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Ballet dancers ought to take the health of their feet exceedingly seriously. When one engages in ballet, they can use their feet in potentially strenuous ways that might make them more susceptible to enduring foot injuries. Consequently, ballet dancers can consider engaging in a robust stretching routine to keep the feet limber, loose, and flexible. For example, a ballet dancer might consider stretching the arch of the foot by performing what is known as a plantar fascia stretch. This can be performed in a seated position with the right leg resting on the left thigh. One can then flex the foot while gently stretching the toes so that they are eventually pointing towards the right leg. This can be performed on the other foot as well. If you are a ballet dancer and want to learn more about stretching the feet, contact a podiatrist today.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Senior citizens can sometimes be more likely to develop afflictions of the foot than younger individuals. Therefore, it is especially important that seniors take extra special care to maintain the health of their feet. One of the ways in which this can be done is by trimming the nails correctly. Trimming the nails may be difficult for seniors because the nails can be difficult to reach. Some seniors, particularly those who are living with arthritis, may also struggle with being able to have a firm grip on the nail cutter. It is important to remember that one should not cut the nail too short, as this can lead to the development of an ingrown toenail. Additionally, the nail should be cut straight to prevent an ingrown toenail. If you are a senior, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Runners are always at risk of ankle sprains, but some experts have identified ways to help prevent them. The first is to improve your balance and proprioception. Second is to wear the proper shoes for the type of running you are doing, and last is wearing some kind of supportive device on the ankle when needed. Proprioception is simply being aware of the position of your body within your surroundings, key to avoiding sprains. Improving balance and coordination through specific exercise is thought to be the best way to achieve this. Footwear for runners is paramount. Lightweight, comfortable, and being suited to your foot shape are the main considerations. Shoes needed for long-distance and trail running may differ, but ankle support is a large factor in each. Research has indicated that ankle wrapping and bracing can help to prevent ankle sprains, especially if you have incurred previous injuries. For more information, please visit a podiatrist.    

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As a child grows and slowly begins to mature, they engage in a variety of different physical activities during participation in school sports or during playtime. One foot condition that they may be susceptible to developing is the fracturing of the ankle. When a child has a fractured, or broken, ankle, the break in the bone can essentially travel through the growth plate of the ankle. This condition may occur when a child twists their foot or falls during physical activities. Sometimes, scootering or skateboarding can put a child particularly at risk of developing this kind of condition. If your child has a broken ankle, they may be able to heal within six to twelve weeks. It is important to see a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat the ankle.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

The feet are incredibly complex, intricate parts of the human body, made up of a number of different and important bones. Each bone serves a critical function, including the cuboid bone. One ought to know about this bone because it serves an important role in supporting the arch of the foot and providing stability. As the name of the bone suggests, it is shaped in a kind of cubical structure. This bone is located in the midfoot area and is situated essentially on the outer side of the foot. Being diligent in taking good care of the cuboid bone is essential to maintaining good foot health because if it moves out of alignment, a condition known as cuboid syndrome might develop. This foot affliction can cause a variety of symptoms, most notably a kind of pain on the outer side of the foot. This area of the foot is commonly referred to as the lateral area. For more information about this important bone in the foot, contact your podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A common symptom many women suffer from during pregnancy is swollen feet. This is the result of more fluids that are needed for the growing baby and it can be uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses. There are simple methods that can be implemented that may help to reduce swollen feet. These include drinking plenty of water daily and wearing comfortable shoes that do not constrict the feet. Reducing salt intake can make a profound difference in controlling swollen feet and research has shown blood circulation may be improved when a gentle exercise routine is practiced regularly. Many women find mild relief when their feet are elevated throughout the day and this can give the body a chance to relax. Swollen feet during pregnancy are an uncomfortable but temporary condition and if you would like more information about how to control this, please consult a podiatrist.

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 Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . 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 offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who have pain in the arch of their foot may notice it can be difficult to complete daily activities. The arch is responsible for many functions including absorbing shock, balancing, and helping the body to adapt to various surfaces. The pain may radiate to the heel and the ball of the foot, and this may be a result of foot conditions. An abnormal foot structure can cause arch pain, and people who have gained weight or who have undergone extreme physical stress may have pain in this part of their foot. Some of the ailments that are associated with arch pain are plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and adult-acquired flatfoot. For example, cavus foot can be indicative of having an extremely high arch and may be accompanied by hammertoe and calluses. If you have foot or arch pain for any reason, please consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and offer you effective treatment remedies.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave 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 offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Different martial arts can lead to different injuries. Martial arts seem safe for young athletes, especially at beginner and intermediate levels. The risk of injury with these sports is lower than other sports but can still happen. Strains, sprains, and bruising can occur when practicing martial arts. Strains can occur in both muscles and tendons from sudden and extreme force. Foot injuries usually result from kicks, jumps, or sparring. The toes can be jammed, leading to bruising, dislocation, or fractures. Ankle injuries are less common, however, some martial arts movements such as the stand and kick or step and punch may place the ankle at risk. Ankle sprains can happen while participating in these sports and often involve inversion injury to the lateral ankle ligaments as the participant bears weight on the outer edge of the foot. These same ligaments can be hurt by striking the heel so hard that the foot is pushed into plantarflexion. This can happen from heel kicking the floor as one lands to break a fall or by landing on the opponent’s foot. If you participate or plan to participate in martial arts, it would be helpful to see a podiatrist to learn how to prevent or treat foot injuries common to these sports.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.