Foot arches play a vital role in balance, movement, and shock absorption. There are three main types, which are high arches, or pes cavus, flat feet, also called pes planus, and normal arches. Each type affects how the foot functions and bears weight. Weak or imbalanced arches can lead to discomfort or injury. Arch strengthening exercises such as arch lifts, heel raises, and towel pickups can help improve stability and support. A podiatrist can assess your arch type, recommend custom orthotics, and guide you through exercises tailored to your needs. If you experience foot fatigue, imbalance, or pain, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist who can guide you on a custom plan to strengthen your arches and promote long-term foot health and comfort.

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 the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, is a common condition that affects the long bones of the foot. It can feel like a sharp, aching, or burning pain, often worsened by standing, walking, or wearing tight shoes. You may also feel like you are stepping on a pebble, and the area can appear red, swollen, or bruised. Common causes include high-impact activities, wearing unsupportive or ill-fitting shoes, high arches, excess weight, aging, and foot deformities like hammertoes or bunions. Sometimes, stress fractures in the metatarsals can also cause similar discomfort. A podiatrist can examine your foot, order imaging tests, if needed, and recommend effective treatments. These include custom orthotics, shoe changes, and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery may be needed if the pain is caused by structural issues or fractures. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe, where the bones gradually shift out of alignment. This happens when the tip of the big toe leans toward the smaller toes, forcing the metatarsal bone inward and forming a bony lump at the joint. Bunions may develop slowly over years, or appear more rapidly in adolescents. Risk factors include family history, wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and structural foot problems, such as over-pronation. Bunions often cause pain, redness, swelling, and thickened skin over the joint. A podiatrist can help by providing supportive devices to ease pressure and correcting foot mechanics. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the bones and relieve pain. If you have a bunion that is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Restaurant workers spend long hours on their feet, which makes proper footwear essential for comfort, safety, and long-term health. Wearing the right shoes with supportive soles helps reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, and improve posture. Insoles can provide added cushioning and arch support, while moisture-wicking socks help prevent blisters and fungal infections. Maintaining foot cleanliness is important to avoid odor and skin problems. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and treat issues like heel pain or calluses that often affect service industry professionals. If you work in a busy kitchen or dining environment and experience foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on what shoes to wear for your industry.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.