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Toe Yoga Is an Effective Foot Stretch

Tuesday, 27 September 2022

Research has indicated that minimalist footwear is beneficial to wear while walking. This may help to improve balance and physical movement, despite the fact that many people may feel more comfortable running in cushioned shoes. The feet may maintain optimum foot health when strengthening exercises are frequently performed. These can include toe yoga, which can be done by stretching the toes in various ways. An effective stretch is done by bunching the toes together, and then stretching them as wide as possible, while having the big toe touch the ground. An additional stretch that can benefit the plantar fascia can be done while kneeling and sitting on the heels with the toes flexed against the floor or mat. There are several foot exercises and stretches that can be practiced which can help overall foot health. If you would like more information about specific stretches, please confer 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 Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Possible Relief Options for Cracked Heels

Tuesday, 20 September 2022

Excessively dry skin can lead to a foot condition known as cracked heels. The cracks can become deep if not treated promptly and these are referred to as fissures. People who develop cracked heels can have pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk. Fissures can develop as the heel endures the weight of the body and the fat pad that is found under the skin can flatten out. This foot condition can develop in patients who wear shoes with an open back or stand for the majority of the day. Additionally, obesity may play a significant role in the development of cracked heels as well as existing medical conditions. These conditions might include dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Treatment methods can consist of limiting the amount of standing that is done on hard or uneven surfaces and it can help to apply a good moisturizer. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, please consult with a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options and prevention methods.

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 Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. 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.

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Osteoarthritis of the Foot

Tuesday, 13 September 2022

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It attacks the cartilage and reduces the cushioning between the bones, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The foot has 26 bones, and each of the 30 joints that connect them contain cartilage that can become compromised by osteoarthritis. Most cases of osteoarthritis is the result of an injury, either to a ligament or to a bone. Because osteoarthritis is a chronic condition and cannot be cured, the only remedies are to treat the symptoms, in addition to making a few lifestyle changes. Range of motion and foot stretching exercises are recommended. Losing weight and following a healthy diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium can help reduce both inflammation and pain. A podiatrist can offer more information on treating osteoarthritis in your feet, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, arthroscopic or joint replacement surgery may be an option. It is a good idea to make an appointment today for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

Swelling
Pain
Stiffness
Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
Age – Risk increases with age
Gender –Most types are more common in women
Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot Pain May Be Indicative of Lupus

Wednesday, 07 September 2022

Foot pain and limited mobility may be indicators of a systemic disease called lupus. The symptoms may be like those of arthritis, and can affect the tissue structures in the foot and ankle. Additional signs of lupus include pain and swelling in the joints of the feet, skin lesions, and tenderness. Lupus is a chronic disorder, and the percentage of people who have accompanying foot pain is high. In severe cases, foot pain from lupus may lead to vasculitis and possible toe amputation. The ankle is often affected with this condition, and may cause considerable disability. This may lead to difficulty in completing daily activities, and lupus is considered to be a high risk condition concerning the feet. Patients may have difficulty with proper shoe fitting, and this may be a result of increased pressure on the feet from musculoskeletal dysfunction. If you are suffering from foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the source of the pain, and offer treatment recommendations.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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