Care – Balance Foot & Ankle

Wellness and Proactive Care

Here’s how you can keep your feet and ankles healthy – without visiting the doctor
It’s reassuring to know that modern, advanced health care offers plenty of effective tools to correct common ailments and get us back on our feet. And while breaks, sprains, bruises, cuts, and more can result in a doctor’s visit, there are a number of things you can do on your own to keep your feet and ankles happy and out of the doctor’s office.

Proactive podiatry care focuses on the ways that you can support your lower extremities to prevent serious injuries and ailments. Here are some preventative care recommendations from the experts at Balance Foot & Ankle:

Invest in quality, proper-fitting shoes: If there’s one aspect of your wardrobe to not go cheap on, it’s the shoes on your feet. Taking the time to find a quality shoe that not only fits you properly, but meets the needs of your lifestyle, is a critical step to prevent foot and ankle pain. Avoid the big stores and seek out a local shoe retailer that will take the time to look at your feet size, analyze your foot strike, and consider your footwear needs to help you find a pair that’s right for you. Balance also offers custom-fitted orthotics in partnership with Earthwalk Orthotics, a conservative intervention that can add additional comfort and support to your shoes
Warmup before exercise: Whether it’s chasing your kids around the backyard, going for a run, or meeting your friends for a game of pickup basketball, it’s important to always make the time to warm up before jumping into action. The idea of a warm up is to gradually “fire up” the muscles you’ll be utilizing for a particular activity, and it can be as simple as progressing from a slow walk for a few minutes to a faster pace before a run.
Strengthen your ankles at home: No gym or special equipment is required to build and maintain strong feet and ankles. By getting the habit of routinely strengthening and mobilizing your ankles, you can stay ahead of common injuries and ailments. Check out our article that walks you through several simple, at-home exercises
Enlist the R.I.C.E. method: No matter how careful you are, accidents still happen. It could be a twisted ankle while hiking on an uneven trail or dropping a heavy object on your foot that can leave you with notable pain and discomfort. Short of a serious injury, you can likely recover fully on your own within a matter of days or weeks by following the time-tested “R.I.C.E.” method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Following these steps diligently will go a long way in keeping your feet happy and out of the doctor’s office. But there are still instances when injuries are serious and can’t be treated at home. If you’ve tried the above strategies and are still held back by pain or discomfort, it might be time to speak with a medical professional. Here’s a guide to helping you decide if it’s time to schedule a visit with Balance Foot & Ankle.

Let us restore your balance.

If you notice the discomfort in your heels persisting, our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can work with you to alleviate the pain by customizing a treatment plan to your lifestyle.

Schedule your appointment today!

by Jennifer Prezioso

Foot and ankle surgery: advice for before and after your procedure

From bunions and hammertoes to achilles ruptures, arthritic joints, and broken bones, there are many foot and ankle conditions and ailments that might require surgery in order to make a full recovery. There’s no doubt that surgery is a major milestone on your journey to recovery. However, many patients overlook the importance of the days and weeks leading up to and following a surgical procedure when, in fact, these are critical periods in the recovery process.

Here are some general tips and best practices to keep in mind ahead of a scheduled surgery. For specific recommendations, be sure to work with your medical provider to identify the best ways to promote a successful recovery.

Preparing for your surgery

Understand the procedure: to avoid any surprises during the day of the operation, be sure to ask your surgery team plenty of questions about the procedure, including how long it will take, how much pain to expect post operatively, and if any medications you’re currently taking will interfere with the procedure.
Keep good hygiene: it’s always a good idea to stay clean, but it’s extra important to thoroughly clean your feet and ankles leading up the procedure to prevent any infections. This should involve twice daily scrubbing, including under your toenails.
Dial in your diet and hydration: you want to feel your best going into the procedure, so sticking to healthy foods – including fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains – while drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol is important in the days and weeks before your surgery.

Recovering from your surgery

Rearrange your home: while this might not be possible for everyone, it’s recommended that you rearrange your living space so that everything you need is on one floor, eliminating or reducing the need to use stairs. When this isn’t feasible, coordinate with friends and family who can stop by to help with meals and other household chores.
Stay clean: just like in the lead up to surgery, you want to reduce the risk of infection following your procedure. Make sure you’re keeping the affected area bandaged and the skin surrounding it clean. This might require a shower cast cover that allows you to clean around the area where you had surgery.
Manage pain with RICE: post operative pain can be expected and may continue for days or weeks following surgery. Adhering to the best practices of Resting, Icing, Compressing, and Elevating the affected area will be essential to making a full recovery. RICE helps with managing pain and inflammation during the recovery period. Always make sure to take your pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon.

