Foot pain can be caused by various factors such as tight muscles, plantar fasciitis, or overuse. To alleviate discomfort, stretching the feet can be a highly effective solution. One of the simplest stretches is the toe stretch, where you sit and pull your toes gently towards your shin, helping to release tension in the foot’s arch and toes. Another effective stretch is the calf stretch, which involves standing facing a wall, placing one foot behind the other, and leaning into the wall to stretch the calf muscles, which can often contribute to foot pain. The plantar fascia stretch can be done by sitting and using a towel or band around the foot to pull the toes back toward you. Regularly incorporating these stretches can help relieve foot pain, improve flexibility, and prevent future discomfort. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective foot stretches.

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 Diagnostic Foot Specialists. 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 contact our offices located in Houston, TX, Houston, TX, and Bryan, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The foot is a complex structure of bones, joints, and ligaments that work together to absorb shock and propel the body forward while running. Each step places up to three times your body weight on your feet, making them vital for balance and stability. Movements such as eversion, where the foot rolls outward, and inversion, where it rolls inward, help adapt to different surfaces and maintain proper alignment. Overuse or improper running form can strain these bones and lead to injuries. A podiatrist can assess your gait, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment for pain or instability. If you have foot or ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective running form tips.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Diagnostic Foot Specialists. 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 offices located in Houston, TX, Houston, TX, and Bryan, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis that affects the big toe joint, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain during movement. As the condition progresses, bending the toe becomes more difficult, making it challenging to walk, run, or even stand for long periods. Many people also notice a bony bump on the top of the joint that worsens with wearing tight shoes. Early management focuses on reducing stress on the joint with supportive footwear, stiff soled shoes, or custom orthotics. Anti-inflammatory medication can ease pain, while stretching exercises may help maintain some mobility. In advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to restore or replace joint function. Addressing symptoms promptly can slow progression and improve daily comfort. If you have pain and stiffness in your big toe joint, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact One of our podiatrists of Diagnostic Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Houston, TX, Houston, TX, and Bryan, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are slow healing wounds that appear on the feet of individuals with diabetes and can become a very serious health issue. Almost a quarter of all individuals diagnosed with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their life. There are several types of diabetic foot ulcers, and knowing which type you have can help determine the most effective treatment. Neuropathic ulcers occur when nerve damage from diabetic neuropathy prevents the patient with diabetes from feeling pain from an injury. This allows the wound to progress before you are even aware of it, increasing the risk of infection. Ischemic ulcers may be caused by a lack of blood flow to the feet. These types of ulcers are often difficult to heal. Neuroischemic ulcers are the most difficult to heal and occur in individuals who have both neuropathy and poor circulation. Infected wounds occur in half of diabetic patients with foot ulcers, and require close medical attention. If you have diabetic foot ulcers, it is highly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you look after your wounds and prevent severe complications.  

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with One of our podiatrists from Diagnostic Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Houston, TX, Houston, TX, and Bryan, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.