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December 2018

Wednesday, 26 December 2018 00:00

Is Foot Therapy Effective?

Many people have experienced foot and ankle injuries and may be familiar with physical therapy as a form of positive foot therapy. It may contribute in providing the desired relief, which may be needed from uncomfortable foot conditions that may include plantar fasciitis or foot and ankle fractures. This type of therapy may be conducive in restoring joint mobility, much needed muscle strength, in addition to improvements in walking. These types of injuries may originate from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles. Additionally, foot therapy may be useful in recovering from foot or ankle surgery. If you have endured a serious injury to your foot, ankle, or surrounding areas, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can recommend the best form of therapy for you.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, Dr. Harold Sterling of Michigan. Our doctor 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.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lansing, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot Therapy for Sports Injuries

The feet bear the weight of the body. Uncomfortable and painful foot conditions may develop as a result of excess weight that is carried around. Many patients may find difficulty in maintaining a regular exercise program; this difficulty may be instrumental in gaining additional weight. This may be due to experiencing limited mobility, and losing the excess weight may prove to be challenging. The feet may change sizes, and you may notice the arch appearing flatter, in addition to the feet becoming wider. Some patients are familiar with arthritis that develops in the feet and ankles, which may be a side effect of increased weight gain. A specific type of arthritis that is known as gout may develop on the side of the big toe, which may be a result of ingesting unhealthy and fattening foods. If you have gained weight and are concerned about the health of your feet, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with proper information.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Harold Sterling from Michigan. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Read more about Obesity and the Feet

If you are a diabetic patient, the importance of taking care of your feet is crucial in helping to maintain overall health. This can be accomplished by performing a daily inspection of your feet and noticing if there are any cuts, bruises or red areas that may be present. Additionally, it may be beneficial to avoid walking barefoot. Choosing shoes that fit properly and are comfortable helps as well. If you observe a cut on your foot, it may typically need attention as quickly as possible by washing it with soap and water, using a mild ointment if necessary, followed by covering it with a gauze bandage. If you are diabetic, it is suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist who can offer proper advice on how to take care of diabetic feet.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Harold Sterling from Michigan. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care
Monday, 03 December 2018 00:00

Different Types of Muscles in the Feet

The foot is comprised of several bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, which provide the mobility that is necessary to perform daily activities. There are two types of muscles that are in the feet, and these are referred to as extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. When the foot is pointed and flexed, the extrinsic muscles are responsible for this type of action. The latter set of muscles are attached to the foot, and these muscles are used to maintain balance, in addition to moving the feet forward. Uncomfortable and painful foot conditions may possibly diminish when these muscles are properly stretched. There are specific stretches that can be performed, which may be beneficial for the overall health of the foot. These may include static stretches in which the toes can be pulled back until a gentle stretch is felt. Additionally, when dynamic stretches are practiced, the natural motion of the foot may be restored. This can be accomplished by rolling the arch of the foot along a tennis ball or a similar object. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet, 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 Dr. Harold Sterling from Michigan. Our doctor 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 our office located in Lansing, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Stretching Your Feet
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