AF&A Blog

What in the world are we talking about? Are you asking yourself, ‘how in the world can stretching alleviate my heel pain?’ Well, that’s why you are going to read today’s blog.

You may be tired of hearing how stretching has many health benefits, but when it comes to pain in your feet the results can be easily seen. Often the heel pain your experience in the morning is due to tightness of the tissue the spans the arch of your foot, the plantar fascia. Simple stretches including rolling a tennis ball under your foot, pulling your foot towards you (by looping a town around it) while seated with your legs out, or standing with the ball of your feet on a book with your heel on the ground all can do a lot to limit pain in your feet. The classic ‘runner’s stretch’ against a wall or any other stretch that targets your calves can also help. There are also some products that allow you ice & stretch simultaneously. Perform these stretches before you start your day and before you go to sleep for best results.

While the causes of heel pain can involve many factors, stretching is something you can try before seeking podiatric care. Other things you can do include making sure your shoes have proper arch support or losing weight, both which help to avoid putting undue stress on your plantar fascia. These helpful hints should not be a substitute for a good medical evaluation. If this pain persists more than a few weeks, we here at AFAS want to encourage you to seek the help of Dr. Thomajan. Don’t let foot pain interfere with your daily life, make an appointment today. Until next time keep healthy Austin!

is worth a pound of cure.” No question most of us have heard this adage many of times. As a member of your healthcare team, it is a phrase worth repeating here at Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists.

You may feel quite healthy and walk around most days without much worry as to the many steps you take. The occasional achy foot or heel pain is just attributed to a little over use. That pain in your back only happens after running for several miles, so you just avoid that type of exercise. Each of these situations may appear quite benign and for all intensive purposes are immediately without consequence. Unfortunately, your entire body weight is supported by a single limb as you walk, or both as you stand, and multiplied over hundreds and thousands of steps can turn the slightest imperfection into a future problem.

Achy feet or heel pain may be caused by small imbalance of tendons or muscles, which addressed early, can be corrected with non-invasive methods. That back pain could be a manifestation of what is happening in your feet and legs. A small difference between the length of your legs many not be a problem in your daily walking, but the added compression and weight of running amplifies this difference resulting in back pain. The earlier small abnormalities, or those ‘little aches and pains’ are examined, the better the outcome on your health. When addressed early, orthosis and taping can be used to corrected these problems and keep the need for future surgical intervention small. Keep yourself healthy and schedule a ‘foot check-up’ with Dr. Thomajan today!

While we all may not be professional athletes, those individuals need to take special care of their feet….and you do too! No matter how you stay physically active, whether it is golfing, running, or a daily walk, remember to keep you feet happy and healthy. Some basics to keep in mind, such as using the proper shoe for your activity, knowing your limits, and keeping your feet dry are all helpful in avoiding problems. However, here are a few common problems that may arise, some things you can do to prevent these things from affecting your daily activities, and when to visit your doctor.

1. “Athlete’s Feet” – is the something we have all been wary of when using the shower at the gym, but can affect anyone anywhere. The fungi and its friends that cause this uncomfortable condition are part of the world around us and can be acquired almost anywhere. By making sure you dry your feet thoroughly, before slipping on cotton socks, as well as keeping your shoes dry, are all first line defense to keep this problem from afflicting you. There are plenty of treatments available to fight this problem and it is important to see your podiatrist to prevent spread of an infection, especially when living with diabetes.

2. Heel Pain – there are a number of reasons this may become a problem for you. Surely, you find that by resting the area the pain subsides. Unfortunately, most of us are required to be on our feet through the day and this pain can come back time and time again becoming a real problem. A variety of inserts for your shoes and other non-invasive methods can be implemented by your podiatrist to help you function without pain. If the problem is due to foot structure or anatomical issue, the doctor can also discuss the appropriate options for this correction as well.

3. “Shin Splints”- are something many of us have experienced before. Often associated with overuse or a change in activity intensity, they are often relieved by rest. A modification of the offending activity will often prevent reoccurrence. A change in foot wear or the implementation of an orthoses many help to correct the problem. If the problem persists, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist who can make sure it is not a more serious problem and assist in finding solutions.

As we all prepare for the holiday season, our schedules begin to change and we may be spending a lot more time walking around. Just like an athlete in competition we may be asking more of our feet than we usually do. Assure yourself a happy and health holiday paying proper attention your soles and toes!