The calf muscles are located at the back of each of your lower legs. They are connected to the heel bone by the Achilles tendon. Stretching and strengthening your calves may help prevent injuries to this area like muscle strains and Achilles tendonitis. One way that you can stretch your calves is by kneeling on a pad of cushion with one knee bent at a 90 degree angle, while your other leg is positioned in front of you, planted firmly on the floor and bent at a 90 degree angle. Put your weight on your front foot and lean forward, keeping your front heel on the ground. Then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times on each leg. You should feel a stretch in the back of your lower legs. For more information about exercises for your lower limbs please consult 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 Derek Smith, DPM from Oklahoma. 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 contact our offices located in Ponca City, and Stillwater, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For individuals with arthritis in the feet or ankles, wearing the right footwear can make a remarkable difference in comfort and mobility. Supportive shoes help reduce pressure on painful joints, improve alignment, and provide stability during walking or standing. Custom orthotics can further cushion the foot, evenly distribute weight, and ease strain on inflamed areas. Choosing shoes with a wide toe box, firm heel support, and flexible soles promotes better balance and movement while minimizing fatigue. In some cases, rocker-bottom soles or extra-depth designs can help improve motion and reduce stiffness. Working with a podiatrist ensures footwear is properly fitted and matched to each person’s unique needs and activity level. With the right support, individuals with arthritic feet or ankles can move more comfortably and maintain an active, independent lifestyle. For individualized advice on footwear to ease arthritis pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Derek Smith, DPM from Oklahoma. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ponca City, and Stillwater, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Red feet in older adults can signal underlying health issues that need attention. Peripheral artery disease can reduce blood flow, while venous insufficiency causes blood to pool in the legs, both leading to discoloration and swelling. Diabetes may contribute to poor circulation and nerve damage, increasing the risk of infections. Additionally, fungal infections can also cause redness, along with itching, and irritation. Certain medications may trigger changes in skin color as a side effect. A podiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation, provide treatments, and create a care plan to address these issues and prevent complications. If you notice any changes in your feet, including redness, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you an accurate diagnosis and management tips.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Derek Smith, DPM from Oklahoma. 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 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

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 offices located in Ponca City, and Stillwater, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have experienced an ingrown toenail are often aware of the pain and discomfort this condition can cause. It is defined as the corner of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin. It can occur as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or from trimming the toenails improperly. Mild relief can be found when the affected nail is soaked in warm water. This may help in lifting a portion of the skin away from the nail while using a cotton swab. If the toenail becomes infected, a yellow discharge may appear, and a fever may develop. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you have an ingrown toenail who can determine what the best treatment method is for you.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Derek Smith, DPM of Oklahoma. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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