Every surgery is different and each patient faces unique circumstances on the road to recovery. As always, consult your doctor and surgery team for specific recommendations that apply to your situation. Follow your doctor’s instructions diligently and understand that recovering from a surgery is often a gradual process.

If you have any specific questions or are in need of an appointment, get in touch with our team of experts today.

Let us restore your balance.

Schedule your appointment today!

by Jennifer Prezioso

Balance Foot & Ankle - What to Expect During Your First Appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Video: What to Expect During Your First Appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle

From your very first appointment and beyond, Balance Foot & Ankle is committed to providing compassionate and excellent care for your foot and ankle health. In this video, our Director of Employee Relations & Patient Experience, Hayley Campbell; and our Director of Operations, Jennifer Garretson take us through what you can expect during your first appointment with us.

Let us restore your balance.

Schedule your appointment today!

by Jennifer Prezioso

How to Know When It's Time to Visit Balance Foot & Ankle

How to Know When It’s Time to Visit Balance Foot & Ankle

Our feet often bear the brunt of our daily activities, allowing us to walk, run, and engage in various physical pursuits. However, we often tend to overlook their importance until pain or discomfort starts to hinder our mobility. When foot and ankle issues arise, knowing when to seek professional help from a podiatrist becomes crucial – but how do you know when it’s the right time? Let’s explore a few signs that it’s time to give us a visit.

Persistent Foot Pain

If you are experiencing persistent foot pain that lasts for more than a few days or intensifies over time, it’s a clear sign that you should schedule an appointment with us.. Foot pain can stem from a variety of ailements, like sprains, fractures, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or even structural abnormalities. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our team of skilled podiatrists will assess your condition, diagnose the root cause, and develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort.

Sports Injuries

For athletes and active individuals, foot and ankle injuries can be frustrating and potentially detrimental to their performance. Sprains, strains, stress fractures, and other sports-related injuries should not be ignored. Seeking the specialized care of Balance Foot & Ankle can aid in the swift and effective recovery, ensuring you get back to your favorite activities as soon as possible.

Infections

Persistent infections, such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, can be persistent and challenging to eliminate. If you notice itching, burning, cracking, or discoloration of the skin or nails, it’s advisable to consult a podiatrist. Balance Foot & Ankle offers comprehensive treatment options to combat fungal infections, including topical medications, oral medications, laser therapy, and preventive measures to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Ankle Sprains and Strains

Ankle sprains and strains are common injuries that can occur during physical activities or accidents. If you experience swelling, bruising, pain, instability, or difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle, it’s crucial to seek professional care. The podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle are well-versed in assessing and treating ankle injuries, providing you with the necessary guidance, support, and rehabilitation exercises for a speedy recovery.

Our feet are the foundation of our mobility and well-being, and any discomfort or pain can significantly impact our daily lives. Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for professional help is essential for maintaining healthy and pain-free feet. Balance Foot & Ankle is dedicated to providing exceptional podiatric care, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment for your foot and ankle conditions. Don’t let foot problems hold you back—schedule an appointment with Balance Foot & Ankle today and take the first step towards healthier, happier feet.

by Jennifer Prezioso

Video: Ask a Podiatrist with Dr. Prezioso and Dr. Hastings

Ask a Podiatrist with Dr. Jennifer Prezioso and Dr. Charles Hastings

You asked, we answered! Watch Balance Foot and Ankle specialists Dr. Jennifer Prezioso and Dr. Charles Hastings react and respond to some of the Internet’s most interesting podiatry questions. Have a burning question? Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment.

by Jennifer Prezioso

Video: Ask a Podiatrist with Dr. Charles Hastings

Ask a Podiatrist with Dr. Hastings

Ever wondered about the things people ask Podiatrists on the Internet? Join Balance Foot & Ankle specialist, Dr. Charles Hastings DPM, FACFAS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg) on an expedition to answer the Internet’s burning questions about all things foot and ankle health!

Let us restore your balance.

