelling in the ankles. Congestive heart failure, as well as liver or kidney dysfunction, are other serious causes of swollen ankles. If you are unsure what is causing swelling in the ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough exam.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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
• 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 our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.