Items filtered by date: May 2024

Strong feet are essential for stability, balance, and overall foot health. Incorporating targeted foot exercises into your routine can help strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet while reducing the risk of injuries and improving performance in various activities. Toe scrunches are a simple yet effective exercise that involves scrunching your toes toward the sole of your foot and then spreading them out as wide as possible. Another beneficial exercise is toe raises, where you lift your toes off the ground while keeping your heels planted and then lower them back down. Additionally, practicing calf raises can strengthen the muscles in your lower legs and feet, enhancing stability and power. You can also use resistance bands to perform exercises, such as toe flexion and extension, which target specific muscles in the feet and ankles. It is important to be informed about overall foot health, and if you are seeking additional foot stretches to perform, it is suggested that you confer 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. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Tuesday, 07 May 2024 00:00

Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed due to plaque buildup. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing this condition. High blood sugar levels contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which can harden and reduce blood flow. This process, known as atherosclerosis, is more common in diabetes patients due to the chronic high glucose levels that damage the blood vessel walls. Symptoms of PAD include pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs and feet during activities like walking. Complications like ulcers, which often appear on the feet, can lead to serious infections. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist, or foot doctor, are important to prevent any issues and manage foot and lower leg health. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

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