Foot massages offer a relaxing and therapeutic way to alleviate sore feet and muscle aches and unwind after a tiring day. There are several effective techniques that can be easily practiced at home, such as arch rubs, toe bends, and pressure points. Each technique targets specific areas of the foot, providing flexibility, tension relief, and improved circulation. Arch rubs involve massaging the underside of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot, to soothe strained arches and promote overall foot health. Toe bends are done by holding the heel with one hand and bending all the toes on one foot back and forth at the same time with the other hand. Pressing points on the instep of the foot is another relaxing foot massage technique that uses one hand to support the top of the foot and the thumb on the other hand to press and release the top of the instep, and gradually moving down the instep and back up to the heel in this manner. The toe bends help increase foot flexibility, while pressure points focus on specific areas to release built-up tension and restore balance. Incorporating foot massages into your regular self-care routine can yield remarkable benefits. Beyond soothing your feet, these techniques can lead to reduced pain, improved sleep, and enhanced emotional well-being. By taking time to care for your feet through foot massages, you can experience a holistic improvement in your overall health and relaxation levels. If you would like more information on foot massage techniques, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with this information.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
Many individuals experience discomfort in the front of the ankle and the top of the foot, which can be attributed to various factors. Causes include plantar fasciitis, sprained ankles, foot or ankle arthritis, and prolonged wearing of ill-fitting shoes or high heels. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain on the bottom of the heel and arch, particularly noticeable after rest and during initial steps. The condition arises from the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue band connecting the heel bone to the toes, and it can cause pain in the front of the ankle and top of the foot. A sprained ankle occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle sustain injuries, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking. Arthritis, which involves joint inflammation and pain, can affect the foot or ankle, resulting in the type of discomfort mentioned above. Moreover, wearing overly tight shoes or high heels can create a slanted position for the foot, exerting pressure on the ball of the foot and toes, and contributing to the pain experienced. If you are encountering any of these types of foot and ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek the expertise of a podiatrist who can help identify the underlying cause of the discomfort and provide appropriate treatment options for relief.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors 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.
An ingrown toenail is a common foot condition that can quickly become infected. This ailment is defined as the toenail growing into the skin instead of over it. It can happen for various reasons, including trimming the toenails incorrectly and wearing shoes too tight around your toes. Additionally, some people may have an abnormal nail structure or may have genetic tendencies toward developing an ingrown toenail. Common symptoms can consist of redness, extreme tenderness, and an infected nail may ooze pus. An ingrown toenail is generally a painful condition, and prompt medical attention is often sought for relief. Soaking the feet in warm water, followed by gently pushing the nail away with a small piece of cotton may bring temporary relief. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with permanent relief options and offer effective prevention methods.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
The feet are responsible for providing balance, mobility, and a steady base for the body. They also serve as shock absorbers while walking and running, and provide cushioning for the body. Each foot has 26 bones, several tendons, ligaments, and muscles that are naturally coordinated to function together. The muscles and tendons are categorized into two groups, labeled intrinsic and extrinsic. The muscles that start in the lower leg and wrap around the ankles before they attach to the foot are called the extrinsic muscles. The other group of muscles that are known as the intrinsic muscles begin and end in the foot. These muscles are layered along the bottom of the foot to form the arch. These groups of muscles work in harmony while walking and running and are not given much thought as it happens naturally. There are abnormal foot structures that can alter the natural alignment of the bones. People who have flat feet, babies that are born with clubfoot, or people who stand for long periods may develop chronic foot conditions. If you would like more information about how the feet are constructed, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.
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.
