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Suggested Exercises for Flat Feet

Tuesday, 05 December 2023

Flat feet, or fallen arches, can lead to discomfort and negatively affect your posture, which can cause problems in other parts of the body. Strengthening the arches through targeted exercises for flat feet not only helps alleviate this discomfort but can also contribute to improved posture in the long run. The towel scrunch and stair heel raises are two of many exercises that can improve your arch strength. For the towel scrunch exercise, sit on a chair with a towel laid flat under your feet. Using only your toe muscles, scrunch the towel toward you until you can't pull it any further. Complete two sets with each foot and gradually increase sets as you feel more comfortable. To perform stair heel raises, stand on a step with only your toes and the balls of your feet on the step. Slowly raise your heel into the air, holding for a few seconds. Resist lowering your heel below the stair line for effectiveness. Begin with 10 raises as one set, aiming for three sets per day without pain. These exercises are designed for all fitness levels and can be done in the comfort of your home. Start at a beginner level and progress at your own pace. If you experience pain, it is a sign to stop. Also, it is beneficial to skip a day if your muscles are sore. For further guidance on methods to manage flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.

Symptoms

Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Sunday, 03 December 2023

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

How Aging Can Affect Your Feet

Tuesday, 28 November 2023

As time passes, the body undergoes natural changes, and our feet are no exception. Subjected to a lifetime of impact, weight-bearing and pressure, your feet gradually transform, affecting their strength and resilience. One noticeable change brought on by aging is the thinning of the skin, reducing natural cushioning and making the feet more vulnerable to damage. Joints in the feet undergo wear and tear, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. Joints become less flexible, causing the foot to lose its springiness and ability to absorb impact. Muscle strength, which peaked in your 20s and early 30s, gradually diminishes with age. Regular exercise slows this decline and helps to maintain overall foot health. Swelling, a common issue with age, increases pressure on the foot's structures. Poor circulation, often associated with conditions such as atherosclerosis, affects the blood supply to the feet and reduces their ability to repair minor injuries quickly. Toenails also undergo changes, becoming thicker and more brittle as growth slows. Conditions like hypothyroidism and peripheral arterial disease can make this worse. For help in managing foot problems associated with aging, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

Managing Chronic Wounds

Tuesday, 21 November 2023

Chronic wounds on the lower legs, feet, and toes demand a specialized approach from podiatrists to ensure optimal healing. The process begins with cleaning of the wound and removing any debris. In cases of traumatic injury, a podiatrist may recommend a tetanus vaccination to prioritize your safety. This foot doctor may surgically remove dead skin and close wounds with stitches or staples. Dressing choices for chronic wounds are critical, often leaning toward moist dressings tailored to specific wound characteristics. Vigilant monitoring for signs of infection is a key responsibility, with prescribed antibiotics and antimicrobial dressings essential for effective control. A thorough review of patient medications and adjusting as needed, is essential for patient safety. Specific wounds like ulcers may require specialized treatments, including antibiotics or skin grafts. In cases where poor blood supply hampers healing, a podiatrist may recommend vascular surgery to improve circulation. If you are experiencing chronic foot wounds, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Definition and Risk Factors of Plantar Warts

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Plantar warts, small growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, often appear on the soles of the feet. Unlike common warts, which typically grow on the hands, plantar warts can be painful due to the pressure exerted on the soles when walking or standing. These warts may have a rough, grainy appearance with tiny black dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing plantar warts. Close contact with the virus, such as walking barefoot in damp and communal areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, or public showers, can put your feet at risk. Additionally, those with a weakened immune system, such as individuals with diabetes or HIV, are more susceptible to plantar warts. Constantly moist or sweaty feet can provide an ideal environment for the virus to thrive. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide relief with appropriate treatment methods.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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