Walking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of exercise, offering a wide range of health benefits for people of all ages. Regular walking supports cardiovascular health, improves circulation, enhances joint mobility, and helps maintain a healthy body weight. It also promotes mental well-being by reducing stress and improving mood. Despite these benefits, the impact of walking on foot health depends heavily on proper support and alignment, which makes footwear a critical factor in preventing injury.

Wearing the right shoes for walking provides stability, cushioning, and arch support, all of which help distribute pressure evenly across the foot. Proper walking shoes reduce strain on the plantar fascia, tendons, and joints, allowing for a smoother and more efficient gait. In contrast, wearing the wrong shoes can lead to a range of foot conditions. Blisters are a common issue caused by friction between the foot and poorly fitting shoes. Soft tissue injuries, including tendon strain and ligament irritation, may also develop due to inadequate support or improper alignment.

Symptoms of foot problems related to poor footwear may include pain, redness, swelling, and discomfort during or after walking. Blisters may appear as fluid-filled areas on the skin, often caused by repeated rubbing. Soft tissue injuries may cause aching or sharp pain that worsens with activity. Risk factors include prolonged walking, wearing worn-out shoes, choosing footwear without proper arch support, and ignoring early signs of discomfort. These issues can gradually worsen if not addressed.

It is important to understand that walking provides significant health benefits, but wearing proper footwear is essential for protecting foot health. Selecting supportive, well-fitting shoes can prevent common injuries and improve overall comfort. If you have foot conditions from wearing the wrong shoes while walking, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and guidance on proper footwear.

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 Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. 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 Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Total contact casting is a specialized treatment used to manage diabetic foot ulcers by distributing pressure evenly across the foot and reducing stress on the wound area. It works by enclosing the foot and lower leg in a carefully molded cast that limits movement and promotes healing through constant contact and offloading pressure. This method is highly effective in encouraging ulcer closure while protecting the affected tissue. Risk factors for poor healing include uncontrolled blood sugar, poor circulation, and prolonged pressure on the foot. A podiatrist plays a key role by applying the cast, monitoring healing progress, and adjusting treatment, as needed. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this treatment method with you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle-foot orthosis is a supportive brace designed to improve stability, alignment, and movement in the foot and ankle. It is often used when weakness, injury, or nerve-related conditions affect normal walking. People who need this support may notice foot drop, instability, or difficulty lifting the front of the foot during each step. These issues can develop from neurological conditions, muscle imbalances, or trauma that disrupts proper function. Wearing an ankle-foot orthosis helps guide the foot into a more natural position and can reduce strain on surrounding structures. A podiatrist plays an important role by evaluating gait, customizing the device, and ensuring a proper fit for comfort and effectiveness. If walking feels unsteady or limited, it is strongly suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist for appropriate care.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the foot, especially the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals within the joint. This can lead to sudden and severe pain, along with redness, swelling, and stiffness. Many people notice that attacks begin quickly, often at night, and can make even light pressure feel unbearable. Risk factors include diet, genetics, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. During gout flare-ups, the joint may appear swollen and warm, and movement can become limited. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and testing, then provide treatment to reduce inflammation and protect joint health. Gout can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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