Items filtered by date: December 2023

Regular exercise is often associated with overall health and well-being, but the benefits extend beyond just cardiovascular fitness. Including exercises that specifically target the feet in your daily routine can contribute to better foot health and overall mobility. Strengthening exercises, such as toe curls and arch lifts, enhance the muscles that support the feet, improving stability and balance. Flexibility exercises, like toe stretches and ankle circles, promote a greater range of motion and can reduce the risk of injuries and enhance agility. Additionally, foot exercises can help alleviate common issues, like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, by promoting circulation and preventing stiffness. Improved circulation also aids in the healing of foot injuries and minimizes swelling. Several additional foot exercises can be done regularly. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of exercising your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy is a joyous but challenging period, with an increased risk of falls affecting approximately one-third of expectant mothers. To reduce this risk, pregnant women may want to avoid slippery surfaces, use stair rails, opt for flatter shoes, and move at a measured pace. Engaging in regular physical activities, such as yoga or walking, has consistently shown to reduce the likelihood of falls. Research underscores the significance of maintaining ankle stiffness to prevent falls during pregnancy. A recent study revealed that women in their third trimester face challenges with postural equilibrium, detected through stability tests. Wearing a maternity support belt emerges as a practical solution, as it helps to enhance balance and reduce fall risk, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. In addition to these measures, maintaining a well-balanced diet and staying adequately hydrated contributes to overall health during pregnancy. Adequate fluid intake helps prevent dizziness and promotes joint flexibility, which further reduces the risk of accidental falls. By incorporating these lifestyle adjustments, expectant mothers can navigate the physical changes of pregnancy more safely and enjoy a healthier and stable journey into motherhood. For help in dealing with falls during pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, developing from pressure causing the toe to lean towards the second toe. This misalignment, often resulting from the joint at the toe's base bearing significant weight during activities such as standing and walking, can lead to symptoms like pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling. Additionally, calluses often form due to friction between the big and second toe or on the ball of the foot. Bunions tend to worsen over time if not addressed, possibly causing difficulty in wearing shoes and walking comfortably. While bunions are more common in adults, they can also be present from birth or develop during childhood. The condition can affect one or both feet, posing a persistent challenge to foot comfort and function. If you have an uncomfortable bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options that may increase your comfort.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe surgery is a procedure designed to address the deformities associated with hammertoe, a condition in which one or more toe joints become bent. Before the surgery, your podiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, and possibly perform an X-ray that can assess the extent of the deformity and determine the best course of action. They will also have a discussion with you about the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternative treatments. Depending on the complexity of your case and your preferences, hammertoe surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, or under general anesthesia. During the surgery, your surgeon will make incisions, reposition the affected toe joint, and may remove a small piece of bone or tendon. The toe will then be straightened and secured in its corrected position, often using pins, wires, or screws. Following the surgery, you will likely wear a special shoe or cast to protect the toe. Initially, you may experience swelling and discomfort, but these symptoms can gradually improve over time. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether surgery can help improve your comfort and foot function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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