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Two Groups of Foot Muscles

People who frequently go to the gym understand the importance of exercising the muscles in their bodies. With this being noted, the feet are often neglected, and many people fail to properly stretch and exercise their feet. The muscles in the feet can be categorized into two different areas, and the intrinsic foot muscles can be referred to as the core of the feet. The arch is maintained by these muscles and can aid in shock absorption. Global muscles are typically larger, and the ankle is moved by these types of muscles, which are also responsible for pointing and flexing the toes. Common exercises to perform consists of picking up marbles with the toes. This stretch can engage both groups of muscles. A strengthening exercise for the toes can be done by spreading them out as far as possible, repeated several times. If you would like more information about how foot exercises can benefit the feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective foot stretches to perform.

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 Kutchback 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 offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Facts About Children’s Feet

There are basic facts involving children’s feet that are interesting to know. The bones in children’s feet do not fully develop until the age of 13, and it is helpful to provide them with shoes that have the necessary support as they grow. This is crucial in maintaining good foot health. Many parents realize they are buying shoes at an accelerated rate during the first few years after birth. Research has shown the feet grow the fastest in the first three years. Flexible and comfortable shoes are ideal to purchase, and this can help the child to get accustomed to their growing feet. The feet house one-quarter of the bones that are in the body, and the majority of babies are born with flat feet. The arch generally develops during the teenage years, and having an abnormal foot structure may cause flat feet to lead into adulthood. If you would like more information about children’s foot health, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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Healing From a Broken Toe

It typically takes about six weeks to heal from a broken toe, but the actual time frame depends on the severity of the fracture, the age of the person, and pre-existing medical conditions. Symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, and bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. Additionally, a bone may protrude through the skin and the toe may look deformed. Treatments involve taping the broken toe to the toe next to it which provides stability, splinting the toe, or surgery may be necessary for more severe breaks. Resting and elevating the affected foot will help reduce swelling and pain. Simple treatment usually suffices in the healing of a broken toe, however, it is important to seek treatment if pain is severe or walking becomes increasingly difficult. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment recommendations.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Common Reasons for Foot Pain During Workouts

Regardless of the type of exercise you choose to do, there is often specific footwear designed to achieve the best results for that activity. The right shoes can help with proper form and preventing foot pain during exercise. Consider that if you feel pain during or after your workouts, you may be wearing the wrong shoes for the activity. Additionally, your shoes could be worn out, or the shoes may not be the right ones for your foot type. A gait analysis involves watching how you walk without shoes to understand how your feet bear weight as you walk. This is often a starting point to recommending a shoe type for your individual gait pattern. Shoes can differ by pronation type, arch support, and other foot mechanic specifics. If you experience foot pain during your workouts, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination, a gait analysis, and a discussion about the best shoes for you.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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