November 2021

Strengthening the core of the feet is often neglected in training regimes for athletes, with more attention being given to the legs and thighs. But keeping the foot core muscles in good shape is essential, not only for overall foot health, but also for preventing injury. Foot core muscles are responsible for maintaining arch shape and shock absorption. Neglecting this area of the foot can lead to plantar fasciitis and even stress fractures. Typical exercises concentrating on the core include the short foot exercise, big toe press, and toe splay. It’s always a good idea to check in with a podiatrist for further information.

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 New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can hinder everyday life, and it develops from a variety of causes. Foot pain can occur due to injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures. Foot pain can also happen due to various medical conditions. One common condition, known as gout, is a form of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation from a high concentration of uric acid in the blood. Another foot issue that one may experience is a bunion, which is a bony protrusion that forms at the base of the big toe. If you’re suffering from heel pain, this may be the result of plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the plantar fascia, which connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or partially torn. Morton's neuroma is another ailment that can cause foot pain. This develops when the nerve in the foot becomes compressed and irritated. If you are struggling with any type of foot pain, it is highly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a professional diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions can develop when the joint at the big toe is pulled out of alignment and the toe gets turned towards the rest of the toes. This is a very common issue, and it can result in a painful and bony lump to form at the joint. As bunions develop, they can get more and more painful. They will eventually push the other toes out of alignment which will lead to skin irritation and difficulty wearing shoes or walking. Common causes of bunions can include heredity, shoes that fit too tightly, arthritis, injuries, and nerve damage. Patients who are struggling with a painful bunion should consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment and pain relief methods. Common methods for treating bunions include wearing shoes with wide toe boxes, orthotics, and in some cases, surgery.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Blisters form between layers of injured skin as a way of cushioning the injury and protecting it from further damage. When friction or some other irritant damages the upper layer of skin (epidermis), it can tear away from underlying layers of skin. The space that is created between the layers then fills up with fluid (serum). Most blisters occur as a result of friction caused by ill-fitting shoes or socks. Other causes of blisters include burns, frostbite, irritants such as insect bites, chemicals and other toxins. Medical conditions like diabetic neuropathy and eczema, as well as certain autoimmune deficiencies, can weaken the outer layer of skin which increases the risk of blisters forming. Aside from removing pressure from the affected area, it is best to leave a blister alone to allow it to heal naturally, which usually happens within a few days. However, if the blister worsens by becoming discolored or excessively inflamed, it may indicate that an infection is present and a podiatrist should be consulted right away.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

If you’ve ever stepped off a curb or jumped and landed awkwardly, you may have felt your ankle twist. Sometimes, an ankle can twist so much that the ligaments that support the ankle become overstretched or torn. When this happens, it is known as an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains range in severity, but symptoms usually include ankle pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising. The more damaged the ligaments, the worse the symptoms. In more severe sprains, it may be difficult or impossible to walk due to ankle pain and instability. The ankle may also have a restricted range of motion. If you suspect that you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.  

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

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 Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.