Foot massages can be a useful and important component of a foot therapy routine. Foot massages can have a range of potential benefits. Not only might such massages improve blood circulation, but they could also be an effective form of stress relief. Foot massages usually begin with the washing and drying of the feet. It is important to additionally apply lotion and moisturizer to the feet following the wash. Then, you can hold the foot with both hands, using small circular movements to gently apply pressure to the toes. You might massage down the arch of the foot and then up the heel and ankle. You might also want to loosen the joints of your feet in your ankle and toes by gently moving them in circles. Following the massage, you may find that you have a better sense of balance when walking and moving. Of course, foot massages are only one kind of foot therapy that you may benefit from. For more information on foot massages and their benefits, contact a podiatrist.
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 Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Falling down a flight of stairs can cause many injuries, some quite serious. It is not uncommon for a person to take such a fall and sustain a foot or ankle fracture. Since other injuries, like dangerous and life-threatening head injuries, can occur from falling, it is imperative that falls be carefully evaluated and treated promptly. An ankle sprain is when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint stretch or tear. Foot and ankle fractures are breaks in bones. With either of these, pain will be intense, and walking will be difficult, if not impossible. The foot or ankle will likely become swollen, and bruising may appear. Practice safety tips when climbing up or down steps. Use a handrail with at least one hand. If the stairs are in your home, try covering them with a non- slippery surface, such as carpet. Make sure the stairs are well lit and free of objects that could pose as falling hazards. If you should fall on stairs and injure your feet, contact a podiatrist who can examine your ankle, determine whether it is a sprain or fracture, and provide appropriate treatment options.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Individuals that suffer from obesity are naturally at a higher risk of experiencing a variety of foot ailments and foot pain. One important link between obesity and foot health that every parent should be aware of is the relationship between childhood obesity and flat feet. When an individual has flat feet, their entire soles rest flush against the ground and lack an arch. Although a flat foot does not always cause symptoms, the condition can cause foot pain and eventually contribute to back pain. Scientific studies have demonstrated that obese children were more likely to exhibit flat feet than other non-obese children. Experts have identified two potential explanations for this phenomenon. First, obese children may simply have more fat padding on the bottoms of their feet. And second, obese children may have sunken arches because of the extra weight that they exert on their feet. If your child suffers from obesity and you believe that they may be exhibiting signs of flat feet, it may be wise to contact a podiatrist. A professional will be able to help you identify any problems with your child’s feet and develop a plan to address them.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
When a woman is pregnant, she experiences many different physical changes that can affect all parts of her body. The woman’s foot is one such body part that can be affected. A woman may experience general pain and discomfort in her feet, or even conditions such as plantar fasciitis, during her pregnancy. This is because as the baby grows inside the woman, she carries more weight when she walks, which can lead to pain. A woman’s feet will also become swollen, especially during the third trimester of her pregnancy, because she experiences an increase of bodily fluids and blood volume. Hormonal changes may also contribute to swollen feet during pregnancy. To mitigate swollen feet, a pregnant woman may try to drink a significant amount of water and encourage healthy blood circulation to the feet by avoiding crossing her legs or ankles when sitting. Pregnancy is undoubtedly an exciting yet stressful time for a woman. To get a better understanding of how your pregnancy might be affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
