People who are interested in achieving their best performance in athletics are often aware of the impact wearing the right shoe can have. Research has indicated sprinters, runners, and joggers have toes that are strong. The big toe is considered to be one of the most important parts of the foot, and it is used in athletic movements. This part of the foot needs to be flexible as it strikes the ground with astounding force. There are specific exercises that can improve the strength of the big toe. These can include toe curls and calf raises with emphasis on the big toe. Range of motion can be improved while standing on a tennis or golf ball, in addition to massaging the sole of the foot. If you would like more 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 one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

You’ve probably seen many bruises on your skin throughout your life, with their black-and-blue discoloration and associated pain, but did you know that you can also bruise a bone? A bone bruise occurs when a small injury on the surface of a bone fills up with blood and other fluids. Like a regular bruise, a bone bruise may cause your skin to turn black, blue, or purple, but it is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as stiffness, joint swelling, pain, and tenderness that last longer than a typical bruise. Bone bruises are somewhat common among athletes and people who work physically demanding job,s which can take a toll on their feet and toes. The bruise may last anywhere from a couple of days to several months, but if you find that your symptoms are getting worse instead of better over time, then you may have a more serious injury, such as a broken bone. If you notice a large bruise on your feet or toes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

High heels should fit securely and comfortably to support proper foot alignment and prevent pain. When heels are too big, the foot slips forward, causing blisters and instability. If they are too small, they can pinch the toes and create corns or bunions. Shoes that are too narrow may lead to nerve compression or hammertoes, while heels that are too wide fail to provide support, increasing the risk of falls. Poorly fitted high heels can contribute to chronic pain and long-term foot conditions over time. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing problems caused by ill-fitting footwear and offer effective treatment solutions. If you have developed foot pain from wearing high-heeled shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity where the tip of the big toe shifts inward toward the other toes, causing a bony bump to develop at the base of the toe. Bunions can form from genetics, wearing tight or narrow shoes, flat feet, or arthritis. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Risk factors include family history, high-heeled footwear, and foot shape abnormalities. A podiatrist can help by providing customized footwear advice, orthotics, padding, and, in severe cases, surgical options to correct the deformity and restore comfort. If you have bunion pain or notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.