Foot pain can be caused by various factors such as tight muscles, plantar fasciitis, or overuse. To alleviate discomfort, stretching the feet can be a highly effective solution. One of the simplest stretches is the toe stretch, where you sit and pull your toes gently towards your shin, helping to release tension in the foot’s arch and toes. Another effective stretch is the calf stretch, which involves standing facing a wall, placing one foot behind the other, and leaning into the wall to stretch the calf muscles, which can often contribute to foot pain. The plantar fascia stretch can be done by sitting and using a towel or band around the foot to pull the toes back toward you. Regularly incorporating these stretches can help relieve foot pain, improve flexibility, and prevent future discomfort. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective foot stretches.

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 Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when blood flow to the feet is restricted due to narrowed arteries. Reduced circulation often causes discomfort while walking, foot fatigue, or slow-healing sores on the toes or heels. A podiatrist can perform diagnostic tests, such as the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm to detect an arterial blockage. Additional imaging, like a Doppler ultrasound, can evaluate the severity of reduced blood flow in the foot and ankle. Without proper treatment, PAD can lead to tissue damage or, in severe cases, limb loss. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent these serious complications and preserve mobility. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

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 Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A toenail can fall off for a variety of reasons, most commonly from an injury or repetitive trauma to the toe. Stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or wearing shoes that create excessive pressure can cause blood to collect under the nail, which can lead to detachment. Fungal infections are another frequent cause of toenail loss, as they weaken the nail. The infection leads to changes in thickness, shape, and color before separation occurs. Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may also affect the nail matrix, the area where new nail tissue forms, and result in toenail loss. Before a toenail falls off, people often notice loosening at the tip, discoloration, or pain surrounding the nail bed. A podiatrist can examine the foot, determine the cause, and provide treatment to protect nail regrowth and relieve pain. If your toenail is loose or falling off, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many falls in older adults begin at ground level, with the feet and ankles. Changes in balance, muscle strength, or sensation can make it harder to react quickly when a surface is uneven or slippery. Foot pain, poorly fitting shoes, or conditions like arthritis and neuropathy add to the risk. A single fall can lead to serious injuries such as ankle fractures or chronic joint pain, often reducing confidence and independence. Preventing falls starts with healthy feet. Regular podiatric checkups, wearing supportive footwear, and attention to any changes in gait can make a significant difference in safety and mobility. If you notice unsteadiness, foot pain, or frequent tripping, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address these issues before they lead to a fall or injury.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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