Items filtered by date: October 2024

Warming up the ankles before running is essential for preventing injuries and improving overall mobility. Incorporating specific exercises can enhance flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles. One effective exercise is the Achilles tendon stretch, which involves gently leaning forward while keeping the back leg straight to stretch the tendon and calf muscles. Ankle inversion and eversion exercises further promote joint stability. To perform ankle inversion, rotate the foot inward against resistance, while ankle eversion involves moving the foot outward. Both movements help strengthen the muscles around the ankle, enhancing support. The ankle alphabet is a fun and effective way to improve range of motion. While seated, use the big toe to trace each letter of the alphabet in the air. These warm-up exercises not only prepare the ankles for running but also contribute to better overall performance and reduced risk of injury. If you have injured your foot or ankle while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment options, and guide you on additional injury prevention techniques.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Foot and ankle injuries are common in weight lifting, often resulting from improper technique, inadequate footwear, or insufficient foot strength. When lifting heavy weights, the feet play a critical role in providing stability and balance. Weak foot muscles can lead to misalignment, increasing the risk of sprains or strains. Strengthening the feet enhances overall stability, allowing for better control during lifts and reducing the chance of injury. Additionally, a strong foundation helps distribute weight evenly, alleviating stress on the ankles and preventing overuse injuries. Incorporating foot-strengthening exercises into a training routine, such as toe raises and resistance band movements, can significantly improve performance and reduce injury risk. Foot and ankle injuries often require a temporary pause from weight lifting to ensure proper healing. If you have sustained this type of injury, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment methods so you can return to weight lifting with ease.

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 one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors 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 office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Purple feet can signal underlying health issues that require attention. One common cause is blocked arteries, which restrict blood flow and can lead to discoloration due to inadequate circulation. A lack of oxygen in the blood, often resulting from respiratory conditions or cardiovascular problems, can also cause the feet to appear purplish. Cold temperatures can worsen this condition, as blood vessels constrict in response to cold, reducing circulation and leading to a purple hue. Additionally, low blood pressure can contribute to insufficient blood flow to the extremities, causing similar discoloration. If you notice your feet have a purple hue to them, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Performing ankle exercises safely is essential to recovering mobility and strength, particularly after an injury or ankle discomfort. A podiatrist can guide you in selecting the appropriate exercises for your specific condition and ensure you perform them safely to avoid further injury. They can also monitor your progress and adjust your exercise plan to support healing and prevent future issues. Begin with gentle movements such as ankle bends, tilts, and heel raises, which can help improve flexibility. Gradually incorporate standing calf stretches to increase your range of motion. It is important to listen to your body and keep any discomfort within a zero to five pain range on a 10-point scale. If pain increases, you may need to reduce repetitions, slow down movements, or increase rest time between sets. Regular stretching and holding positions for 20 to 30 seconds can improve flexibility over time. If you have ankle problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Diabetes is a systemic condition that impacts the entire body, including the feet. Among the foot problems associated with diabetes are peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage, and diabetic foot ulcers, which are open wounds that can become infected. Each year, between 40 and 60 million diabetic patients worldwide experience lower limb complications due to these issues. To prevent serious complications, it is important to remain vigilant about any changes in your feet. Perform daily inspections, paying close attention to cuts, scrapes, sores, discoloration, or unusual sensations. Early detection is important to manage and prevent more severe problems. If you notice any abnormalities or have concerns about your foot health, do not hesitate to seek medical care. A podiatrist can provide specialized treatment and guidance to help manage diabetes-related foot issues effectively. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist to ensure your feet stay healthy and protected.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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