Having your child play on the playground barefooted may be a good idea, according to some podiatrists and parenting experts. Its proposed benefits include proper foot function, foot development, better balance, and proprioception, which is how the body senses movement. Parents are recommended to try it themselves. Proponents point to studies that show how it strengthens the feet and legs, determining that people are less likely to suffer from conditions like bunions or corns. Going barefoot is still a debated topic and has its own pros and cons. If you or your child going barefoot interests you, be sure to check with a podiatrist to see if it's right for both of you.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
- Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
- Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
- When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced; this can reduce stress injuries.
- It strengthens muscles in the feet, ankles and lower legs.
- Balance of the body is improved, and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
- No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
- Blisters may form.
- Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
- Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

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

Many dancers focus primarily on stretching out tight muscles in their feet before they dance. While this is important, it is also recommended that dancers stretch their calves and make sure that they have good flex and pointe in their feet and ankles. Using an exercise band while seated on the floor is considered to be a great way to both stretch and workout your foot and calf muscles. Just be sure to stretch under the guidance of an instructor. If you are feeling pain however, be sure to stop exercising and stretching and see a podiatrist who can help your foot heal so you can get back out on the dance floor.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin  from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Plantar warts are usually caused by walking around with bare feet in the warmer months. It is very common for warts to appear on the bottom of the foot, however it is possible for them to grow anywhere on the body. They can appear in different shapes, and may even appear in a clustered form. While there are a variety of ways that one can treat warts, the most traditional method is to undergo surgery. Warts can be very painful considering they often appear on the feet which bare most of the body’s weight. If a plantar wart goes untreated, it can become difficult to exercise and perform daily activities.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

It is very possible for fungal infections on the feet to be misdiagnosed. Approximately half the people who report signs of toenail fungus don’t actually have it. Instead, these people often have similar conditions such as psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, or maybe even skin lymphoma. Nevertheless, you should see your podiatrist if you suspect something is wrong with your feet instead of making the mistake of misdiagnosing yourself. When you see your doctor, he may want to send a sample of your toenail to a lab in order to properly diagnose your condition. If it is confirmed that you have a toenail fungus, you may be prescribed oral medication for treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals &  Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.