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The many muscles in the feet and toes are often neglected during a typical workout. But just as any other muscle in the body, they require stretching and strengthening to function properly. This is especially true if you are a runner or involved in other activities that keep you on your feet. Ignoring your feet during warmups and workouts can lead to foot injuries and pain later on, so it is suggested that you stretch your feet three to four times per week. One very simple exercise that you can do is roll a tennis ball under your foot. This helps stretch and relax the muscles on the bottom of your foot. For more information about the benefits of foot stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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:
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 Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Blisters are small, fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin in response to trauma. Blisters on the feet are typically caused by friction from wearing ill-fitting shoes or exercising, but are also commonly caused by warts, athlete’s foot, and allergic reactions. If you have a blister, it is best to avoid popping it. The fluid inside the blister protects the raw skin underneath it, helping it heal from damage. When a blister is popped, it can be very painful and is more likely to become infected. If your blister has popped on its own, don’t peel off the top layer of skin. Leave it there and cover the blister with a clean bandage to protect it. If your blister is very painful, showing signs of infection, or leaking pus, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The Achilles tendon is one of the longest tendons in the body. It attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). Because it is a critical part of the body’s walking and running movements, it can become damaged due to wear and tear. People who play tennis, softball, volleyball, soccer, or participate in track and field are more prone to developing problems with their Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that produces symptoms including inflammation, stiffness, and pain. This condition can make tears in the Achilles tendon more likely, which typically occur after a sudden traumatic event like an injury. It may be difficult to walk or stand if the Achilles tendon is torn. If you have suffered from an injury that is causing pain, inflammation or stiffness in the Achilles tendon, contact a podiatrist to receive the proper care you need.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
If your child is complaining of heel pain they may be suffering from Sever’s Disease. When children are growing and bones have not fully developed, the growth plate at the back of the heel (the apophysis) can become irritated, stressed, and painful—especially when the child is physically active in sporting activities. This condition is known as Sever’s Disease and typically occurs in growing children between the ages of 9 and 14. It can take place in both sexes, however, it is more common among males. This ailment is said to improve as the child matures and the growth plate hardens into bone. In the meantime, pain and discomfort can be difficult for an active child to deal with. A podiatrist can help ease your child’s pain by prescribing icing, stretching, resting, orthotics, and more.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viral infections. When a certain type of HPV attacks skin on the soles of the feet, plantar warts may develop. It is generally believed that children are more likely than adults to develop plantar warts because they are more likely to go barefoot, have broken skin, or come in contact with infected surfaces in locker rooms and on playground equipment, towels, or other surfaces where HPV may be lurking. If you notice thick, callus-like areas on the bottom of your child’s feet, they may have plantar warts. They are typically flat and round and may be grey or brown with a grainy texture and ridged border—all of which helps distinguish them from regular calluses. You may even see a tiny black dot in the center of the wart, which is actually a clotted capillary. Plantar warts are often painful when walking or otherwise applying pressure on the bottom of the foot. If your child is complaining about pain on the sole of their foot or you detect something that looks like a plantar wart, it is best to seek the care of a podiatrist, as these hearty, contagious warts may spread and cluster, and are typically resistant to home remedies.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
