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July 2018

Many people find walking to be one of the best exercises for stretching the feet. When this activity occurs, the foot goes through an entire range of motion as the feet touch the ground and lift off with the toes. The benefits of frequent walking may not only affect the general health of the body, but may improve muscle strength in the feet, in addition to experiencing an enhanced mood. Flexibility exercises may aid in keeping your feet limber and can be incorporated into your daily routine. This can be accomplished by practicing gentle stretches, which may improve the overall muscle tone in the feet. Resistance exercises incorporate the use of exercise bands or weights and this is known to build strength that may aid in the general support of the feet. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist to learn about proper foot stretching techniques that can be implemented on a daily basis.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Douglas Webb from Texas. 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 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 one, 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 and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Wednesday, 25 July 2018 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

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.

Published in Blog
Monday, 23 July 2018 00:00

What are the Causes of Neuropathy?

A condition referred to as peripheral neuropathy typically occurs as a result of malfunctioning nerves that are damaged. This condition may be caused by an inherited gene, an injury, or an infection. It has been known to cause discomfort and pain, a tingling feeling in the feet, in addition to a sensation of heaviness in the lower limbs. Recent research has shown that approximately 60 percent of diabetic patients experience some type of nerve damage, which may often be a result of elevated blood sugar levels. To determine the severity of neuropathy, there are several tests that may be performed. These may include undergoing an MRI, which may determine if a tumor or disc is pressing on a nerve, an electromyography, which is used to evaluate the body’s nerve signals, or a nerve conduction study, which may aid in assessing the nerves for correct transmitting information. If you are afflicted with neuropathy, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for additional information.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Douglas Webb from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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During the summer months, you may be involved in many different types of activities. Consequently, you should ensure you are wearing the best footwear possible to take care of your feet no matter where you go. If you plan on going to the beach, flip flops may be the most obvious choice of footwear to protect your feet. However, you should be careful not to wear flip-flops for too long. Although they can protect your feet from sharp objects on the ground, they can also be responsible for injuries such as ankle sprains. If you decide to go into the ocean after walking around on a sandy beach, it is recommended that you wear a pair of aqua socks to shield your feet from fragments and rocks. Another place that you may find yourself at in the warmer months is a water park. Water-friendly sandals are recommended for water parks because they can protect your feet from developing athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that can easily be spread by walking on contaminated floors.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Douglas Webb from Texas. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Monday, 09 July 2018 00:00

How to Find Shoes That Fit Perfectly

The importance of buying the correct size shoe is crucial to the overall health of the foot. An object that is referred to as the Brannock shoe measuring device is designed to determine the exact size of your foot. This is found in most shoe stores and has proven to be an effective way to choose the right size shoe. Most people will have one foot that is larger than the other and this may typically be due to an inherited trait. Additionally, shoe sizes may change as a result of specific foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. Pregnancy will generally affect the size of the foot, and may become wider and longer because of weakened ligaments. Research has shown that buying shoes during the middle of the day is beneficial in finding the perfect fit, because the feet are generally larger during this time of  day. It may be beneficial to notice what material the soles are made of, which may help in preventing any type of sharp object from penetrating the shoe.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Douglas Webb from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Wednesday, 04 July 2018 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Published in Blog
Monday, 02 July 2018 00:00

What is a Heel Spur?

The definition of a heel spur is a bony protrusion that comes from the heel of the foot and grows into the arch. This condition is often the result of tears in the plantar fasciitis which is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. General symptoms may include pain and discomfort under the heel which may be worse in the morning and experiencing a tender feeling when the heel is touched. There may be several causes for heel spurs to develop, including excess weight the heel endures from being obese, certain sporting activities that puts pressure on the heels, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Research has shown that reducing the activities that may cause this condition may aid in the treatment of heel spurs. Please consult with a podiatrist for treatment options which may include being fitted for custom made orthotics and night splints.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Douglas Webb from Texas. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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