Items filtered by date: May 2018

The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and research has shown that proper stretching and exercising the feet may aid in preventing many injuries from occurring. The feet will generally benefit when proper foot exercises are performed in addition to enhancing mobility and power. Many people do not wear the correct shoes and certain foot conditions may develop as a result of this. The foot and ankle muscles may not get the support that’s needed for optimum support when poorly fitting shoes are worn. Athletes have found that when the feet feel strong, many facets of daily exercising may be improved, including core workouts and improved posture. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist to learn about additional benefits of exercising the feet.

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 Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Dr. Zirna 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 offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have an ingrown toenail, you may experience your big toe digging and irritating the skin that surrounds it. Some symptoms of ingrown toenails include warmth, swelling, and redness near the affected area, in addition to drainage and pus. Ingrown toenails are particularly painful because the skin that is near the nail corners is a sensitive area with a lot of nerves. There is not one particular cause for ingrown toenails, it can be caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes or by cutting your toenails too short. The proper way to cut toenails is to cut them straight across instead of at an angle. Allowing your toenails to grow to about one or two millimeters past the end of the toe will help, so that they do not start to grow inward. If you would like additional information about how to prevent or treat ingrown toenails, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

If you should experience a fall, it may not only produce physical distress, but can also incur extreme financial costs. Severe injuries may be the result of a fall, and this may aid in the rise of unwanted medical expenses. Unnatural feelings can be produced by falling, and research has shown there are several ways to prevent this from occurring. It’s important to wear shoes that fit correctly, and having slip-resistance soles may aid in the prevention of falls. Unsurprisingly, the environment in the home may account for the majority of falls occurring. This generally results from carpets that may have loosened from the floor or liquids that may have spill, causing the floor to become slippery. It’s important to use a railing while walking up or down the stairs, and utilizing a handrail in the shower may be beneficial in keeping your balance. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine will strengthen the body and may possibly help avoid falling.

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 Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnancy can create certain health conditions, and this may be apparent in the feet. Hormonal changes can be responsible for softening ligaments in the body, and the feet are often affected. Becoming flat-footed may be a result of these changes, in addition to shoes increasing in size. The feet must endure the additional weight that develops; any may contribute to the onset of heel pain. The feet may swell, which is a result of excess fluids in the body.  This can possibly be managed by limiting the amount of time standing. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of fresh water daily, and this will help to flush out some of the fluid that has accumulated in the feet.  If heel pain due to pregnancy has affected your daily routine, please consider consulting with 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 Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.