Exercises for flat feet can strengthen the muscles that support the arch and improve flexibility. Heel stretches help loosen tight calf muscles by placing your hands on a wall, stepping one foot back, and gently pressing the heel down. Rolling a tennis or golf ball under the arch massages the foot and reduces tension. Arch lifts involve keeping the toes and heel on the ground while raising the arch upward. Additionally, calf raises strengthen lower leg muscles by slowly lifting the heels off the floor and lowering them back down. A podiatrist can assess your foot mechanics, demonstrate proper techniques, and prescribe custom orthotics for added support. If you have any level of pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

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 Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 Our doctor 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 office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, develops when plaque builds up in the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the feet and ankles. One of the earliest warning signs of PAD is foot or calf cramping while walking, which may ease with rest, but can return with activity. Other symptoms include feet that feel unusually cold and pale, bluish skin on the toes, brittle toenails that grow slowly, and wounds or ulcers on the feet that do not heal properly. Some patients also notice thinning hair on the lower legs or ongoing pain that becomes constant as the condition advances. To confirm a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease, a podiatrist may check circulation using the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm, or imaging tests like duplex ultrasound to evaluate blood flow. If you are experiencing symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

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 Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. 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 Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or never fully develop, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. While some people experience no pain, others may develop foot fatigue, aching, or imbalance, especially after long periods of standing or walking. Flat feet can be inherited or result from injury, obesity, or medical conditions that weaken tendons and ligaments. Wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics helps improve alignment, reduce strain, and relieve discomfort. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the feet and calves can also enhance stability and mobility. In severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary. Flat feet can affect posture and lead to pain in the knees, hips, or back. If you experience ongoing discomfort, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment to restore comfort and prevent future complications.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin on the feet. It often begins between the toes, where moisture and warmth allow fungi to thrive. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, redness, peeling, and a scaly buildup on the skin. In some cases, painful cracks or fluid-filled blisters may develop, and the soles of the feet thicken over time. Untreated athlete’s foot can lead to secondary bacterial infections, especially when skin breakdown occurs. People who wear tight shoes or frequently walk barefoot in communal areas, like locker rooms or showers, are more at risk. A podiatrist can examine the affected area and confirm the diagnosis, sometimes with a skin scraping for microscopic evaluation. Treatment includes antifungal medication applied directly to the feet, or, in some cases, taken orally. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.