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Practicing yoga can help prevent aching feet by stretching, strengthening, and improving circulation in the lower extremities. Hero’s pose stretches the arches and ankles, relieving tension from prolonged standing or walking. Finger threading involves interlacing toes to increase flexibility and mobility in the toes and forefoot. Downward dog elongates the calves and plantar fascia, reducing strain on the heels and arches. The squat position strengthens the muscles supporting the arches and improves balance. Additionally, toe balance exercises focus on lifting and spreading toes to enhance stability and prevent cramping. A podiatrist can provide guidance on proper technique, recommend additional stretches, and assess foot structure to prevent pain. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you on relief tips, which may include additional yoga poses. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. 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 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 one, 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 and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe surgery is performed to correct a deformity where a toe bends abnormally at one or more joints, often causing pain, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes. Surgery becomes necessary when conservative treatments no longer relieve discomfort. There are two main types of procedures, internal fixation and decompression techniques. Internal fixation involves straightening the toe and stabilizing it with small implants. Decompression surgery releases tight tendons or removes a small piece of bone to restore alignment. A podiatrist evaluates the severity of the deformity and recommends the most suitable option for lasting relief. If you have this condition that is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of hammertoe surgery and discuss whether it is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Swollen feet occur when excess fluid builds up in the tissues of the lower extremities. This condition, termed edema, can result from standing or sitting for long periods but may also indicate underlying health concerns such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or chronic venous insufficiency. Swelling may cause discomfort, heaviness, or visible puffiness in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can help determine the cause through a thorough evaluation and recommend treatment, such as compression therapy and circulation improvement. If your feet are consistently swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone due to long-term stress on the foot. It often develops when the plantar fascia becomes strained, leading to inflammation and calcium buildup. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort when standing or walking. Among the common causes are repetitive impact, flat feet, high arches, or wearing improper footwear. Risk factors include obesity, aging, and activities that place constant pressure on the heel. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, provide imaging, if needed, and recommend such treatments as supportive shoes, custom orthotics, stretching plans, and pain relief strategies. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose heel spurs and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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