Items filtered by date: September 2024

Working on your feet all day can lead to significant foot pain, but there are several strategies to alleviate discomfort. Start by wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes with good arch support and cushioning to reduce strain on your feet. Custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support tailored to your foot's unique shape. Take regular breaks to sit down and rest your feet, even if it is just for a few minutes. Stretching exercises, such as calf stretches and toe flexes, can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Incorporate foot massages and rolling your feet over a tennis ball to relieve pressure points and enhance circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your feet. At the end of the day, elevate your feet to decrease swelling. If foot pain persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan for more tips and to address any underlying issues.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, causing it to lean toward the second toe. This deformity, consisting of bone and soft tissue, can result in significant discomfort. Bunions often develop from wearing tight or narrow shoes, particularly among women. Heredity also may play a part in bunion development. When lifestyle changes like wearing wider shoes and using protective pads do not alleviate the pain, bunion removal surgery, or a bunionectomy, may be necessary. This outpatient procedure can involve osteotomy to realign the toe or exostectomy to remove the bunion. Post-surgery, recovery typically takes six to eight weeks, with full recovery in four to six months. Patients initially wear a surgical boot or cast, and gradually transition to weight-bearing activities. Long-term success after bunion surgery hinges on proper footwear choices to prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing toe pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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