Taking a few minutes each day to stretch your feet can improve flexibility, ease discomfort, and support overall mobility. One simple stretch is the toe pull, where you sit comfortably and gently pull your toes back toward your shin to release tension in the arch. Another helpful exercise is the towel stretch. This is done by placing a towel under the ball of your foot and slowly pulling it toward you while keeping your knee straight. A third option is the calf stretch, which involves leaning forward against a wall with one leg behind you, keeping your heel on the ground to lengthen the muscles that connect to the heel and foot. Regular stretching may reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and help prevent injury. If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for professional care and guidance.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nails, causing them to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. The infection most commonly targets toenails but can also affect fingernails. It occurs when fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds, invade the nail bed and the surrounding tissue. The primary causes of toenail fungus include exposure to warm, damp environments, poor foot hygiene, and wearing tight-fitting shoes that do not allow the feet to breathe. Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or poor circulation are more prone to developing this condition. Common symptoms of onychomycosis include yellow or white streaks or spots on the nails, thickening of the nail, crumbling at the edges, and a foul odor. If left untreated, the infection can lead to further nail damage and spread to other nails or skin, making early detection and treatment essential. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat toenail fungus.

For more information about treatment, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A heel spur is defined as a bony growth surrounding the ligaments of the foot near the heel bone. It may develop as a result of existing medical conditions that can include poor circulation and various forms of arthritis. Some of the symptoms that are associated with heel spurs can include continuous foot pain, and it may be difficult to walk. It may become worse after arising in the morning, or if excessive strain has been placed on the heel in previous days. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and it may help to place a protective pad in the heel of the shoe. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose heel spurs, and offer you correct treatment techniques.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition that causes poor blood flow in the lower limbs due to a narrowing of the arteries in the legs. Symptoms of PAD include leg pain and cramps while walking, numbness, weakness, coldness, and poor wound healing in the feet. However, many patients do not experience any symptoms at all. A podiatrist can diagnose peripheral artery disease by obtaining a full medical history, performing a physical exam of the lower limbs, and performing a noninvasive vascular test. Treating and managing PAD is often a team effort among your primary care physician, a vascular specialist, and your podiatrist. The podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health and keep you on your feet. For more information about PAD, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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