Schedule your appointment today!

by Jennifer Prezioso

Mending Dry Skin: Tips & Tricks

Mending Dry Skin this Winter

We all deal with dry skin from time to time, especially during these chilly winter months, and while it’s a common ailment it’s also one that can cause discomfort. Often times we overlook dryness in the feet, but we owe it to ourselves to understand the cause and take measures to remedy & prevent it.

Causes for Dry Skin

Rough, cracked, and flaky skin on the feet can cause irritation and tenderness but why does this occur? Certain medical conditions like eczema and athlete’s foot can cause dryness and should be remedied using specialized prescribed or over-the-counter lotions. Cold weather, aging, and poor self-care like improper cleaning or footwear can also be common causes of dry skin. While dryness can be a nuisance, we recommend a few simple steps to repair the skin and minimize dryness from reoccurring.

The Balanced Solution

Indulge in a foot soak: Need a self-care night? Using a foot soak with warm water and Epsom salt is not only a great way to unwind, but to soften rough skin as well. Once your skin is softened, use a pumice or foot scrub to gently remove dead skin cells from the soles of your feet. Make sure to heal any cuts or cracks before attempting to exfoliate.
Moisturize: Once you’ve exfoliated, massage a rich, preferably oil-based moisturizer into your feet. Try applying foot lotion or cream before bed and wear a cozy pair of socks to lock in moisture and ensure that your feet stay soft and smooth.
Protect your feet: Your feet need to breathe! When overworn, constricting footwear can quickly lead to dryness. Try to wear comfortable shoes that are made of breathable materials like leather, mesh, or canvas.
Stay hydrated: If we’re dehydrated, chances are our skin is too! Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure proper hydration in the skin and to prevent chronic dryness in the future.

Once you’ve taken steps to heal your feet, be sure to routinely care for them to prevent dryness from returning. Some preventative measures include wearing socks regularly to protect your feet, avoiding hot water that can strip your skin of natural oils, and using foot care products. If you’re unsure where to find quality foot care products, take a look at some of the premium products that we have to offer in our shop.

It may take some consistency and effort, but following these steps will help get your feet feeling and looking their best. If dry or cracked skin becomes a repeated issue, even after self-care and prevention, don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment.

by Jennifer Prezioso

Ankle Care Tips for the Fall Sports Season

One of the best parts of this time of year for many students is the return of fall sports. Whether it’s playing football under the Friday night lights, racing on the cross-country course, or taking the field for a soccer match, there’s no shortage of opportunities for competition, self-improvement, and team bonding.

Student-athletes know as well as anyone how important staying healthy is for making the most of their participation in fall sports. In order to stay healthy and on the field this fall and beyond, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to keep your ankles strong.

Ankle sprains

Sprains are among the most common injury that sidelines student-athletes. A 2020 study found that ankle sprains account for up to 40 percent of all sports-related injuries and is the most frequent lower-limb injury.

An ankle sprain occurs when you land awkwardly or take contact to the ankle, causing a roll or twist that leads to a tear or stretch of the ankle-supporting ligaments (beyond its normal range of motion). Pain, tenderness, bruising, and a limited range of motion are the top symptoms associated with an ankle sprain.

When you fear a sprain has occurred, it’s important to stop playing to prevent a more serious injury. Self-care options that are recommended include rest, icing of the affected area, elevation of the affected area, or use of a compression wrap to reduce swelling. If treated early, athletes can often have a swift recovery without seeing a doctor.

Playing through the initial symptoms of a sprain will increase the chances it becomes a more serious injury that will require medical attention and a longer recovery period.

Staying on the field

We know that ankle injuries are prevalent among all athletes. So, what can we do to prevent them?

Proper warm-up: Before participating in physical activity, whether it’s practice or a game, a thorough warm-up routine is critical. Spend at least 15 minutes doing light movement that gradually raises the heart rate. This could involve a progression of light jogging to faster running and plyometric exercises that prepare the entire body for more intense physical activity
Appropriate footwear: Don’t overlook the importance of wearing the right pair of shoes. Make sure your shoes are well fitting, designed for the sport you’re playing, and replace them when they start to wear down
Build strength and flexibility: This is a long-term commitment that will pay dividends. By regularly incorporating strength exercises that target the lower extremities, you’ll be a more resilient athlete and can better handle the wear and tear that comes with competition. Calf raises, resistance work with a band, and balance exercises are some simple ways to strengthen the feet and ankles.

