Pregnancy Foot Care

Pregnant women need to observe good foot health to prevent pain and discomfort.

Since the body undergoes changes and acquires a new weight-bearing stance, women should wear shoes with broad-based heels that provide support and absorb shock. 

Additional body weight also calls for more support, to prevent foot "breakdown."

The expectant mother often experiences more than ordinary swelling of her feet and ankles, which can aggravate existing foot conditions and promote inflammation or irritation. 

Pregnancy also triggers the release of hormones that enhance loose ligaments, which can contribute to foot strain.

• To help overcome these problems, allow time each day to stay off your feet.
• Elevate the feet and legs when you are sitting to help prevent and reduce swelling.
• Don't sit for long periods of time.

If problems do develop, please contact our Family Foot Care office to schedule an appointment at 704-786-4482.

Burning Feet

Burning feet refers to a foot sensation that is most frequently experienced by adults over age 50 and those who are diabetic.

Thyroid dysfunction, gastric restriction in morbidly obese people, and heavy use of alcohol also have been linked with burning feet. Nerve problems, such as neuromas and tarsal tunnel syndrome, may also be associated with the sensation of burning feet.

There are some simple ways to mitigate burning feet:

• Make sure you wear shoes that fit properly and provide support for your unique foot structure.

• Take foot baths daily to treat hot and sweaty feet.

• Wear socks of cotton, versus synthetic, fibers as they are lighter and cooler.

• Avoid long periods of standing

• Try cushioned or shock-absorbing insoles in your shoes to make standing more comfortable.

• In some cases, orthotics may be helpful to correct any underlying mechanical imbalances which may be responsible for your burning feet.

It is not unusual for feet to ache or burn at the end of a long day. However, on an ongoing basis, burning feet can be a symptom of a more serious health problem. 

Please consult our Family Foot Care office and schedule an appointment if you experience persistent burning feet at 704-786-4482 

or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

WALK SOFTLY

Although it is an effective way to burn calories, using a treadmill requires caution. 
Frequent walking at a much higher rate of steps per minute on a sharp incline can result in foot injuries. 
Inflammation of the tissues of the heel, known a plantar fasciitis, is a common result from treadmill use. 
The pressure and friction experienced can also cause Morton’s neuroma, a nerve irritation near the base of the third and fourth toes. 
Other potential issues include tendonitis and blisters. Stretching exercises done prior to a workout can be of benefit. Orthotics or padding for shoes may offer some relief. Also, lowering the incline and speed aggressive treadmill used and maintaining a shorter stride may help in preventing foot injuries.

Whenever your feet hurt, it’s important to find out why. Bearing in mind how much our feet do for us.
If you have any questions regarding your feet, please don't hesitate to contact our InStride Family Foot Care at 704.786.4482. We are located at 1022 Lee-Ann Dr. in Concord.

HINT: When possible, vary your treadmill workouts with training outdoors.

HEEL FISSURES

Heel fissures, or splitting skin, can be unsightly, painful, and potentially hazardous to your health.

Chronic dry skin, athletes’ foot, wearing open back shoes, and cold weather are all contributory factors that can lead to this painful condition.

Walking, which puts pressure on the fissures, causes them to split and become more vulnerable to bacterial invasion, which can lead to infection.

A podiatrist can remove or debride the callusing in the affected area. A topical medication that allows for more successful penetration of the callus may also be suggested.

Reducing the size of the callused tissue helps to accelerate the closure of the fissure.

In additions, applying recommended moisturizers may help alleviate the condition.

As with all conditions your doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition.
Feet are vulnerable and prone to complaints, but most problems don’t just disappear on their own.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please do not hesitate to contact our FAMILY FOOT CARE at 704.786.4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

HINT: Prolonged standing, particularly on hard floors, can result in heel fissures.

Wear Patterns

Examining old shoes before buying new ones can help you evaluate your wear patterns and buy new shoes with a better fit and style that compensates for the stresses you place on shoes.

What are your shoes trying to tell you? Here is a translation of basic wear patterns:

• A bulge and wear to the side of the big toe means too-narrow fit or you have a bunion.
• Outer sole wear means you turn your foot out. Orthotics may help.
• Toe-shaped ridges on the upper means your shoes are too small or you have hammertoes.
• Wear on the ball of the foot means your heel tendons may be too tight.
• Wear on the inner sole means you pronate or turn your foot inward. Inner liners or orthotics may help.
• Wear on the upper, above the toes means the front of your shoe is too low. 

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please don't hesitate to contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.



 

Women Over 65

Older women have more trouble with their feet than younger ones, often because fat pads on the bottom of the feet tend to deteriorate in the aging process. Many foot problems for older women can be alleviated simply by wearing properly fitted, well-constructed shoes that provide cushioning and have a soft, flexible upper that will conform to the shape of their feet. Shoes made of leather that "breathes" can also reduce the possibility of skin irritation.

Soles should be lightweight, with enough flexibility and shock-absorbing quality to provide solid footing and not be slippery. Low-heeled shoes provide greater stability, more protection for the feet, and greater comfort. Because older women often have circulatory problems, they have a special need to keep their feet warm in cold weather, to prevent frostbite or chilblains. Most importantly, keep walking and moving around every day so that all the systems in the legs and feet remain stretched and circulation stays healthy.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, or if you want our Family Foot Care to help you choose proper shoes, please don't hesitate to contact us at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/. 

Stretching

Before beginning any exercise regimen, proper stretching is essential. 

If muscles are properly warmed up, the strain on muscles, tendons, and joints is reduced.

Stretching exercises should take 5 to 10 minutes and ought to be conducted in a stretch/hold/relax pattern without any bouncing or pulling. It is important to stretch the propulsion muscles in the back of the leg and thigh (posterior) as well as the anterior muscles.

Some effective stretching exercises to prepare the foot and ankle for exercise include:

• The wall push-up. Face a wall from three feet away, with feet flat on the floor, and knees locked. Lean into the wall, keeping feet on the floor and hold for 10 seconds as the calf muscle stretches, then relax. Do not bounce. Repeat five times.
• The hamstring stretch. Put your foot, with knee straight and locked, on a chair or table. Keep the other leg straight with knee locked. Lower your head toward the raised knee until the muscles tighten. Hold to a count of 10 then relax. Repeat five times, then switch to the other leg.
• Lower back stretch. In a standing position, keep both legs straight, feet spread slightly. Bend over at the waist and attempt to touch the palms of your hands to the floor. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times. Do not bounce.

Excessive tightness of the calf muscles can contribute to many foot and some knee problems. 

A key point of injury is the Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel. When the calf muscle tightens up, it limits the movement of the ankle joint. 

Calf muscle stretching is very useful in the prevention and treatment of many foot problems.  

Two typical methods for stretching your calf muscles include the wall push-up (described above) and this technique: Standing approximately two feet from a wall. While facing the wall, turn your feet inward ("pigeon toed") and lean forward into the wall, keeping your heels on the floor and the knees extended. Keep your back straight and don't bend at the hips. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and do the stretch 10 times in a row. 

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please don't hesitate to contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.