February 2020

Teaching is a profession that typically requires the instructor to stand for the majority of the day. For those in a profession that requires standing for long periods of time, such as a teacher, it’s important to be aware that this may cause general foot pain, as well as the development of an uncomfortable foot condition. Research has indicated this may be prevented by keeping the feet strong, and by wearing comfortable shoes. These can include footwear that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and footwear that includes insoles that can provide the feet support and cushioning. It may be beneficial to perform gentle stretching exercises before beginning and ending your day, as this may improve the overall strength of the feet. If you are involved in a profession in which you stand for most of the day, please consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the best shoes to wear for your chosen field.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, which is why it is important to take proper care of them. When this is properly accomplished, mobility and flexibility may be improved, and general aches and pains may diminish. Common foot problems that may be prevented by maintaining healthy feet can include bunions, hammertoes, and tendinitis. It is important to wear shoes that fit properly, maintain a healthy weight, and practice good foot hygiene. Additionally, it may be beneficial to perform gentle stretching techniques, which may help the feet to become strong. If additional information is needed about the importance of learning everyday foot care, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

The medical name for an ingrown toenail is known as onychocryptosis. This can happen as a result of the side of the toenail growing into the skin, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms may include discharge draining from the affected area, and the side of the toe may appear swollen. A common reason an ingrown toenail may develop can be from shoes worn that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Trimming your toenails incorrectly may also cause an ingrown toenail. It is beneficial for the nails be trimmed straight across, and not too short. If you notice you have an ingrown toenail, it is advised that you are treated by a podiatrist who can help you to prevent an infection from occurring.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

When fungi gets underneath the toenail, it’s very likely for toenail fungus to form. In order to tell if you have toenail fungus, it’s important you look out for certain signs. Common symptoms of this condition may include discoloration, thickening, or lifting of the nail. In some cases, it’s also been known for fungus to cause the affected toenail to crumble or split. As far as developing toenail fungus, certain factors may increase your likelihood. These factors may include living in a hot or humid climate, having athlete’s foot, being diabetic, spending a lot of time in the water, wearing tightly fitted shoes that cause the feet to sweat excessively, and having a weak immune system. If you feel you might have developed toenail fungus, it’s important you seek help as soon as possible. We recommend you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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.

Applying foot 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 Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.