It is thought that as one ages, exercise becomes more beneficial to maintain a healthy body. One of the simplest ways to add exercise to your activity list is walking. It requires little in the way of equipment or special clothing, although proper footwear is important before starting. Walking paths and trails are prevalent in most areas. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor before undertaking any new exercise regimes. Walking may help build joint mobility and strength in the feet and ankles. It also helps with weight control, depression, and high blood pressure, experts say. Medical professionals suggest walking at a brisk pace for at least 15 minutes from three to five times a week for the best results. Safety tips include carrying a cell phone, going with a partner, and taking personal and medical identification with you. It also may be wise to use walking sticks to ensure that balance is maintained. It is a good idea to stop immediately if you feel breathless, have chest pain, or dizziness. For more information on the benefits and safety measures for walking, please consult a podiatrist.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sometimes, playing a particular kind of sport can increase an athlete’s susceptibility to particular kinds of foot conditions. For example, when an individual plays volleyball, they may be putting themselves at a risk of enduring a foot injury, such as an ankle sprain. The lateral ankle sprain is a common injury among volleyball players. There are several reasons for this. Most importantly, volleyball players often must frequently jump during games. When coming back down from a high jump, a volleyball player might land incorrectly on the outside of the foot. Often the force with which this occurs on the feet can be too much for the muscles around the ankle to handle. Ankle sprains can be the result. If you are a volleyball player and want to take steps to protect your feet, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Toe pain can arise from a variety of causes, but the most common include ingrown toenails, bunions, and blisters. Various types of arthritis and diabetes can also lead to toe pain. If you feel your toe is painful to the touch, shoes should be checked for a proper fit. They may be too tight, not supportive enough, or have heels that are too high. Resting and elevating the foot may also help relieve temporary toe pain. When there is redness, warmth, or swelling, there could be an infection requiring immediate medical attention. If you are having pain in your toes and it is not subsiding or is worsening, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment for you.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
When to See a Podiatrist
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
The common fungal infection known as athlete’s foot can be quite uncomfortable. This fungal infection affects the skin on the feet, and can cause severe itchiness between the toes. Other symptoms can include dry skin and redness on the bottom of the feet. In severe cases, the toenails may be affected, and toenail fungus may develop. This fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including shower room floors, locker rooms, public swimming pools, and surrounding areas. These are areas where many people walk barefoot, and the fungus can enter the body through small cuts in the bottom of the feet. Athlete's foot is considered to be contagious and effective prevention methods can include wearing appropriate shoes while in these areas and refraining from sharing shoes, socks, and towels. Many people who have athlete's foot seek prompt medical attention, which is beneficial in successfully curing this condition. If you are afflicted with athlete's foot, please consult a podiatrist for treatment.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Many people who experience an Achilles tendon tear are often in severe pain. This type of injury can fall into two categories, consisting of a partial or complete rupture, and can also be known as a tear. Middle-aged people who infrequently participate in sporting activities may be prone to getting an Achilles tendon injury, which may happen from accelerating speed and intensity too quickly. The Achilles tendon is found in the calf, and its function is to connect the calf muscles to the heel. Common symptoms that are associated with this type of injury include a sharp and sudden pain in the calf or heel, and it may be followed by an inability to walk. If the tendon is torn, surgery may be necessary for a permanent repair. A partial tear may be helped by performing specific stretches which may promote healing. If there are previous tears, the likelihood of getting another Achilles tendon injury may increase, and it is suggested that precautionary measures be taken. Patients who have this type of injury are urged to seek counsel from a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
