Items filtered by date: September 2020

The majority of people will pay attention to their feet when a foot problem develops. Conditions may develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and some people find it beneficial to stretch their feet after wearing these shoes for most of the day. The heels may feel better when the calf muscles are stretched, and this is done by pressing your left shin into your right knee while on your hands and knees. Additionally, the arches may feel better when they are rolled on a tennis ball. The toes can be stretched while sitting back on the heels, and tucking the toes under. This may be beneficial in strengthening the gasping motion. Please consult with a podiatrist to learn more about effective foot stretches.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor 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 Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The peripheral nerves control several responses in the body, including the sense of touch, muscle strength, and the ability to feel pain. Neuropathy indicates a loss of sensation in the feet and fingers, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can occur as a result of existing medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. Additionally, excessive alcohol use and vitamin deficiency may lead to developing neuropathy. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can be a loss of balance, and many patients can experience shooting pain in the limbs. Research has indicated that it may be beneficial to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily regimen, and it may help to perform simple exercises that can increase muscle strength. If your feet are numb, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

We’ve all stubbed our toe, perhaps on a piece of furniture or a doorframe. Typically, the pain is severe at first but subsides after a few minutes. Sometimes, however, the injury is more serious. If a toe is broken, the pain will often become more severe over time. Symptoms of a broken toe can include swelling around the toe and foot, bruising or discoloration, a change in the shape of the toe, difficulty moving the toe, pain when walking or putting weight on the injured toe, a loss of sensation in the toe or foot, or a visible bone poking into the skin. If you suspect that you may have broken your toe, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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 and ankle needs.

The condition that is known as poor circulation can be a common ailment among patients that are diabetic. Some of the symptoms that are associated with poor circulation can include difficulty while walking, numbness or tingling in the lower extremities, and the feet may feel cold. Research has shown that people who have stopped smoking may experience an improvement in poor circulation, in addition to patients who frequently perform specific stretches and exercises. An important prevention technique can include keeping the blood sugar levels in a normal range and monitoring blood pressure. If you have signs of poor circulation in your feet and ankles, please speak to a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

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