April 2023

Jumping rope can be an exciting and exhilarating activity. Nostalgic for some and physically challenging for others, jumping rope is an activity that many can enjoy. However, if one is not careful, jumping rope can lead to a foot injury. For example, if you are not jumping rope on the right surface, then injury can result. Some individuals might jump rope on hard surfaces like concrete, leading to shin splints. Rather, you might consider jumping rope on a surface that offers more shock absorption. This will ultimately put less stress on the joints of the feet as well. If you are someone that exercises by jumping rope, then it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for advice and treatment.

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 Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The forefoot is the front part of the foot that contains ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. The metatarsal bones are the five long bones between the toe bones, the hindfoot, and the midfoot. There are a variety of conditions that can lead to forefoot pain, including Morton’s neuroma, toe pain, and sesamoiditis. The focus here is on sesamoiditis. Most bones are connected to other bones at joints. Sesamoids are bones embedded in muscle and only connected to tendons. On the bottom of the foot, near the big toe, two small sesamoids help with weight bearing and raising the bones of the big toe. Sesamoiditis happens when these tendons become irritated and inflamed. This is common among runners and dancers. If you suffer from pain in your forefoot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to determine the cause of the pain, whether it’s sesamoiditis, and how to treat it best.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Infection, swelling, and pain can accompany an ingrown toenail. Genetic reasons may cause this foot condition, or it may happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. An ingrown toenail is defined as the nail growing into the skin instead of over it, and generally affects the big toe. It may also develop from cutting the toenails incorrectly, or if there has been a foot injury. An ingrown toenail that is first noticed may feel better when the foot is soaked in warm water for several minutes. This can make it easier to gently pull the nail away from the skin by using a small piece of cotton. Severely infected nails are often treated by a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose this condition and offer helpful prevention methods. If you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can prescribe medication and possibly perform minor surgery needed for permanent relief.

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 Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion can be caused for various reasons, including genetic factors, aging, and choosing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. Wearing tight shoes may cause a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, which may push the other toes toward each other. The medical term for a bunion is referred to as hallux valgus, which is considered a deformity. Protruding bunions may cause pain and pressure, and medical attention is often sought for relief. Calluses and corns may form on top of the toes due to the foot touching the top or side of the shoe. Prevention methods for bunions can be implemented by wearing shoes with adequate room in the toe area, and walking barefoot can help to strengthen the overall foot. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief options. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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