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A foot and ankle exercise program can make a significant difference for individuals with diabetic neuropathy, a condition that often impairs nerve function and affects mobility. Targeted exercises can strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility, and improve joint stability, which can collectively boost gait speed and overall walking ability. By focusing on areas weakened by neuropathy, these programs help restore balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and fostering greater confidence in movement. Such exercises also support better circulation in the lower limbs, which is vital for managing diabetes-related complications. When combined with other treatments, including medication and wearing proper footwear, a therapeutic exercise routine offers a holistic approach to improving mobility and foot health. For tailored care and expert guidance on a personalized exercise program, 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 one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For those with rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, proper foot care is essential to manage pain and prevent mobility issues. RA often affects the joints in the feet, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain that can worsen without special attention. Consistent and gentle foot exercises help maintain joint flexibility while wearing supportive footwear minimizes stress on sensitive areas. Look for shoes with cushioned soles, wide toe boxes, and arch support to ease pressure on joints. Daily inspection of the feet is important for spotting redness, sores, or deformities early, as RA can make skin and nails more prone to damage. Applying moisturizer helps prevent dry skin and cracks. If you have RA and have pain or deformities like bunions that worsen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend custom orthotics or special footwear adjustments, providing relief and improving mobility.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Caring for a cut on the foot is important to prevent infection and promote healing. First, clean the wound gently with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Apply a clean, sterile bandage to cover the cut and protect it from further injury or bacteria. It is essential to keep the area clean and dry to avoid complications. If the cut is deep or does not stop bleeding after applying pressure, seek attention from a podiatrist promptly. Mild antibiotic ointment can be applied to prevent infection, but be sure to change the bandage daily and monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus. Resting the foot and avoiding putting too much pressure on the wound can also aid in the healing process. If you have a cut on the foot or any type of foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot wounds.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.