Advice on Foot Care

Stretching has always been a part of the treatment regimen for plantar fasciitis, but not all stretches are equal. Research in the past few years has shown that specifically stretching the plantar fascia is more effective than general calf stretching in the short term and has also shown overall pain reduction in the long term. Continue Reading »

The temperatures are warming and it’s time to start thinking about shorts, t-shirts, beaches, BBQs and sandals. It’s tempting to slip on those sandals you bought on sale last Fall and head out for a day of fun in the sun. But, this can prove to be a problem for your feet, especially your toes. Although there are many styles of sandals, most have straps crossing the toes. There is very little material holding your foot on the sole of the sandal, compared with an enclosed shoe, which means that each strap of the sandal places more pressure on the foot. This is especially true in the area of the toes. Even an expensive pair of sandals can cause rubbing and irritation on the toes when you first wear them. The straps generally have prominent stitching and this stitching can cause rubbing, irritation and blisters. Continue Reading »

Most people think a bunion is a bone growth or a bone spur because of the large prominence which develops on the inside of the big toe joint. Unfortunately, bunions are much more complex. A bunion is a bone deformity at the big toe (great toe) joint which results from a structural change in the foot. The long bone on the inside of the foot (1st metatarsal) moves towards the center line of the body and the big toe moves towards the small toes. This movement occurs gradually over time causing a bump to form at the big toe joint. Continue Reading »