Items filtered by date: December 2018

Many people have experienced foot and ankle injuries and may be familiar with physical therapy as a form of positive foot therapy. It may contribute in providing the desired relief, which may be needed from uncomfortable foot conditions that may include plantar fasciitis or foot and ankle fractures. This type of therapy may be conducive in restoring joint mobility, much needed muscle strength, in addition to improvements in walking. These types of injuries may originate from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles. Additionally, foot therapy may be useful in recovering from foot or ankle surgery. If you have endured a serious injury to your foot, ankle, or surrounding areas, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can recommend the best form of therapy for you.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

Many people who enjoy walking barefoot or wearing flip-flops during the summer months may be surprised to learn that there may be consequences that can follow as a result of this. The skin may become dry, calluses may possibly form, and fissures in the skin of the heels, known as cracked heels, may develop. If the cracks in the skin should bleed, severe pain, discomfort, and infection may accompany this condition. There may be remedies that can be practiced to prevent and relieve extremely dry skin, and these may include washing and drying the feet thoroughly followed by utilizing a good moisturizer. At this point, it is suggested to wear socks while sleeping for the night, and this may aid in healing painful fissures. If you would like additional information about how to treat cracked heels, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can discuss the best options for you.

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 Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor 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 Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who enjoy the sport of running understand the importance of choosing the right type of running shoe. This may aid in keeping the muscles and joints healthy and may maximize the benefits of running. The feet have different functions when walking and running are practiced and it’s important to choose the correct shoe. Running is a high impact exercise and the feet will generally absorb three times the weight of the body. People who enjoy walking will notice the body’s weight is much more evenly distributed between the feet and the legs and may benefit by choosing shoes with adequate arch support. When deciding on a running shoe, you may notice the sole is stiffer and there is more cushioning in the heel area. Additionally, they tend to be generally lighter in weight than walking shoes, which may aid the runner to have faster mobility. If you would like additional information about the differences between walking and running shoes, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

If you notice a small area on your foot filled with fluid, you may have what is referred to as a blister. The fluid acts as a natural barrier that protects the new skin from any damage or injury that may occur. Friction is generally the main cause of blisters developing on the feet and may form as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight. Other causes of blisters may originate from an insect bite, or skin conditions that may include impetigo, chickenpox or a sunburn. Research has shown the importance of letting the blister drain on its own, and this may prevent an infection from developing. There may be ways to prevent blisters from forming, and these may include wearing footwear that fits properly, dusting your feet with powder, which may aid in absorbing excess sweat, or using sunscreen. Most blisters will heal on their own, but if you are experiencing a blister that keeps reoccurring or not healing properly, it is suggested to speak with podiatrist who can advise you on proper treatment and prevention techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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