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A hairline crack in the bones of the feet is referred to as a stress fracture. This condition gradually occurs, and is often the result of frequently participating in running and jumping activities. Early symptoms can include pain while the activity is pursued. Common symptoms linked with this condition may diminish when prompt treatment is started. Many runners who have endured stress fractures often try to ignore the pain and discomfort that typically accompanies this condition, despite being aware of the rest that is needed for proper healing. Additional symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, and weakness in the foot. Effective treatment methods can include elevating the foot which may help to reduce swelling, and it is beneficial to wrap the foot in an elastic bandage that can offer adequate support. If you have a stress fracture that is impacting your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment options for you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Visalia, CA. 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?

When healing from a sprained ankle, it’s important that you slowly and carefully build the muscles around the affected area. If you’re recovering from a mild sprain, you should be able to start practicing low impact exercises within a few days of having rested your foot. If you’re somebody who likes to regularly stay active, it’s important that you adapt your exercise routine around your sprained ankle, that way you can prevent injuring it further. The exercises you perform to help heal your ankle should focus on benefiting your range of motion, balance, strength, and flexibility. One simple exercise that can be performed to help your range of motion is referred to as ankle circles. This exercise is done by sitting in a chair with your ankle resting on the opposite knee. Slowly begin to rotate your ankle in a clockwise motion, then counterclockwise. Switch ankles and repeat this motion. Another stretch known as band pushes can be particularly beneficial for strengthening your ankle joints. To perform this stretch, sit flat on the floor with your legs straight out and place a resistance band around the ball of your foot. Begin pushing your foot against the band with your toes pointed slightly forward. For more advice on what stretches can help heal a sprained ankle, please 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 one of our podiatrists from Central Valley Foot & Ankle. 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 Visalia, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When someone experiences an Achilles tendon fracture, it is often accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. Some patients find it helpful to perform specific exercises following the initial treatment. This may help to strengthen the Achilles tendon and surrounding areas of the foot. Stretching the toes can be effective in lengthening the Achilles tendon. This is accomplished by pulling the big toe up and back while sitting in a chair. This tendon can also be stretched by standing on a step, and lowering the heel until it gently pulls in the back of the leg. If you have endured this type of injury, it is strongly suggested that you seek the advice of a podiatrist who can treat this ailment and guide you toward performing stretches that are correct for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Visalia, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.