Strong ankles play an important role in stability, movement, and injury prevention. The ankle is a complex joint supported by bones, ligaments, and tendons that help carry body weight while allowing movement. Weak or tight ankles may increase the risk of sprains, joint pain, or limited mobility. Performing exercises designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles surrounding the ankle can help improve stability and balance. Movements such as raising the heels off the ground, curling a towel with the toes, or tracing the alphabet in the air with the foot can help target key muscle groups in the ankle and lower leg. These exercises may also promote better joint flexibility and reduce the risk of injury by supporting healthy ankle function. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate exercises and evaluate for any underlying conditions that may be affecting ankle strength or motion. If you have weak or unstable ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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 Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. 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 one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are a common foot concern where the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry, thick, and split due to pressure or dehydration. This condition may result from prolonged standing, wearing open-backed footwear, obesity, or skin disorders such as eczema. Risk factors include aging, poor hydration, and medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues. Symptoms often involve dry, rough skin with visible cracks, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding or infection. A podiatrist can treat cracked heels by removing hardened skin, applying healing treatments, and recommending moisturizers or custom orthotics. If you are experiencing pain or difficulty from dry, split heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief and appropriate treatment solutions.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops from repetitive force rather than a single injury. The metatarsal bones, which help bear weight during walking and running, are commonly affected. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Causes often involve over-training, improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity. Risk factors include low bone density, poor nutrition, and high-impact sports. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis through examination and imaging, then provide a care plan that may include ceasing the activity, specific exercises and guidance on protective footwear. If you suspect you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat it.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus progresses through early, moderate, and advanced stages. In the early stage, the nail may develop white or yellow spots and mild discoloration. The moderate stage brings thickening, increased discoloration, and brittleness. In the advanced stage, the nail may become deformed, separate from the nail bed, and emit an odor. Risk factors include walking barefoot in damp areas, wearing tight shoes, or having diabetes or poor circulation. Symptoms worsen over time and can cause pain or difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the infection and provide treatment, such as debridement, antifungal therapy, or laser treatment. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM of Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.