Items filtered by date: January 2024

Embarking on a journey toward strong and resilient feet involves incorporating specific exercises into your routine, addressing various aspects of foot health. Toe taps, a fundamental exercise, enhance flexibility and stimulate blood circulation. Rolling a tennis ball beneath the arches provides a soothing massage, relieving tension and promoting balance. Calf raises strengthen the muscles in the lower legs, fostering stability and support. Towel scrunches engage the toes, improving dexterity and activating the intricate muscles in the feet. Ankle circles offer a full range of motion, enhancing joint flexibility. Pointing and flexing the feet, akin to ballet exercises, stretches and strengthens the muscles in the entire foot. These targeted exercises contribute to improved posture, balance, and overall foot function. If you are seeking additional information about specific foot stretches, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

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 Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease, a common heel condition among active children, can cause discomfort, but incorporating gentle stretches into daily routines can offer relief. Targeting the calf muscles, a simple standing calf stretch involves placing the affected foot behind the other, pressing the heel into the ground. The soleus stretch, achieved by bending the knee while keeping the heel on the floor, targets the deeper calf muscles. Additionally, the seated hamstring stretch aids in maintaining flexibility in the lower leg. Gentle Achilles stretches, with a focus on controlled movements, can also contribute to easing the tension associated with Sever's disease. Incorporating these stretches into daily activities promotes flexibility and aids in managing discomfort. To prevent exacerbating symptoms, it is important to perform these exercises consistently and avoid overexertion. If your active child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and offer additional relief options. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has surged in popularity, drawing players of all ages to its fast-paced and engaging court. As enthusiasts partake in this low-impact but high-energy activity, it is essential to be mindful of potential foot injuries associated with the sport. The dynamic lateral movements, abrupt stops, and quick pivots integral to pickleball can put strain on the feet, making players susceptible to injuries. Common foot issues may include ankle sprains due to sudden changes in direction, plantar fasciitis from repetitive jumping and running, and stress fractures resulting from the intense impact on the feet. Understanding the sport's demands and the potential injuries it can cause enables players to adopt preventive measures, such as wearing proper footwear, engaging in stretching routines, and getting adequate rest. If you have endured a foot injury from playing pickleball, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Work-related foot injuries can be broadly categorized into two groups. The first group encompasses injuries caused by punctures, crushing, sprains, and cuts. The second group consists of injuries resulting from slips, trips, and falls. While slips and falls may not always lead to foot injuries, neglecting foot safety significantly contributes to these accidents. These two categories do not cover all workplace foot issues. Workers also frequently experience conditions such as calluses, ingrown toenails, or general foot fatigue. While these may not be classified as occupational injuries, they can have serious implications for health and safety on the job. These issues cause discomfort, pain, and fatigue, making workers more susceptible to muscle and joint injuries. Furthermore, tired workers who are also in pain are less attentive and more prone to unsafe actions, increasing the likelihood of accidents in the workplace. If you have sustained a work-related foot injury, or are concerned about this problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can address any issues you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

The human foot is a marvel of intricate design. A symphony of bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments work in harmony to facilitate movement and provide essential support. Comprising 26 bones, the foot's structural integrity is maintained by an elaborate network of joints that allow for flexibility and articulation. Muscles, spanning from the calf to the toes, create the dynamic movements needed for activities like walking, running, and jumping. Ligaments, sturdy bands of connective tissue, secure bones together, forming stable joints while allowing controlled movement. From the heel to the toes, each component plays a critical role in weight distribution, balance, and shock absorption. The arches, formed by the alignment of bones, contribute to the foot's natural shock-absorbing properties. Understanding this intricate interplay of bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments is essential for appreciating the resilience and versatility of our feet, which serve as the foundation of our daily mobility and physical well-being. If you are having problems with any part of your feet and ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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