September 2022

Research has indicated that minimalist footwear is beneficial to wear while walking. This may help to improve balance and physical movement, despite the fact that many people may feel more comfortable running in cushioned shoes. The feet may maintain optimum foot health when strengthening exercises are frequently performed. These can include toe yoga, which can be done by stretching the toes in various ways. An effective stretch is done by bunching the toes together, and then stretching them as wide as possible, while having the big toe touch the ground. An additional stretch that can benefit the plantar fascia can be done while kneeling and sitting on the heels with the toes flexed against the floor or mat. There are several foot exercises and stretches that can be practiced which can help overall foot health. If you would like more information about specific stretches, please confer 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 one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are small, bony growths on the heel of the foot. A spur may grow when the plantar fascia ligament that connects the heel bones to the toe bones become inflamed. The inflammation from a heel spur might cause discomfort or not. If it does hurt, there will be pain or tenderness over the weight-bearing part of the bottom of the heel. A bump can sometimes be felt when the area is touched. A spur will not be treated unless other conditions caused by inflammation causing the pain are non-existent. For example, plantar fasciitis may be the main source of pain, and that condition will be treated and the bone spur left alone. If you have a bone spur and pain, see a podiatrist to find out the source of pain so you can receive appropriate treatment options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

It is beneficial to begin looking after your child’s feet when they are babies. There are simple measures that can help protect their feet as the growing process occurs. When toddlers begin to walk, it is beneficial to walk barefoot while inside as this can help to strengthen their overall foot as the toes grip the floor. When walking outside, the correct shoes need to be worn in the right size. When children get an adequate amount of exercise it helps keep the joints and muscles strong, in addition to improving circulation. Additionally, having your child eat healthy foods that have enough levels of vitamin D can help to maintain strong bones and support healthy connective tissue. There are specific shoes to wear for certain types of sporting activities. Shoes that have good support and cushioning can help the feet feel comfortable while engaging in strenuous sports. Having good arch support may help to prevent potential foot conditions. If you have concerns about your children’s feet and would like more information about the type of shoes they should wear, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Many women enjoy high heels despite the pain that can come from frequently wearing them. There may be many pairs of high heels in their closets, but the pain may cause unwanted foot conditions. Blisters are a common ailment to get while wearing high heels, and they can be caused by a narrow space in the toe area. The toes may rub together, and a painful blister may form. When patients choose to wear high heels, it is suggested that they fit properly, as this can help to avoid sliding. This is the term that is used when the shoes are too big, and the toes grip the front of the shoe, causing toe strain. This can lead to an uneven distribution of weight, and the ball of the foot may be negatively affected. Research has shown that the ankle, joints, and surrounding tendons may become strained and may lead to incurring a stress fracture or tendonitis. If you would like more information about the dangers to the feet of wearing high heels, please consult with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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