Items filtered by date: July 2023

People seldom pay attention to their feet unless they hurt. Given all that the feet do for us in getting us around, keeping us upright, and providing independence, it would behoove us to give them some loving attention. If we do not do this, the feet are bound to endure problems, ranging from bad odor to painful foot afflictions. Foot care tips to keep the feet happy and healthy include washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet each day, cutting toenails straight across and rounding edges with a nail file, wearing shoes that fit well, checking the feet regularly for abnormalities, and even getting a pampering foot massage and pedicure periodically. If your feet are tired, a good soak and rest will help. If you want to learn more about how to take care of your feet so that they serve you well across your lifetime, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide routine foot exams and additional foot care tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor 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 Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The heels of the feet can become cracked from severe dryness. This can happen from cold, dry weather, walking barefoot, or hot showers. Diabetics can be prone to cracked heels because their illness decreases the natural oils in the feet. Cracked heels can itch, cause pain, and be unsightly. If not tended to, the cracks can turn into fissures, which can bleed and are prone to infection. Tips for preventing and treating this condition include adequate hydration, short baths and showers with water that is not too hot, use of gentle, fragrance-free soaps so feet can retain more of their natural oils, and frequent moisturizing of the feet. Petroleum jelly can be applied to the heels before bed, and socks can be worn to protect bed sheets, as well as to further moisturize the feet. Wearing closed shoes and socks that fit well can help protect against cracked heels. If you have cracked heels that are not responding to home care or if the cracks are worsening or appear infected, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for more effective treatment and restoration of the heels to their smooth, healthy state.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the feet. It gradually happens as a result of repetitive motion, causing the tibial nerve to become irritated or compressed. This is located inside the tarsal tunnel and is accompanied by ankle pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms can include a numbing or tingling sensation, and the overall foot may feel weak. People who have flat feet may be prone to developing tarsal tunnel syndrome, or it may occur in patients who have had a previous ankle injury. A lipoma, or mass, that lies near the tibial nerve may also cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. Having unexplained ankle pain may prompt an exam to be done which can properly diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome. This can consist of having an MRI or Tinel’s test performed, both of which are accurate tests that can confirm this diagnosis. Treatment often begins with frequently elevating the foot, and relief may be found when an elastic compression bandage is worn for support. If you have ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Charles Perry, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Many podiatrists cannot stress the importance of stretching the feet enough. When the feet are frequently stretched, foot pain and fatigue may be reduced, and circulation can be improved. The feet can tire from standing or walking for several hours during the day, in addition to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. A common foot stretch is known as a calf or runner’s stretch. This is done by standing on a step while lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. The movement of the foot is controlled by two calf muscles, which connect to the Achilles tendon. These muscles can generally be tight, and performing a runner’s stretch can be an effective way to loosen them. The muscles in the feet that provide movement to the toes are called intrinsic muscles, and are located between the metatarsal bones. They can weaken with age, and stretching them properly may slow down this process. There are numerous stretches that can be done for the feet and toes, and if you would like more information about how to perform these, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

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 Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. 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 offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.