Flat feet is a condition where the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the entire sole to touch the ground while standing. It may develop from genetics, ligament laxity, injury, or gradual strain over time. People with flat feet may notice foot fatigue, aching along the arch, or pain in the heel and ankle after activity. Simple exercises can help support the foot. These include heel stretches that can improve flexibility in the calf and reduce strain on the arch. Tennis ball rolls gently massage the bottom of the foot and promote circulation. Arch lifts strengthen the small muscles that support the foot structure. While these exercises may provide temporary relief, a podiatrist can evaluate alignment, recommend custom orthotics, and address underlying causes. If you have flat feet and your feet hurt or are consistently tired, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for additional relief and management tips.

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 Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds are a common and serious concern for people living with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce circulation, making it harder to feel injuries and slower for the body to heal. Small cuts or pressure spots may go unnoticed and develop into open sores, which can lead to soft tissue infections if not treated promptly. Risk factors include poor circulation, nerve damage, and wearing ill-fitting shoes. These wounds often appear on the bottom of the foot or around pressure points, and may worsen over time without proper care. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, check for infection, and provide advanced treatments to promote healing and prevent complications. Early care can reduce the risk of severe outcomes. If you have diabetes and have developed foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Claw toe is a deformity in which the toes bend upward at the joint near the foot and downward at the smaller toe joints, creating a claw-like appearance. This condition often affects the smaller toes, and may develop gradually. Patients commonly experience pain, stiffness, calluses, and irritation caused by the toes rubbing against shoes. The toes may become difficult to straighten, and walking can feel uncomfortable because of pressure on the ball of the foot and the tops of the toes. Claw toe may be linked to muscle imbalance, nerve damage, or footwear that crowds the toes. In the early stages, the toes may still be flexible, but the deformity can become more rigid if left untreated. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition, and determine how it is affecting foot function and balance. Treatment may include wearing wider footwear, padding, targeted exercises, or surgery, in more advanced cases. If you have claw toe deformities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

During pregnancy the feet often undergo significant changes due to shifts in changes in body movement and body structure. Increased weight gain places additional pressure on the arches, while unevenly distributed body mass and an altered sense of gravity can change posture and walking patterns. These factors may lead to flatter feet, swelling, and increased foot discomfort. Risk factors include pre-existing foot conditions, prolonged standing, and inadequate footwear support. Hormonal changes can also loosen ligaments, further affecting stability. A podiatrist can assess changes in movement or posture, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, and provide strategies to relieve pain and improve function. If you have developed foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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