Items filtered by date: May 2015

• Turf toe- upward bending of the big toe outside normal range of motion
• Stress Fractures
• Overpronation- excessive foot movement during gait
• Plantar Fasciitis- swollen ligament in the foot’s base
• Strains

According to Umnia Shahid of The Express Tribune, stretching the feet can reduce frequent foot cramping as well as reduce heel pain. Frequent foot cramping may be due to dehydration or nutritional deficiencies that cause circulation or nerve issues. To solve this, drink plenty of water and try increasing intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. For immediate relief of cramping, soak feet in warm water and stretch toes forward. Although heel pain can occur due to wearing improper or unsupportive footwear, stretching the area post workout or when you first wake up can help reduce the pain.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet contact Dr. Louis R. MacDonald of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching Your 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.

Good ways to stretch your feet are:

·         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 Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about stretching the feet.

Florence Welch, lead singer of Florence and the Machine, sustained a broken foot while performing at Coachella this past month. The musician sent out a message to her fans via Facebook stating, “I’m so sorry to say, that after what was one of my favorite shoes ever at Coachella, I have discovered I have broken my foot from leaping off the stage.” Although she is devastated she cannot perform to her typical extent, Welch understands that she has to scale back until her foot is properly healed. “This album was so much about making something from what was broken, so let’s see what we can do with this,” Welch stated enthusiastically.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent exacerbation. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit Louis R. MacDonald, DPM of New York. Our doctor will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue (foot)
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Broken Feet