July 2021

We all know that warming up before exercising is important for avoiding injuries and having a smoother, easier workout. When warming, you should stretch your whole body, including your feet. Stretching the feet can be quick and easy. Try walking on your tiptoes for 30 seconds, then walking on your heels for another 30 seconds. While standing with one leg slightly out in front of you, flex your toes towards your body, using your hands to help pull them towards you. Do this for 30 seconds on each foot. For more information about easy stretches to warm up your feet, consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a simple, non-invasive screening for peripheral artery disease, an ailment that affects blood flow in the lower limbs. The test consists of having your blood pressure measured at your upper arms and ankles. The doctor then compares the two resulting numbers to come up with a ratio that correlates to risk of having peripheral artery disease. Not everyone needs an ABI. It is usually reserved for patients who are most at risk of developing this condition. This includes people who are older, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, atherosclerosis, a history of smoking, or symptoms of peripheral artery disease, such as leg pain, cramping, weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking. If you have any of these risk factors, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an ABI test.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Excess uric acid in the body may cause a painful medical condition known as gout. It is considered to be a form of arthritis and can cause some patients to have debilitating pain. The big toe is generally affected by large amounts of uric acid which can cause crystals to form and lodge in the joints of the toes. Gout attacks often occur at night and can last for hours and even as long as a week. There are various foods that contain high levels of purines, which the body can not process naturally. These types of foods include shellfish, excess alcohol, organ meats, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar.  Patients who are obese or who have existing kidney conditions may not filter foods correctly, and this can result in high uric acid levels. If you are afflicted with gout it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.