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February 2019

Monday, 25 February 2019 00:00

Edema and Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant are aware of the changes that are occurring in their bodies. These may include pain in the feet while walking or standing. The reasons for this is due to the amount of weight gain that happens, and pressure is exerted near the arch of the foot and surrounding areas. The muscles of the feet may be strained as a result of change in gait, and this may happen to accommodate wider feet. This can lead to wearing shoes that are too tight, which may cause ingrown toenails to develop. Many pregnant women experience edema, which is known as swelling of the feet. Mild relief may be felt when the feet are resting, and elevated above heart level. Many women may find it beneficial to wear orthotics, and to incorporate a gentle foot exercise regime into their daily routine. If you are experiencing severe pain and discomfort in your feet as a result of pregnancy, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can offer relief advice.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Tina Oliver from Astro Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

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Monday, 18 February 2019 00:00

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Those with diabetes are prone to foot ulcers and should make an active effort to check for them in order to avoid any further complications. People with diabetes can easily develop neuropathy, which makes them unable to feel if they have any wounds on their feet. So daily checks are vital in ensuring that no foot ulcers have formed. If a foot ulcer is found, then that wound should immediately be treated, so the healing process can begin. There are a few key components to keep in mind when caring for a foot ulcer. Taking pressure of the area, which is called “off-loading”, helps to keep blood flowing through the foot, so it can start to repair itself. Removing dead skin, then applying medication and dressing the wound will help fight infection. Preventing infection is one of the most important parts of caring for a foot ulcer, because an infection will make the wound much more complicated and dangerous. If you have a foot ulcer, then it is strongly recommended that you speak with a podiatrist to learn about how to properly care for it.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Tina Oliver from Astro Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

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Research has shown that feet may be an important way to determine the cause for many aches and pains that may be present in the body.  When correct stretching techniques are incorporated into a daily routine, the general health of the body may be positively affected. An effective stretch for the arch of the foot is called a toe stretch. This may feel good if the toes become cramped in poorly fitting shoes. This is performed by interlacing the fingers between the toes, rotating the ankle, and repeating on the other side. If the arches in your foot feel tired, it may be beneficial to roll the bottom of your foot on a tennis ball, which may help to relax any tight muscles in the feet. Foot spasms may be avoided when the toes are frequently pointed and flexed. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly guide you.

Why Stretching is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Tina Oliver from Astro Foot Care, PA. Our doctor 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 to determine 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 exercise, 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 to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

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Foot health is important for everyone, but it is particularly important for the elderly. Feet are a complicated part of the body and they go through a considerable amount of wear and tear over the course of one’s life. As we age, the cells in our feet begin to hold less water, which leads to tendons tightening while ligaments loosen. These shifts can lead to pain, internal growths, and other complications. Circulation in the feet also lessens over time, and that hinders the foot’s ability to heal. These two afflictions combined, make older adults more prone to infections and other issues. Some of the most common issues seen in in the elderly are bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, fungal infections, pain, and soreness. Unfortunately, in the later years of life, it is harder for the foot to battle these complications, so addressing them early on is essential for optimal foot health. If you are an older adult and have any concerns regarding your feet, it is highly recommended you consult with a podiatrist to find the best treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Tina Oliver from Astro Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

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Friday, 01 February 2019 00:00

Do your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately?

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