Items filtered by date: November 2023

Tuesday, 28 November 2023 00:00

Tailoring Exercises to Specific Foot Problems

Exercise, often synonymous with overall well being, plays a critical role in maintaining the health of our feet, especially when tailored to address specific concerns. For individuals grappling with flat feet, targeted exercises such as arch lifts and toe curls can help strengthen the arch and stabilize the foot. Those troubled by plantar fasciitis can benefit from gentle stretches to alleviate tension in the plantar fascia, promoting flexibility and reducing pain. For hammertoe, a common ailment, relief can be found through exercises like toe stretches and towel curls that enhance flexibility and strength. Similarly, conditions like bunions or arthritis benefit from low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling to maintain joint health. Tailoring exercise routines to address specific foot problems not only helps relieve symptoms but also contributes to overall foot health, promotes mobility and minimizes the impact of these conditions on your daily life. If you would like more information about what type of foot exercises and stretches to perform for your specific foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

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. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . 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 Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 21 November 2023 00:00

Elderly Foot and Ankle Problems

Foot and ankle problems are prevalent medical issues, particularly among the elderly, who often suffer from pain, stiffness, swelling, or deformities. Common diagnoses include conditions such as corns, athlete's foot, bunions, flat feet, ingrown nails, and warts. Aging-related muscle mass and loss of bone strength may increase seniors' risk for injuries and fractures, compounded by balance and vision issues. Key foot and ankle injuries in the elderly include ankle sprains, where the ligaments are overstretched or torn, potentially weakening the ankle and leading to arthritis, if untreated. Achilles tendonitis and tears are also common. The Achilles is vulnerable to inflammation and overuse, which can escalate to tears or ruptures, especially with sudden trauma. Ankle fractures are serious injuries from traumatic impact, requiring immediate podiatric attention to prevent complications such as infections. The spectrum of foot and ankle injuries in the elderly ranges from minor, treatable conditions to severe injuries necessitating medical intervention, highlighting the need for attentive care to prevent these issues. If you are elderly and have foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

 

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Tuesday, 14 November 2023 00:00

Assessing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are difficult wounds to heal because they can be caused by many factors. Podiatrists have different ways to treat these ulcers, including looking at blood flow problems. Neuroischemic ulcers develop from poor blood flow and nerve damage in the feet, making up approximately half of the cases of diabetic foot ulcers. When a patient has a diabetic foot ulcer, a podiatrist looks at their entire health history, asks about their daily habits, and checks how well they can move and complete everyday activities. The foot doctor also needs to know what medications the patient is taking, as some can slow down healing. All this information helps them determine the best way to treat the ulcer. The top goals are to find out what is causing the ulcer, determine how to stop it from getting worse and encourage the patient to follow the treatment plan. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a thorough assessment, examination, and treatment plan.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

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Friday, 10 November 2023 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 07 November 2023 00:00

The Job Description of a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are medical professionals specializing in the care of the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. They play a vital role in keeping people on their feet and pain-free. A podiatrist's job description includes diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, from common issues such as ingrown toenails and plantar warts to more complex problems consisting of fractures and chronic conditions like diabetes-related foot complications. Podiatrists may perform surgeries, prescribe medication, and provide guidance on how to choose proper footwear. Preventive care is also a significant aspect of their work, as they educate patients on foot health and methods to prevent future problems. Their expertise extends to analyzing how a person's feet and lower limbs impact their overall health, making them an essential part of the healthcare system and instrumental in enhancing people's quality of life. If you are interested in learning about what the role of a podiatrist is, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?

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