Items filtered by date: December 2019

People who enjoy running marathons are most likely familiar with the pounding the feet can endure during this sport. It is beneficial to have a strong connection between the feet and the ground, and this can be accomplished by performing foot stretches. When the big toe is strong, it may be easier to balance and move forward. An effective stretch for the toes is known as the towel scrunch. This is done by placing your foot on top of a towel while sitting in a chair and pulling the towel toward you by using your toes. This stretch can help to improve dexterity and strength in the numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Additionally, it generally feels good when the arch of the foot is stretched. This is done by rolling your foot on a large ball to stretch the soft tissues. Research has indicated this may be helpful in preventing inflammation. If you would like additional information about how to perform foot stretches, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor 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 Leesburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Fungal nail infections normally form slowly and often are very uncomfortable. There are many signs that can indicate if you have picked up a fungal nail infection. Discoloration of the nail is one giveaway you may have developed this condition. The nail will usually turn yellow, green, black, or white if it has been infected. The nail may also thicken, as well as turn into an abnormal shape, making it hard to trim and care for. Brittleness is another sign of a fungal infection. In certain cases, an infected nail may crumble, or fall off if not treated properly. It is likely to pick up a fungal infection by walking barefoot in environments that are warm and damp. These areas may include locker rooms or communal showers. Not properly washing and drying your feet on a daily basis, as well as not changing your socks and shoes can also be a factor in developing this condition. If you believe you have a fungal nail infection and would like more information on how to treat it, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and a proper diagnosis.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski of Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Falling is a common cause of complications with the feet for elderly individuals, which is why one should pay particular attention to its prevention. There are many different steps you can take to better prepare yourself for avoiding falls in the future. Staying active and practicing a light exercise routine can help prevent falls by building your strength, flexibility, and coordination. Looking into shoes with nonskid soles is another way of preventing falls by providing extra support for your feet. Another way to ensure your safety is to remove any hazards around the house that may get in your way, such as electrical cords or loose floor boards. Keeping your home well lit is another great tip for preventing falls, as it makes it easier to see any possible obstacles. Many patients have also found assistive devices such as walkers, handrails, and grab bars useful for preventing falls. If you would like further information about how you can better prevent falls, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you more helpful tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

If your feet sweat profusely, you may have a condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. It is considered to be a rare medical ailment that typically affects approximately three percent of the population. Many patients who have this condition are aware of how their quality of life is affected. Common side effects of feet that sweat excessively can consist of soggy shoes and socks, and the feet may feel cold the majority of the time. Research has indicated this condition is generally caused by hyperactive sweat glands. The circumstances that may trigger sweating can include increased temperatures or stressful situations. If you are suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski of Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

To avoid dealing with issues such as foot and ankle pain, muscle soreness, and to improve the overall health of your feet, it is recommended that you perform foot exercises. When you perform exercises designed for the feet, you help to strengthen the foot muscles, which may provide better support, stability, and protection. One simple exercise you can do is called the three-step “toe raise, point, and curl.” Imagine you’re making little waves with your toes when trying out this exercise. Another exercise is called the “toe splay,” where you practice by spreading all of your toes. Lastly, you can try “toe extensions” which is done by grabbing your toes with your fingers and gently pulling them backwards. If you are concerned with the health of your feet, or would like information about additional stretches, we recommend that you consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. 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 office located in Leesburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.