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Many forms of exercise target the larger muscle groups, and the small muscles in the feet may be overlooked. Research has shown that when the ball of the foot is properly stretched, the overall foot may become stronger by improving arch and surrounding ligaments. An effective stretch is referred to as the golf ball stretch. This is done by rolling the sole of the foot over a golf ball for several minutes, then switching feet. Many people find it beneficial to walk on their tip toes, and this can help to build up the balls of the feet. Additionally, calf raises can be done with resistance as the strength in the feet increases. Having a full range of motion in your feet is essential in keeping the feet strong. This can be practiced by standing on a stool while dangling the legs. The big toe can be used as an imaginary pencil, and letters of the alphabet can be drawn with the toes. If you would like additional information about how exercise can benefit the feet, please contact a podiatrist who can provide useful 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 Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot 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 Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are experiencing pain along the inside of the arch on your foot, it may be caused by a strain of the abductor hallucis muscle. Strains can range from a mild stretch to a complete tear or rupture. Symptoms include pain and tenderness when you press the sole of the foot especially on the inside, as well as swelling and loss of function depending on the severity. The abductor hallucis muscle runs from the heel to the big toe. Its main job is to support the arch and keep it from rolling inward, also known as overpronation, with each step. A mild strain may go away after a few days with rest from the activity that caused it. Icing the affected foot may also help relieve the pain. If the symptoms continue or worsen, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for an examination. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, ultrasound therapy, or custom orthotics.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

We all have sore feet from time to time. After all, our feet do a lot of work for us and put in long hours. There are a variety of ways to soothe sore feet at home. Generally, using a combination of treatments work best to revitalize sore feet. Warm foot baths using Epsom salts can relieve swollen, painful feet. Stretching the toes and heels can aid with foot pain by increasing flexibility and preventing cramping. Foot pain can be avoided by strengthening and resistance exercises to help keep feet strong and limber. Orthotics or arch supports can help stabilize the feet and eliminate discomfort. Simple icing of aching feet can reduce inflammation that may be caused by soreness. Wearing night splints can help with keeping feet stretched properly to avoid or control foot pain. If you have painful, achy feet or tingling or numbness in your feet, a podiatrist should be consulted and treatment prescribed.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

Many people have stubbed their toe by hitting it or dropping something heavy on it, felt pain, and wondered if it was broken. It might be a sprain but it is important to know if the toe is broken because if left untreated, a broken toe can lead to problems in movement and later down the road, potential for osteoarthritis or nerve damage. If you hear a bone break, feel intense pain and the toe swells, see discoloration, or have trouble putting weight on it, the toe might be broken. With a bad break, there can be a dislocation and the toe will look like it is at an odd angle. With a sprained toe, all the same symptoms may be present but the toe should not look dislocated and it should feel better sooner than a broken toe. Also, with a break, the pain is often felt right where the fracture has taken place versus being more generalized around the toe with a sprain. Prevent such injuries to your toes by refraining from going barefoot, especially in the dark and in unfamiliar areas. If symptoms do not get better in a few days, it is suggested to see a podiatrist who will take X-rays and provide you with a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.