When dealing with foot pain, you may wonder whether stretching or strengthening will help you recover more quickly. The answer often depends on the cause of the discomfort. Tight muscles, ligaments, or tendons, such as the plantar fascia or calf muscles, may respond well to gentle stretching, which can relieve tension and improve flexibility. On the other hand, weak muscles in the foot or ankle may lead to poor support and alignment, making strengthening exercises more effective in building stability and preventing further injury. In some cases, a combination of both approaches brings the best results. Paying attention to the source of pain and how your body responds is key. If foot pain lingers or worsens with activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and a treatment plan that may include targeted exercises for faster, lasting relief.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors 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 office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition involving the thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It is often caused by repetitive stress, improper footwear, or abnormal foot mechanics. Risk factors include high-impact activities, wearing tight or narrow shoes, and foot deformities like bunions or flat feet. Symptoms include a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, numbness, or the sensation of walking on a pebble. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, providing custom orthotics, and recommending appropriate footwear. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Swelling in the feet and ankles can result from a variety of underlying issues that should not be ignored. Common causes include trauma, such as sprains or fractures, which lead to inflammation and fluid buildup. Arthritis can also cause joint swelling and stiffness. Blood vessel blockages may limit proper circulation, while varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency cause fluid to pool in the lower limbs. These conditions can lead to discomfort, limited mobility, and complications if untreated. A podiatrist can help identify the root cause through a detailed evaluation and provide treatment, including footwear advice. If your feet and ankles have become swollen, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.