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September 2024

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 00:00

Instilling Good Foot Care Habits in Children

Teaching children about the importance of stretching their feet is important for fostering lifelong foot health. As kids engage in various physical activities, from running to playing sports, their feet endure significant stress. Stretching not only helps to alleviate tension and prevent injuries, such as strains or sprains, but also promotes flexibility and balance, which are essential for overall athletic performance and daily activities. Introducing foot stretching to children can be fun and engaging. Simple stretches, like toe curls, ankle rotations, and calf stretches, can be incorporated into warm-up routines before sports or even as a daily habit. Emphasize the benefits of stretching, such as improved movement and reduced pain, to help them understand its value. By instilling these good foot health habits early, including regular stretching, children are more likely to maintain strong, healthy feet as they grow. If your child is experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Read more about How to Stretch Your Feet
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 03 September 2024 00:00

Causes and Treatment of Claw Toes

Claw toe is a deformity where the toes curl into a claw-like shape due to an imbalance in the muscles and tendons responsible for straightening the toes. The condition often causes the toes to bend upward at the joint closest to the foot and then sharply downward at the middle and third joints, leading to discomfort and the formation of painful calluses. Common causes include nerve damage, foot or ankle trauma, and conditions like diabetes or arthritis. If left untreated, claw toe can worsen over time, making early intervention important. A podiatrist can help manage claw toe by recommending non-invasive treatments such as custom orthotics, toe exercises, and footwear adjustments that provide more room for the toes. In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct the deformity. If you notice a deformity in your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain
Published in Blog
Sunday, 01 September 2024 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

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.

Published in Blog
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