Toe stretches are a simple and effective way to improve flexibility, reduce tension, and alleviate foot discomfort. One common stretch involves sitting down and using the hands to gently pull the toes backward, stretching the muscles on the top of the foot. Another effective stretch is the toe curl, where you use a towel or small object to curl your toes and squeeze for a few seconds before releasing. The seated toe stretch involves placing one foot over the opposite knee and pulling the toes toward the shin. These stretches help improve the range of motion, promote circulation, and relieve foot pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Regularly performing these stretches can enhance foot health and overall mobility. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat toe conditions, and guide you on additional toe and foot stretches.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

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 Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors 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 to determine 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 exercise, 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 to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Dry feet, especially split heels, can result from both external and internal factors. External causes include prolonged standing, walking barefoot on hard surfaces, and wearing open-backed shoes that fail to support the skin. Exposure to dry air, harsh soaps, and excessive moisture loss can further weaken the skin’s protective barrier, leading to painful fissures. Internally, dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, and medical conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism can contribute to skin breakdown. Poor circulation, which reduces the delivery of essential nutrients to the feet, can also make the skin more prone to cracking. If the cracks deepen, they may become painful or even infected. Keeping feet moisturized and wearing supportive footwear can help prevent and heel cracks. However, if deep fissures, pain, or signs of infection develop, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper care and appropriate treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Rubbing points, also termed pressure sores, on the feet, toes, or ankles can progress into serious foot ulcers if left untreated. These pressure sores develop when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow, damaging the skin and underlying tissues. People with health conditions that impair circulation, such as diabetes or vascular disease, face a higher risk. Pressure sores are classified by severity, starting as red, painful skin and potentially worsening into deep wounds that expose muscle or bone. Common rubbing sites include the heels and bony areas of the foot. Without proper care, these wounds may become infected, further complicating healing. A podiatrist can assess the severity of a pressure sore and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent complications. This may involve wound care, pressure relief strategies, specialized dressings, or in severe cases, surgery to remove damaged tissue. Regular monitoring and professional treatment are essential to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. If you have foot sores that are not healing properly, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for wound care treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors 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 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.