November 2022
Stretching the Feet and Ballet
Ballet dancers ought to take the health of their feet exceedingly seriously. When one engages in ballet, they can use their feet in potentially strenuous ways that might make them more susceptible to enduring foot injuries. Consequently, ballet dancers can consider engaging in a robust stretching routine to keep the feet limber, loose, and flexible. For example, a ballet dancer might consider stretching the arch of the foot by performing what is known as a plantar fascia stretch. This can be performed in a seated position with the right leg resting on the left thigh. One can then flex the foot while gently stretching the toes so that they are eventually pointing towards the right leg. This can be performed on the other foot as well. If you are a ballet dancer and want to learn more about stretching the feet, contact a podiatrist today.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with the podiatrists from Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Stretching Your Feet
Debilitating foot pain is a problem for many people. But just as stretching the torso can help alleviate back pain, stretching the feet can also help mend existing foot problems and prevent future ones.
The feet, as the body’s foundation, carry the body’s entire weight and can get easily strained from overexertion. Persistent sharp pain and cramping in the feet are often common concerns. Foot pain and foot problems can be due to any number of causes, and in many cases pain may be eased without medication or doctor visits. It is always a good idea, however, to first rule out any serious medical issues with a physician.
Stretching can help relax the feet and alleviate pain, but is especially important before heavy aerobic exercise. Stretching before such activities can help you avoid experiencing painful cramps or strained foot muscles. Stretches should be performed slowly and deliberately without forceful pulling. The stretch should be held for several seconds before relaxing.
A great way to stretch out and loosen up the foot muscles while sitting is to cross one leg over the other and pull the toes carefully back without overextending. Start by resting the left ankle on the right knee. With the left hand, gently flex the left foot by pulling back on the toes. Do not pull too hard; just hard enough to feel the stretch in the arch of the foot. Then point the toes of the left foot as far as you can. Rotate the motion of pointing with pulling back on the toes. This should relax and stretch the muscles on the bottom and the top of the foot. Doing this stretch ten to twenty times should bring relief. Repeat the whole process for the other foot by resting the right ankle on the left knee.
A stretch that focuses on the often injured Achilles tendon involves standing and facing a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot, keeping it flat against the floor. Move the other leg forward and lean toward the wall. You should feel a stretch through the back of your leg and your Achilles tendon, but do not push yourself too much. Stop when you feel a stretching sensation, and hold for 30 seconds. Ten repetitions may be done for each foot.
Stretching the feet is important for athletes or those performing aerobic exercise, but it can also help anyone with foot pain caused by poor footwear, plantar fasciitis, or long hours standing and walking. Individuals who tend to their feet by regularly stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
Dr. Brandon Nelson, A Board Certified Physician & Surgeon, Discusses Best Treatment Options for Hammer Toes
Hammer toes are quite common and can continue to get worse as time progresses. They are often associated with other foot deformities like bunions or flat feet but can be a standalone pathology. There is usually a family history associated with them or an underlying trauma that caused the development of the hammer toe or toes. Additionally, they can occur with over powering of certain tendons in the foot. The majority of hammer toes will require surgical care but some can be managed with padding and strapping.
Conservative care of hammer toes can be helpful especially during the initial development. There are several techniques for tapping hammer toes and even straps and splints that can be purchased to help control the toes. It is also advisable to stretch the calf and not go barefoot. However the vast majority of hammer toes will get worse and eventually require surgical intervention.
Surgical care for hammertoes can be divided into two types of procedures, soft tissue and bone. The determining factor for which procedure is appropriate is based on the clinical exam of the toe and the patient. Release of the long flexor tendon can be helpful in controlling the hammering digit as long as it is a flexible deformity. We often see this in the pediatric or geriatric patient as the hammer toes first develop. The longer the hammer toe is present the more likely bone work will need to be done. The most common procedure is a resection of the phalangeal head of the affected digit. Hammer toe surgery done in isolation allows for full ambulation after the procedure.
If you have hammer toes or other digital deformities I can help. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.
Sincerely,
Dr. Timothy Young, a Board-Certified Foot Surgeon Discusses Porokeratosis Lesions
These lesions also can be in a non weightbearing portion of the foot such as the heel. These lesions can be challenging to treat. There is some preliminary data that the Swift treatment (Microwave Verrucae treatment) can help reduce the pain from these lesions and in some cases, there can be reduction or resolution of the lesions. Surgical excision of the porokeratosis lesions is another treatment option. Larger lesions can be surgically removed, and a plastic surgical technique called a rotational flap is utilized to repair the deficit left after removal of the larger lesions.
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.
All About the Hindfoot
The human foot is a complex structure that contains a plethora of different bones, ligaments, and muscles. One way that medical professionals distinguish between different parts of the human foot is by using specific terminology to refer to distinct parts of the foot. For example, the hindfoot is a word used to refer to the back portion of the foot. This part of the foot contains the ankle and heel bone, and other joints like the subtalar and talocrural joints. The hind foot is often contrasted with the midfoot and the forefoot. Whereas the hindfoot has larger bones and more ligaments and tendons than the forefoot, it has a smaller amount of bones. If you are interested in learning more about the intricacies of the human foot, contact a podiatrist today.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the podiatrists from Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry
Biomechanics and its related study deal with the forces that act against the body and affect things like our movement. In podiatry, biomechanics are studied to determine the movement of the ankle, toes, and the foot, as well as the forces that impact them. Podiatrists who train in this specialty are able to effectively diagnose and treat conditions that affect people’s everyday movement.
Regardless of your lifestyle, age, or any other factors, many people experience foot problems throughout their lives. Twists and turns, improper balance, and added weight are just a few of the things that can add stress to the feet. These issues can also limit our bodies’ mobility that we often take for granted. Pain in the feet and ankles can also trickle up towards the lower legs, knees, hip, and even back area. This affects the way you move around on a daily basis.
