April 2022

Just as we need to keep our cardiovascular system and our overall body in shape, it is a good idea to exercise the feet. Be careful not to overstretch, not to overdo it in the beginning and to build up the repetitions gradually. Here are a few simple exercises that can help to keep your feet, toes, and ankles in shape. Achilles tendon and plantar fasciitis stretch: Sitting on the floor with a straight back and your legs extended in front of you, loop a towel around the ball of your right foot and pull it toward you. Try to keep your knees straight and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat three times on each leg. Simple plantar fascia stretch: Sit on a straight chair with one foot crossed on top of the opposite knee. Hold the ball of the foot and gently stretch it toward your leg. Hold for 15-20 seconds. Do this 3 times and repeat on the other foot. Ankle range of motion: From a sitting or reclining position, bend your ankle toward your body as far as you can, and then point your foot in the opposite direction, 10 times. Repeat on the opposite foot. If you have any toe, foot, or ankle pain that seems out of the ordinary, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for a complete exam.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Valley Foot & Ankle. 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 Visalia and Porterville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes is a serious illness that is caused by elevated glucose levels. It is common for diabetic patients to have foot problems, and severe infections can sometimes lead to amputation. Some of the symptoms that diabetics can feel are a numbing and tingling sensation, skin discoloration, and blisters may develop. Diabetic foot care consists of checking the feet daily for any cuts or bruises. This can be done by using a mirror to check the bottom of the feet. Additionally, it is important to control blood sugar levels, and this may be accomplished by eating foods that are healthy. Many patients find that implementing a gentle exercise program can help bring temporary relief from circulation issues that may accompany diabetes. If you are diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you are under the regular care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Central Valley Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Visalia and Porterville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have heel pain and think you might have plantar fasciitis, assess your risk factors. Do you stand for prolonged periods of time or run excessively? Do you lead a sedentary lifestyle or have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 27? Do you pronate (turn your foot inward) excessively when you walk? Do you have high arches? Is it difficult for you to bend your ankle? Now, contemplate the pain you are experiencing. Does it feel worse when you first get out of bed in the morning, then get better after you start to move around, only to return towards the end of the day? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you are at an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis and are exhibiting its typical symptoms. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the feet becomes damaged/torn and irritated. A podiatrist can make an accurate diagnosis of this most common form of heel pain and use a variety of treatments to heal the plantar fascia and relieve your pain.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Valley Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Sometimes after a sprained ankle begins to heal, the ankle joint may still hurt and become swollen. It also may click or lock and become stiff. The pain worsens when bearing weight. The cause may be an overlooked fracture of the cartilage that sits just under the lower leg bone (tibia) and the top ankle bone (talus). The fancy name for this condition is osteochondral lesions of the talus, and another bone scan or MRI may be necessary to properly diagnose it. The injury is likely to occur when the tibia lands directly on the talus, thereby compressing the cartilage in between the two bones. In some cases a bit of cartilage breaks off but remains in place. There are five levels of severity and treatment, ranging from non-surgical methods to arthroscopic surgery. If left untreated, osteochondral lesions of the talus may cause chronic pain and swelling, limit joint motion, or result in bone damage. If such ankle problems continue following a sprain, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for in-depth investigation and diagnosis of the injured site.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Valley Foot & Ankle. 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 Visalia and Porterville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.