Items filtered by date: November 2024

Tuesday, 26 November 2024 00:00

The Pros and Cons of Exercising Barefoot

Exercising barefoot has both benefits and potential drawbacks. One of the main advantages is that it helps strengthen the muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving balance and posture. Without the cushioning of shoes, the feet engage more, potentially leading to better proprioception and increased foot mobility. Barefoot workouts can also improve overall foot alignment and reduce the risk of certain injuries, such as ankle sprains. However, there are also some downsides. Exercising without shoes can increase the risk of cuts, bruises, or other foot injuries, especially when performing activities on hard or uneven surfaces. It can also put additional stress on the joints, particularly for individuals with pre-existing foot conditions like flat feet or plantar fasciitis. If you have injured your foot while exercising, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions, in addition to guiding you on exercising barefoot.

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 Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 office located in Coshocton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 19 November 2024 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Turf Toe

Turf toe is an injury that affects athletes who perform sudden, powerful movements that bend the big toe upward beyond normal range. Pushing off to sprint, jump or move forward in a football or basketball game are common ways that turf toe develops. This action can strain or tear the ligaments and soft tissues surrounding the big toe joint, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. Athletes who play on artificial turf are particularly at risk due to the harder, less absorbent surface, though turf toe can also affect dancers, gymnasts, and wrestlers. Footwear with flexible soles can contribute to the risk of turf toe, as it provides less stability during rapid movements. Symptoms may range from mild pain and slight swelling to more severe cases involving ligament rupture and long-lasting joint stiffness. A podiatrist can prescribe a walking boot or other orthotic device to limit joint movement. Surgery, though rare, may be needed in more stubborn or severe cases. If you have a turf toe injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Tupper of Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 12 November 2024 00:00

Repairing an Achilles Tendon Injury

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It enables essential foot movements like pointing the toes and pushing off when walking or running. Achilles tendon injuries often result from intense physical activities, such as sudden acceleration, landing hard on the heel, or stepping onto an uneven surface. If the tendon ruptures, surgery may be necessary to restore functionality. During the procedure, a podiatrist carefully brings the tendon ends together and sutures them to promote proper healing. However, non-surgical treatments are sometimes effective, particularly for partial tears, and involve structured rehabilitation methods to encourage recovery. Potential risks from surgical repairs include infection, nerve damage, scarring, or even re-injury, underscoring the importance of having a podiatrist assess the condition and provide guidance on the best approach. With proper care, most people regain significant mobility and strength in the affected foot. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Tupper of Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor 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

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

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:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

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Published in Blog
Sunday, 10 November 2024 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 05 November 2024 00:00

Risk Factors and Signs of Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden and debilitating pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, often affecting the big toe. This condition arises from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing gout, including a diet high in purines, which are found in foods such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Obesity, certain medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and a family history of gout also contribute to risk. Common signs of gout include intense joint pain, particularly during the night, and tenderness or discomfort in the affected area. If you have had one or more gout episodes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Tupper from Coshocton Foot Health Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

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Coshocton Office

 
Coshocton Office
(740) 622-8400
1529 Walnut St.
Coshocton, OH 43812
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