July 2019

Feet are the workhorses of the body, taking about 5,000 steps per day. On top of that, we cram them into shoes and stand on them for most of the day. Luckily, there are some ways to take care of your feet and protect them from the wear and tear of the day. Some foot therapy you can do includes checking them daily for cuts and sores, cleaning them in warm water, moisturizing with lotion or a cream, wearing comfortable well-fitting shoes, and trimming your toenails. If you would like to know how to take better care of your feet, visit with a podiatrist to discuss the best ways to do it.
 

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors 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 Victoria, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The plantar fascia is located on the bottom of the foot. It is a band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and if it should become damaged and inflamed, a condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may develop. Common symptoms that are associated with this ailment often include severe pain and discomfort, and it may cause difficulty in walking. It typically originates from overuse from running activities, or as a result of being overweight. Relief may be found when specific stretches are performed that will strengthen the plantar fascia. These consist of stretching the calf, which may be helpful in relieving muscle tightness in the Achilles tendon and heel area. Some patients find it beneficial to roll the arch of the foot on a tennis or golf ball, in addition to pointing and flexing the foot. If you have heel pain, please consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is correct for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

The medical condition that is referred to as tarsal tunnel syndrome, or TTS, can cause pain and discomfort on the inside of the ankle. It often occurs as a result of nerve damage, which may lead to inflammation. Patients who run or exercise for extended periods of time may gradually experience this type of nerve damage, or it may come from enduring a traumatic injury. Mild relief may be felt by gently stretching the surrounding muscles and tendons, in addition to resting and elevating the affected ankle. This may help to diminish a portion of the swelling. In severe cases, taping the ankle or wearing a brace may provide adequate support as the ankle heals. If you feel you have this condition, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can offer the correct treatment options for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Many people experience painful foot conditions as the aging process occurs. Standing and walking for the majority of the day can put unwanted pressure on the feet, so there are measures that can be taken which may help to prevent foot ailments. These can include wearing shoes that fit correctly, and making sure there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. When the feet are frequently moisturized, uncomfortable skin conditions may be avoided. Additionally, people who stand for extended periods of time may benefit from performing gentle stretching techniques throughout the work day. Trimming the toenails correctly can aid in preventing ingrown toenails and practicing good foot hygiene can help the feet to feel good. If you would like additional information about proper foot care, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

The medical term for toenail fungus is onychomycosis. This type of fungus typically lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, which often include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. It is considered to be contagious, and appropriate shoes should be worn while in these areas. There may be existing medical conditions that precede the development of toenail fungus. These can include diabetes, a weakened immune system, or a possible skin injury around the nail and surrounding areas. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition often include yellow or white streaks on the nail, brittleness of the nail, and some patients may lose the nail. If you notice symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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