Injuries happen to the best of us. Even athletes who take all the right precautions aren’t totally immune from being sidelined. If you’re dealing with an issue right now, our team is here to get you back in the game. Reach out today or schedule an appointment with us!

by Jennifer Prezioso

Summer Foot Care on Vacation

Summer is just around the corner, and that might mean you’re getting ready for your next vacation to the beach or another bucket-list destination. Many vacationers neglect to properly take care of their feet. Don’t let pain and discomfort get in the way of enjoying your sunny vacation.

Here is a list of tips for keeping your feet happy when traveling:

Choose the right shoes and bring multiple pairs
When planning your vacation, understand the types of activities you’ll be doing. Will you be walking a lot? What kind of terrain will you be on? Consider these questions as you pack. It’s also important to have multiple pairs to rotate. You may be trying to pack lightly, but having a second or third pair on hand will ensure you always have a fresh pair ready to go.

Keep blisters away
Everyone knows the feeling of an emerging “hot spot” on our feet when we don’t have proper socks or footwear on. Don’t let something preventable like a blister ruin your trip. On top of wearing clean and quality socks and shoes, consider using a blister prevention cream or tape before spending long periods of time on your feet. There are many affordable and effective travel-size products available, such as Body Glide or RockTape.

Don’t forget sunscreen
In addition to preventing blisters from chafing, sunburn can be another source of serious discomfort. If you’re wearing sandals or open-toed shoes when the sun is out, be sure to apply sunscreen to the exposed parts of your feet and toes. It’s easy to forget to apply protection to these areas, yet your feet are one of the more vulnerable places for sunburn when exposed.

Keep the blood flowing
If you have a long plane ride or drive to your destination, compression socks are one good way to promote good blood flow while being sedentary. Your feet and lower legs will thank you if you break up long periods of sitting with short walks, which is another way to keep a healthy blood flow and prevent discomfort. It’s also recommended to avoid crossing your legs while sitting.

The importance of happy feet can be overlooked when planning for your summer vacation. You deserve a fun and relaxing vacation, so be sure to take these easy steps to prevent pain and discomfort while traveling. If you return home from vacation with skin or nail issues around your feet, learn more about how our team of professionals can get you the relief you need.

by Jennifer Prezioso

How to Wrap an Ankle Sprain

We know that life is busy for our patients, and this can mean that even when injuries happen, you cannot always make time to see us immediately. But what can be done if you suspect you’ve injured your foot or ankle between the time it occurs and coming in for an appointment? And how can you avoid having the injury become more severe? Today we’ll discuss a common at-home care technique: wrapping an injured foot or ankle.

Why Use a Compression Wrap?

A compression wrap may help to prevent swelling, which can help to alleviate pain in the foot and ankle. It is not a brace and does provide substantial support for the ankle or prevent it from moving, however, it does give the wearer a nice reminder to go about their day in a more careful manner so as not to cause further injury.

Using a Compression Wrap Properly

Instructions

Roll up the elastic bandage. Position your ankle at about a 90-degree angle. Begin wrapping below your toes, at the pad of your foot. Hold the loose end of the bandage at the side of your foot and wrap around, keeping the fabric taut with light tension.
After this, wrap around the arch of the foot. Next, wrap the bandage diagonally from the bottom of the toes across the foot’s top and circle it around the ankle. Now bring the bandage diagonally across the top of the foot and under the arch in a figure-eight pattern.
When you get to the ankle bone, wrap the bandage around the felt piece so it stays in place under the ankle bone. Continue around the ankle and foot in a figure-eight motion, moving toward the heel on the bottom and toward the calf at the top of the eight.
The wrap should cover the entire foot and end about four inches above the ankle. Most compression wraps are self-fastening or come with clip fasteners. If not, use tape to secure the end. The wrap should be snug but should not cut off circulation to the foot.

Again, this is often a temporary solution and not a recommended therapy to address the issue. If pain or discomfort persists, you should schedule an appointment to be seen in the office at which time your doctor will evaluate and determine a proper course of action to help you back to health.

Our goal is to be sure that you are feeling your best. If that is not the case, please reach out today so that we can determine how best to help you!

by Jennifer Prezioso