Items filtered by date: March 2023

Studies have shown that the two main causes of injuries to women during pregnancy are car accidents and falling due to balance control problems. In fact, about one-fourth of pregnant women fall while pregnant, and many fall more than once. Data shows that most such falls occur indoors, and a large percentage of these involve stairs. Weight gain and shifts in a woman’s center of gravity are largely responsible. Walking balance and speed are also among the main contributors to falls during pregnancy. A third problem is thought to be a lack of total concentration on their external environment. Another potential cause of falling is being sedentary during pregnancy, which can decrease leg and foot strength and hamper the body’s ability to react quickly. For that reason, some experts suggest engaging in some form of light exercise. To find out more about the dangers of falls during pregnancy and how to prevent them, please consult 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 In Step Podiatry Center. 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?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Stretching the feet can provide physical as well as mental health benefits. These can include coping with pain management, achieving inner peace, and managing stress levels. It is beneficial to perform foot stretches with existing foot pain. The condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may be helped when the heel is held in one hand while grasping the toes with the other. A gentle stretch can be felt in the sole of the foot where the plantar fascia is located as the toes and heel are pulled in opposite directions. Some patients find it helps to roll the affected foot on a tennis ball or frozen water bottle, and this can help to stretch the plantar fascia. Performing a heel raise can be an effective stretch that benefits the bottom of the foot. This is done by standing on a step, and gently lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like additional information about how to stretch your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with proper stretching techniques.

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 In Step Podiatry Center. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Lanham, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown that more than half of the population stands while working. Potential health risks may be increased when standing is done for long periods of time. The feet are the foundation of the body, and it is important that they are protected while working. This can consist of wearing shoes that fit correctly and choosing shoes that have a low heel. These types of shoes can be helpful in protecting the hamstrings and back, and may prevent osteoarthritis from developing. Taking frequent breaks will allow movement, which may help to maintain proper circulation. Additionally, shuffling the feet while standing can accomplish the same thing by redistributing body weight. Many sources believe the body’s flexibility and ability to function can improve when strength training exercises are performed. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy for your work day, it is suggested that you confer 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 In Step Podiatry Center. 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 Lanham, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A hammertoe is typically found in the second and third toe and is characterized by a raised joint in the middle of the toe. The tip of the toe curls under the foot as the middle joint raises up. In the early stages, the hammertoe may still be flexible, but later on, it may become rigid. This deformity can be caused by the long-term wearing of high heels, which often have a small and pointed-toe box. Hammertoe also can be congenital or caused by arthritis. Symptoms of a hammertoe are curling toes, raised joints, callus formation under the affected toe, and pain on the affected joint from rubbing against the top of a shoe. Wearing shoes that fit properly is one way of decreasing the development of hammertoe because once it is formed it is likely to become permanent. Avoid wearing shoes that squeeze the toes together, especially those that force the weight of the body onto the ball of the foot. Treatment for hammertoe varies, depending on the severity of the deformity. Treatment can range from wearing protective pads or strapping down the toe, to surgery on the joint and removal of bone. For more information on dealing with a hammertoe and its side effects, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lanham, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.