Items filtered by date: May 2023

One of the most common causes of pain under the foot is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Thought to be an overuse injury, plantar fasciitis is inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs from the toes to the heel. It is imperative to avoid further stress on the foot until the pain subsides, but at that point, a few simple exercises can help to overcome the ailment through stretching. The first exercise calls for sitting in a chair with one leg crossed over the opposite thigh. Gently pull the toes of the painful foot toward the shin with one hand, while slowly massaging the length of the sole of the foot with the other hand. Do this 10 times for 10 seconds each and repeat. If the plantar fasciitis is also in the other foot, change sides. Next, kneel on a mat with your toes tucked under and the heels facing upward, while supporting your weight on your hands. Sit up until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for a minute and repeat three times. Do two sets. For further help with the pain of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Cascade Foot Clinic. 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 Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain and stiffness that is worse after rising from prolonged sitting or sleep may be an indicator of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or an injury, such as a stress fracture. Plantar fasciitis is a common ailment where the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue on the sole of the foot running from the heels to the toes, becomes inflamed or sustains micro tears. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the band of tissues that connect the calf muscle to the heel bone. A heel stress fracture usually comes from overuse, improper form, or intense exercise. Since other conditions may cause heel pain as well, if you are experiencing this type of pain and it does not improve with rest, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, and gentle stretching, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to put on sandals and flip-flops. However, experts point out that both of these types of footwear can be harmful to the health of your feet. In most cases, neither provides the amount of shock absorption to ward off stress fractures or plantar fasciitis, which is the most common cause of heel pain. In addition, wearing such non-supportive footwear for long periods can lead to other foot issues, including bunions and hammertoe. Further wearing sandals and flip-flops can permanently affect the way you walk, which in turn can cause problems with the knees, hips, and back. Cracked heels are another negative side effect of wearing sandals and flip-flops. The real danger of cracked heels is the possibility of developing fissures, which are deep crevices in the skin that invite fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. If you need more information on the dangers of summertime footwear, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

If you are a senior citizen, you might have noticed that as you age, you become increasingly susceptible to poor foot health. As a result, a senior citizen might be at risk for developing foot conditions, such as athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a particular kind of fungal infection that can result in a rash between the toes of the feet. Itching and redness can ensue. A senior might be prone to athlete’s foot because the elderly have a diminished ability to keep their feet clean and dry. Consequently, the fungus causing athlete’s foot can take hold in a senior. To prevent athlete’s foot, a senior can consider taking certain steps, such as regularly cleaning and drying the feet, applying a good moisturizer, and disinfecting the socks. If you are a senior looking to prevent athlete's foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an appointment today.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that is noticeable as the second or third toe bends up at the middle joint, forcing the end of the toe to point down. Children may develop this condition from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area. The child may complain their toes are painful, which may be a result of the toe rubbing against the shoe while walking. When shoes are worn that do not fit properly, the muscles and tendons in the toes may tighten. This can cause difficulty in straightening the toe muscles, and walking may be compromised. It is beneficial to address this condition as early as possible, and temporary relief may be found when larger shoes are worn. If the hammertoe toe is severe, it may help to wear toe splints, in addition to gently stretching your child’s toes. If your child has developed hammertoe, it is strongly suggested to speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment methods.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.