Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin condition that can affect many parts of the body, including the feet. When it causes a thickening of the skin covered in scales, it is referred to as plaque psoriasis. Symptoms of plaque psoriasis are itchy, dry, and cracked skin. Toenails may become pitted, cracked, or crumbly, and the affected skin may be painful. Scratching the skin leaves it open to infection. Psoriasis of the feet is referred to as pustular and may be the result of banging or rubbing of the area. This produces an itching sensation that can become quite uncomfortable. While there is no known cure for psoriasis, many treatment options are available, including steroid creams, medicated ointments, and moisturizers. For more information about dealing with psoriasis of the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.  

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Many people experience foot pain occasionally, or perhaps on a daily basis. It can occur for various reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from having an abnormal foot structure. Additionally, heel pain can be a common problem for patients, which can be indicative of a heel spur or plantar fasciitis. Stretching the heel can be done easily by standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. This may also be helpful in relieving arch pain. There are several muscles in the feet which move the toes, and stretching them may help to keep them flexible. The probability of developing hammertoe may decrease when the toes are frequently stretched. Performing these stretches can keep the toes from curling, which is the noticeable symptom in hammertoe. If you would like to learn about additional stretching techniques for the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.

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 one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who enjoy running and jogging are aware of how a running injury can interrupt this hobby. The importance of preventing running injuries ranks high among runners, and there are effective methods that can accomplish this. It is beneficial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which may help to prevent foot cramps. Stretching before and after running is effective in keeping the muscles limber, in addition to wearing running shoes that fit correctly. Many runners find it is better for their body to gradually change running surfaces, if desired, and to recover for an adequate amount of time. There are several types of running injuries, which may be prevented by taking care of the body. If you would like more information about how to do this, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can present you with effective tips on how to prevent running injuries.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Care. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Parma, Cleveland, and Westlake, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.