Items filtered by date: July 2024

Incorporating foot exercises into your routine can enhance strength and flexibility. Isometric ankle opposition involves pressing the foot against a fixed object to build ankle strength without movement. The ankle alphabet exercise, where you trace the letters of the alphabet with your foot, improves range of motion and coordination. Simple leg balance, standing on one leg, enhances stability and proprioception, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, the towel scrunch exercise, where you use your toes to scrunch up a towel on the floor, strengthens the muscles in the feet and toes. Regularly performing these exercises can help maintain foot health, prevent injuries, and improve overall balance and stability. Having strong feet and ankles may help to prevent injuries. If you have developed a foot condition as a result of having weak feet and ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies.

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 Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, causing sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. Symptoms often include a sensation of standing on a pebble, tingling, or numbness in the toes. The pain may worsen with activities like walking or wearing tight shoes. Patients often describe a feeling of something being caught in the shoe or a persistent discomfort in the forefoot. Identifying and addressing these symptoms early can help manage the condition and prevent further complications. If you are experiencing any of the above sensations, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An infected foot can result from various causes, each presenting specific symptoms. Blisters, often caused by friction or wearing poorly fitting shoes, can become infected if they rupture and bacteria enter. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause itching, redness, and scaling. Diabetes is another significant factor, as it can impair circulation and immune response, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, often marked by slow-healing sores and numbness. Post-surgical foot infections may arise from bacteria entering the surgical site, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Common symptoms of foot infections include increased warmth, swelling, redness, and pus or drainage. If you have an area on your foot that has become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment remedies.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are caused by various lifestyle factors and medical reasons. Prolonged standing, wearing open-backed shoes, and walking barefoot on hard surfaces can contribute to the development of dry, cracked skin on the heels. Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and eczema can also lead to cracked heels by causing dryness and reducing the skin's natural elasticity. To help prevent cracked heels, apply a thick, hydrating lotion to keep the feet moisturized. Wearing supportive, closed-back shoes can help reduce pressure on the heels. Additionally, using a pumice stone to gently exfoliate dead skin and avoiding walking barefoot on hard surfaces can be beneficial. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medicine.

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 Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.