Arch pain can be a discomforting ailment that affects many individuals, particularly those who spend long hours on their feet or engage in high-impact activities. Fortunately, several exercises can help alleviate arch pain and promote foot health. One beneficial exercise is the towel scrunch, where you place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it toward you, strengthening the muscles in the arch of your foot. Another effective exercise is the toe spread, which is done by spreading your toes as far apart as possible and holding them for a few seconds before releasing them. This is helpful to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the foot. Additionally, performing calf stretches can help alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon, which can contribute to arch pain. Finally, incorporating exercises that focus on improving overall foot and ankle strength and flexibility, such as ankle circles and calf raises, can provide further relief. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward additional specific stretches for relief.

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 Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, a common foot ailment, can be particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, reducing the skin's ability to stay moisturized and heal properly. As a result, the skin around the heels becomes dry and thickened, prone to cracking and fissures. Cracked heels provide entry points for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection, particularly for those with compromised immune systems. Diabetic neuropathy can also diminish sensation in the feet, making it challenging to detect and address foot problems promptly. Left untreated, cracked heels can progress to serious complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and amputation in severe cases. There are essential foot care tips that can help to prevent cracked heels. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist who can help you manage diabetes-related foot issues and minimize the risk of complications. 

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 Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. 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 office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatry, a branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders related to the foot, ankle, and lower extremities, plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and mobility. Podiatrists, also known as foot doctors, undergo extensive training to specialize in the intricate structure and function of the feet and ankles. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions, including bunions, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, and diabetic foot complications. Podiatrists employ various diagnostic techniques such as physical examinations, imaging studies, and biomechanical assessments to evaluate foot problems accurately. Treatment modalities may include conservative measures like orthotics, custom footwear, and medication, as well as surgical interventions for more severe conditions. Additionally, podiatrists play a vital role in preventive care, educating patients about proper foot hygiene, footwear choices, and injury prevention strategies. By addressing foot-related issues comprehensively, podiatrists help enhance the quality of life, promote mobility, and prevent debilitating complications associated with foot disorders. If you have foot or ankle discomfort or are interested in learning more about the field of podiatry, it is suggested that you speak to this type of doctor who can provide you with the care and the knowledge you are seeking.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Extensor tendonitis, characterized by inflammation of the tendons in the feet, often arises from overuse or repetitive strain. These tendons, situated just beneath the skin, lack substantial protection which makes them susceptible to injury. In the feet, extensor tendonitis commonly stems from prolonged standing or wearing improperly fitting shoes. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and stiffness, often accompanied by difficulty with movement. Diagnosis by a podiatrist generally involves a physical examination and may require imaging tests to assess the extent of the damage. While surgery is rarely necessary, it may be considered for severe or persistent cases. Overall, early intervention and proper management can help alleviate symptoms of extensor tendonitis and promote full recovery, enabling you to resume your daily activities without discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of extensor tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromas, benign tumors that develop in the plantar fascia of the foot, can cause discomfort and limit mobility for those affected. While conservative treatments may alleviate symptoms, surgery becomes a consideration for persistent cases. Surgical intervention aims to remove the fibrous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The procedure involves making an incision in the foot to access and excise the fibroma, followed by meticulous closure to promote proper healing. Recovery from plantar fibroma surgery typically involves a period of immobilization, followed by gradual rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility to the affected foot. While surgery carries inherent risks and requires careful consideration, it can offer long-term relief and improved quality of life for individuals with symptomatic plantar fibromas. Consulting with a podiatric surgeon and exploring all treatment options can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their foot health and overall well-being. If you have a plantar fibroma, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is correct for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.