Podiatry

You don't have to be standing at the alter to have cold feet. Cold feet come in many shapes and sizes, and their causes may be as benign as not having a pair of socks on to as serious as vascular disease. So, if your feet are constantly cold, it is never a bad idea to take a longer look to make sure that you do not have symptoms of other conditions. Some of the initial conditions that we would be concerned about with cold feet are: • Anemia • Diabetes • Neuropathy • Raynaud's Disease • Peripheral Arterial Disease Typically, cold feet mean nothing more than just that - cold feet. Cold weather causes the blood vessels in the extremities to constrict so that more blood can be routed to the core, essential organs of the body. This constriction of vessels is what causes your feet to be the first cold body part. In the absense of cold weather, we must consider if there are internal factors leading to our cold feet. Anemia is a broad term describing over 400 different...

During pregnancy, the body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby. Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy that is caused by this additional blood and fluid. Normal swelling, which is also called edema, is experienced in the hands, face, legs, ankles, and especially feet. This extra retention of fluid is needed to soften the body, which enables it to expand as the baby develops. Extra fluid also helps prepare the pelvic joints and tissues to open to allow the baby to be born. The extra fluids account for approximately 25% of the weight women gain during pregnancy. Swelling may be experienced at any point during pregnancy, but it tends to be noticed around the fifth month and can increase while you are in the third trimester. The following factors may also affect swelling: -Summertime heat -Standing for long periods of time -"Long" days of activity -Diet low in potassium -High level of caffeine consumption ...

It’s time to get active again now that the weather is getting warmer! However, sometimes being active can be difficult if you suffer from knee pain. There are many types of knee pain ranging from acute, or recent, to chronic, or long lasting. Acute knee pain is usually caused by trauma, like a fall or accident. The injury is usually a sprain or strain of knee muscles or ligaments. If not properly taken care of, these injuries can persist over time and become chronic. Chronic knee pain continues over time and can be caused by conditions such as arthritis. The pain tends to worsen when a person is more active. If you suffer from knee pain of acute or chronic nature, physical therapy can be helpful in reducing the pain and helping you get back to your normal activities and an active lifestyle. The physical therapist will complete a thorough evaluation and develop a treatment plan to address your specific deficits. The treatment regimen usually consists of modalities for pain control...

Crossover toe is a condition in which the second toe drifts toward the big toe and eventually crosses over and lies on top of the big toe. Crossover toe is a common condition that can occur at any age, although it is most often seen in adults. Some people confuse crossover toe with a hammertoe, probably because both conditions involve a toe that does not lie in the normal position. However, crossover toe is entirely different from a hammertoe-and much more complex. Although the crossing over of the toe usually occurs over a period of time, it can appear more quickly if caused by injury or overuse. Symptoms may include: • Pain - particularly on the ball of the foot. It can feel like there's a marble in the shoe or a sock is bunched up. • Swelling in the area of pain, including the base of the toe • Difficulty wearing shoes Crossover toe is a progressive disorder. In the very early stages is the best time to treat crossover toe. Without treatment, the condition usually ...

Gout is a disease caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints. It results from an elevated blood level of uric acid (hyperuricemia), which occurs when the liver produces more uric acid than the body can excrete in the urine, or when a diet high in rich foods produces more uric acid than the kidneys can filter from the blood. Over time, uric acid in the blood crystallizes and settles in the joint spaces, causing swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Gout usually affects the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe (hallux) or the ankle joints. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gout affects approximately 2.1 million people in the United States. The disease is more common in men between the ages of 40 and 50, and in women, incidence increases after menopause. The condition is rare in children and young adults. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, approximately 18% of people who develop gout ha...

Calf and Foot Strengthening Exercises Strengthening your calf muscles and foot muscles will prevent plantar fasciitis and other types of heel pain. By strengthening your muscles, your stride when walking will improve and pronation can be corrected. Stand on a stair with one hand on a wall or railing for support, keeping the toes on the stair and let the heels hang. Gain balance in this position, then slowly lift up onto your toes, then slowly return back to the neutral position. The exercise should be felt in the calf muscles and along the back of the ankle. Slowly lift up onto the toes, then lower the heels back to the original starting position. This exercise should be repeated 10 times up and down for 3 sets, a total of 30 lifts. Another great trick is to stand on your tip toes and slowly walk forward and backwards taking slow small steps. Stand very tall and keep your hands at your side. Roll your weight onto your tip-toes and lift your heels. Gain balance and see how many 10-...

For years, going barefoot has seemed alluring. Individuals long to be barefoot on the beach. Additionally, there are runners that prefer to exercise barefoot. Even little children are constantly kicking their shoes off. While going barefoot may be appealing, it also has its risks. Walking or standing without shoes will allow your feet to become more susceptible to heel pain. No Support When you are barefoot, your feet have limited support. The fat pad along the sole of your foot becomes the only protection available. This padding guards your plantar fascia. After you walk barefoot on a hard surface for a substantial amount of time, the fat pad might not be effective at protecting the fascia. This could result in inflammation of the fascia, which often leads to heel pain. Walking On Your Toes Also, typically when you walk barefoot for an extended period of time, you stop walking normally. The average person initially steps on the ball of their foot. However, after too much time ...