Biomechanics and its related study deal with forces that act against the body and affect things like our movement. In podiatry, biomechanics are studied to determine the movement of the ankle, toes, and the foot, as well as the forces that impact them. Podiatrists who train in this specialty are able to effectively diagnose and treat conditions that affect people’s everyday movement.
Regardless of your lifestyle, age, or any other factors, many people experience foot problems throughout their lives. Twists and turns, improper balance, and added weight are just a few of the things that can add stress to the feet. These issues can also limit our bodies’ mobility that we often take for granted. Pain in the feet and ankles can also trickle up towards the lower legs, knees, hip, and even back area. This affects the way you move around on a daily basis.
The history of studying biomechanics dates back to ancient Egypt at around 3000 B.C., where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded. Throughout the centuries, advances in technology, science, and an understanding of the human body led to more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as corns for example. In 1974, biomechanics garnered a large audience when Merton Root founded Root Lab to make custom orthotics. He proposed that corrections of certain conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area. Due to his research, we still use his basic principle of foot orthotics to this day.
As technology has improved, so have the therapeutic processes that allow us to correct deficiencies in our natural biomechanics. Computers can now provide accurate readings of the forces, movements, and patterns of the foot and lower leg. Critical treatment options can be provided to patients now who suffer from problems that cause their biomechanics to not function naturally. The best results are now possible thanks to 3D modeling and computing technologies that can take readings and also map out what treatment will do to the affected areas.
These advanced corrective methods were able to come to light thanks to an increase in both the technologies surrounding biomechanics and also the knowledge of how they work naturally. For example, shoe orthotics are able to treat walking inabilities by realigning the posture deviations in patients caused by hip or back problems. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve movement and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot. Speak with your podiatrist if you have any of these problems.
Dr Brandon Nelson, A Board Certified Physician & Surgeon, Discusses How the Lapiplasty Procedure Works
The Lapiplasty has seen a lot of attention in recent literature. It seems to be moving to the forefront of foot surgery and is showing promising results. It has shown to be a reproducible bunion surgery that has great long term results. I find the procedure to be highly successful and utilize it weekly in my bunion surgeries.
Lapiplasty is a surgical technique and instrument set that allows surgeons to decrease operating time and help patients return to activities much more quickly. It utilizes a technique that has been proven to be one of the best corrective measures for bunions. It also provides for great fixation of a bunion and maintains flexibility of the big toe joint.
My experience with the Lapiplasty has been positive. It makes the correction of the bunion much easier and reproducible. It allows for precise bone cuts and easy options for fixation of the bone. I find it extremely helpful for young patients and decreasing the chance of recurrences. The overall recurrence rate seems to approach about 3%. If you have a bunion and would like a consultation for a Lapiplasty please contact my office. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.
Sincerely,
Dr. Timothy Young, a Board-Certified Foot Surgeon, Discusses Plantar Verruca and Porokeratosis
Typically, this skin infection develops additional blood vessels through a process called angiogenesis. Therefore, it is classic for plantar verruca have multiple punctate or pinpoint patches of dried blood or eschar, and during the examination when we lightly remove the superficial layer of the verruca and callused area, we see pinpoint bleeding. This pinpoint bleeding is very helpful to accurately diagnose these as plantar verrucae. There is a similar appearing lesion that is often called a porokeratosis.
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.
How to Deal with Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is caused when the tinea fungus grows on the foot. It is possible to catch the fungus through direct contact with someone who has it or by touching a surface that is contaminated with it. This type of fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as showers, locker room floors, and swimming pools. Your risk of getting it may also increase by wearing tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes, or by having sweaty feet.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging or burning sensations between the toes. You may also experience toenails that are discolored, thick, crumbly, or toenails that pull away from the nail bed.
Your podiatrist may diagnose athlete’s foot by detecting these symptoms or by doing a skin test to see if there is a fungal infection present. The most common exam used to detect Athlete’s foot is a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam. To use this method, your doctor will scrape off a small area of the infected skin and place it into potassium hydroxide. The potassium hydroxide will destroy the normal cells and leave the fungal cells untouched so that they are visible under a microscope.
There are a variety of treatment options for athlete’s foot. Some medications are miconazole (Desenex), terbinafine (Lamisil AT), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), and tolnaftate (Tinactin). While these options may be able to treat your fungus, it is best that you consult with a podiatrist in order to see which treatment option may work best for you.
In some cases, Athlete’s foot may lead to complications. A severe complication would be a secondary bacterial infection which may cause your foot to become swollen, painful, and hot.
There are ways that you can prevent athlete’s foot. Washing your feet with soap and water each day and drying them thoroughly is an effective way to prevent infections. You also shouldn’t share socks, shoes, or towels with other people. It is crucial that you wear shower sandals in public showers, around swimming pools, and in other public places. Additionally, you should make sure you wear shoes that can breathe and change your socks when your feet become sweaty. If you suspect that you have Athlete’s foot, you should seek help from a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Athlete’s Foot and Nail Salons
Athlete’s foot can undoubtedly be an annoyance, especially to those who care about maintaining healthy feet. This foot condition can develop when a fungal infection causes a rash to form between the toes of the feet. One place where an individual may be susceptible to athlete’s foot is the nail salon. For example, when someone receives a pedicure at a nail salon, they may be at an increased risk of contracting a fungal infection if the practitioner uses tools that were used on other clients’ feet. Specifically, when receiving a pedicure, one might consider requesting a new pumice stone be used on the feet. You might even think about bringing your own tools to ensure that no fungus is being spread to your feet. Contact a podiatrist today to learn more about protecting your feet from athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists from Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
