Items filtered by date: September 2022

Research has indicated that minimalist footwear is beneficial to wear while walking. This may help to improve balance and physical movement, despite the fact that many people may feel more comfortable running in cushioned shoes. The feet may maintain optimum foot health when strengthening exercises are frequently performed. These can include toe yoga, which can be done by stretching the toes in various ways. An effective stretch is done by bunching the toes together, and then stretching them as wide as possible, while having the big toe touch the ground. An additional stretch that can benefit the plantar fascia can be done while kneeling and sitting on the heels with the toes flexed against the floor or mat. There are several foot exercises and stretches that can be practiced which can help overall foot health. If you would like more information about specific stretches, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

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 Gerald McCool, DPM from McCool 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 El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The plantar fascia is located on the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. Inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause a condition that is known as plantar fasciitis which may happen from repeated stress as a result of participating in running and jumping activities. It can affect the heel, and it is often difficult to walk. There is a treatment method that is referred to as shockwave therapy, and it may be useful in healing plantar fasciitis. It is performed by administering shockwaves to the affected area, which is typically painless. Patients are generally required to undergo three to five treatments, and relief may be found soon after it begins. Research has indicated results may be seen more quickly when it is diagnosed in the beginning stages. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is an effective form of treatment for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Gerald McCool, DPM from McCool Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

When one has flat feet, there are no (or slight) arches in the feet, and the entire sole appears to touch the ground when one is standing. Flat feet can develop if the arch does not develop normally during childhood, from natural wear and tear, or from an injury. This is a common condition that may be painless or cause the feet to tire easily and feel painful. If this happens, it is because the connecting ligaments and muscles of the foot are strained. The feet might tire easily. Rarely, it will lead to problems with moving the feet. However, even if this condition does not cause foot pain, it can contribute to ankle, knee, and back problems from a change in the leg’s alignment. Some children can develop flexible flat feet, and this is when the arch can be seen when the child stands on tiptoes or sits, but when standing, the arch disappears. Since other conditions can cause similar pain as with flat feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gerald McCool, DPM from McCool Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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