Items filtered by date: August 2024

Exercising the feet with targeted yoga stretches can greatly enhance flexibility and strength. The big toe stretch involves gently pulling the big toe backward to release tension and improve flexibility. This type of foot stretch, achieved by sitting back on your heels and pressing the tops of your feet into the floor, helps alleviate tightness and enhances foot mobility. Toe taps clock is a dynamic exercise where you tap each toe to various imaginary clock positions, boosting coordination and strengthening the toes. Additionally, the ankle dorsiflexion stretch involves flexing the foot upward while keeping the heel on the ground, which improves ankle flexibility and reduces strain. Regular practice of these stretches supports better foot health, reduces discomfort, and enhances overall foot function. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment options, and guide you on how to perform effective foot exercises.

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 the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent foot condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It often results from overuse, wearing improper footwear, or high-impact activities. Symptoms can include sharp, stabbing heel pain, particularly noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain may also increase after prolonged standing or intense physical activity. To ease the pain, stretching exercises targeting the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia can be beneficial. Using mild pain relievers and wearing supportive shoes or orthotic inserts can also help. If you have persistent pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to see if corticosteroid injections might help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, in addition to other viable treatment methods.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the foot specialists  from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Maintaining a daily foot care routine is vital for overall foot health and comfort. Begin by washing your feet with mild soap and warm water to remove dirt and prevent infections. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to avoid fungal issues. Regularly stretching your feet and ankles can enhance flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries. Incorporate simple stretches like toe raises and ankle circles into your daily routine. Trimming toenails properly is also essential. Cut them straight across to prevent ingrown toenails and avoid cutting too short, which can lead to discomfort. If you have developed any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment remedies and guide you on how to care for your feet daily.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Engaging in windsurfing or kitesurfing can be exhilarating, but it also exposes participants to potential foot injuries and cuts caused by beach pollution. Debris like sharp shells, broken glass, or discarded objects can pose hazards, leading to cuts or puncture wounds on the feet. Immediate first aid is critical, involving cleaning the wound with fresh water and applying an antiseptic to prevent infection. Removing any embedded debris from the affected foot carefully is essential before covering the laceration with a sterile bandage. Prevention strategies include wearing water shoes or protective footwear to minimize direct contact with hazardous materials. Surfers should also familiarize themselves with the beach conditions and inspect the area for potential dangers that can happen to the feet before launching into the water. If you enjoy either form of surfing and you endured a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot injury you may have.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.