April 2022

The benefits of frequently performing foot exercises can contribute to staying independent and mobile. The feet are the foundation of the body, and proper foot health can positively affect the overall body. There are specific foot exercises that can improve range of motion, and this may help to improve arthritis, cramping, and tingling that can happen in the feet. Strong feet can help to protect the ankles, and it can be beneficial to wear shoes that are supportive. Some patients find it helpful to place a thick blanket on the floor, followed by walking back and forth on it. Additionally, the foot can become stronger by rolling it on a tennis ball for several minutes. If you would like more information about exercising the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have. 

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 the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The group of nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body is known as the peripheral nervous system. There are three groups of nerves within this system, known as motor, sensory, and autonomic. If the nerves become damaged from an injury, infection, or specific medications, peripheral neuropathy may result. This can alter how the nerves normally function. The symptoms of motor neuropathy can include twitching, paralysis, or muscle cramps. Additionally, a tingling sensation, or a loss of balance may be indicative of sensory neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy symptoms can consist of dizziness from low blood pressure, constipation, or bloating. Research has shown it may be beneficial to monitor glucose levels, and it can help to protect your feet by wearing shoes and socks. If you have any of these symptoms that are affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose neuropathy, and offer correct treatment options.

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 the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 our office located in Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A common location for patients to notice athlete's foot is between the toes. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and typically include severe itching, tingling, and possibly small blisters. Other places where athlete’s foot can appear are the bottom or sides of the foot. It is known to be contagious, and the fungus that causes this condition lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include locker rooms, public swimming pools, and shower room floors. It can be spread by sharing towels, socks, and shoes. Additionally, many people wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas as a preventative measure. If you have athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Gout is known to be an excruciating, painful foot condition. It often affects the big toe, and can cause difficulty in walking. It develops as a result of a uric acid build-up in the joints of the big toe. This can happen as a result of genetic traits, or it may come from specific types of foods and drinks that are consumed in abundance such as red meat, shellfish, sugary drinks and alcohol. Symptoms can consist of swollen joints, tenderness, and the affected area may be red. In order to make a proper diagnosis, a podiatrist may extract a portion of fluid between the affected joints and view it under a microscope. This is an accurate method for observing urate crystals. Research has indicated it may be beneficial to drink cherry juice or skim milk, as this may provide mild relief. If you have any symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat this painful foot ailment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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