September 2024

Foot Exercises for Balance and Strength

Maintaining strong and balanced feet is essential for overall stability and mobility. One effective exercise is toe raises, which involves lifting your heels off the ground while standing on your toes to strengthen the calf muscles and improve balance. Another beneficial exercise is the toe and heel walk, where you walk on your toes for a few steps and then switch to walking on your heels. This helps enhance both strength and coordination. Foot doming is also useful. While sitting, try to create an arch in your foot by lifting the middle of the foot and keeping your toes and heel on the ground. Lastly, resistance band exercises like pulling the band with your toes while seated, can strengthen the foot’s intrinsic muscles. If you have sustained an injury due to weak foot muscles, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer the correct treatment options.

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. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 our offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Definition and Risk Factors of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma, a painful condition affecting the foot, is caused by the thickening of nerve tissue usually between the third and fourth toes. This thickening leads to irritation and inflammation, which in turn causes discomfort and pain. The pain is typically felt in the ball of the foot and may radiate into the toes and is often described as a burning or sharp sensation. Risk factors include wearing tight, high-heeled shoes that compress the toes, engaging in high-impact sports, and having foot deformities like bunions or flat feet. Women are more frequently affected, due to footwear choices. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

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Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Managing Foot Pain From Cycling

Cycling is a fantastic way to stay active, but it can often lead to foot pain, particularly in the ball of the foot where pressure and friction occur. Whether you are a casual rider or a serious cyclist, you might experience burning sensations, numbness, or sharp pains during or after a ride. These issues are frequently caused by improper footwear that compresses the foot and increases pressure on sensitive areas. To minimize foot pain, consider choosing cycling shoes with a wider toe box and adjustable straps. This allows for better movement and reduces pressure points. Stiffer soles, while often preferred for energy efficiency, sometimes contribute to increased discomfort, especially if the footbed lacks proper support. Testing your shoes when your feet are naturally more swollen can help ensure a better fit. If you have persistent foot pain after cycling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

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Blisters from Wearing High Heels

Wearing high heels can often lead to painful blisters on the feet. These blisters form due to excessive friction and pressure against the skin, which causes the outer layer to separate from the deeper layers. As a result, fluid accumulates in the space, forming a blister. High heels typically increase the likelihood of blisters because they alter the natural alignment of the foot and place pressure on areas that are not accustomed to such strain. To relieve and prevent blisters, opt for well-fitting, cushioned shoes that reduce friction. It is also helpful to give your feet regular breaks from high heels and to practice proper foot care, including moisturizing and keeping the skin healthy to reduce the risk of blisters. Blisters can be bothersome and may become infected. If you frequently develop blisters from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

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