Healthy feet rely on flexible muscles and supportive tendons, and a few easy stretches can make a noticeable difference in comfort and mobility. A gentle calf stretch against a wall helps ease tightness in the Achilles tendon and reduces strain on the heel and arch. Another helpful movement is the towel stretch, which involves sitting with legs extended, looping a towel under the ball of one foot, and pulling gently until you feel a lengthening through the arch. Many people also benefit from toe flexing and spreading, which awakens small foot muscles that support balance. These simple exercises can be done in minutes and help keep the feet resilient during daily activity. While stretching is a valuable tool, persistent discomfort or stiffness may signal a deeper issue. If foot pain continues despite regular stretching, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? - One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome. - Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury. - Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries - Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs. - Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury. - Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries. - Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that develops when the tissue around a nerve between the toes thickens, often due to pressure from tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive impact activities. It may look subtle from the outside, but many people feel a sharp, burning, or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot that can radiate into the toes. Some describe the feeling as standing on a pebble or having a fold in the sock that will not smooth out. Swelling is sometimes present, although it is not always visible. Morton’s neuroma most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes, likely because this area experiences the greatest compression during walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam, gait evaluation, and imaging if needed. Treatment options may include footwear modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapies, or targeted injections to reduce nerve irritation. If you experience persistent forefoot pain or numbness, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Pain in the big toe can be a sign of gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joint. When this acid accumulates faster than the body can eliminate it, sharp crystals form around the base of the big toe, known as the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. A gout flare-up often appears suddenly, producing intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the MTP joint. It can become so tender that even light contact from a bedsheet feels painful. Repeated episodes can damage joint tissues and lead to visible lumps called tophi, which form beneath the skin near the toe or ankle. A podiatrist can examine your foot, order imaging tests or joint fluid analysis, and recommend a treatment plan to reduce pain and protect long-term joint health. If you have flare-ups of big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
