Items filtered by date: August 2021

With the warm weather here, people are beginning to get outdoors again. Hiking, going to the beach, hitting the pool, and many other activities are all popular this time of year. However, summer injuries are all too common. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your feet happy and healthy this season.

Common foot injuries

Injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries are:

• Ankle sprains
• Blisters
• Heel pain
• Tendon injury
• Fractures
• Broken bones

How to prevent injuries

Luckily there are some simple things you can do to prevent severe foot and ankle injuries. To protect your feet, and ankles follow these tips:

• Avoid going barefoot. It’s a wonderful feeling to walk on a sandy beach or feel the grass on your feet, but it can be hazardous. Even minor cuts can lead to serious infections.
• Avoid flip-flops. They might be convenient, but flip-flops do not provide the proper support your ankles and feet need. It can also affect your knees, legs, and back. Sandals can lead to fractures and heel pain. If you plan to do a lot of walking, try finding a good pair of hiking boots.
• Avoid flat shoes. It is especially important if you plan to do a lot of hiking. Your heel can receive a great deal of stress from the constant pounding with each step. It can cause cracked skin, heel pain, or even stress fractures. An experienced podiatrist can offer custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts specially designed to the shape of your foot that provides cushioning and support exactly where it’s needed most.

Finally, if you experience any foot discomfort, the most important thing is not to wait. Find an experienced specialist right away to prevent any problems from getting worse.

Our dedicated doctors provide state-of-the-art care to our patients. Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, and Dr. Thomas Verla and their staff serve patients in Madison, Mitchell, and Watauga County. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact us today to make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill, or 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine, or 2211 NC Hwy 105, Boone, NC.

National I Love My Feet Day is on August 17th. It is an excellent day to think about all the wonderful things our feet do for us. Whether running, skipping, hiking, or playing sports, our feet are always there for us. In honor of this special day, here are a few ways you can say thank you to your feet.

First, the best way you can show love to your feet is to visit an experienced podiatrist. They can examine your feet and tell you exactly what you need to do to best care for them. In the meantime, here are some fabulous ways you can pamper your feet right now:

• Keep your nails manicured. If you use a nail clipper, make sure it’s properly sterilized and cut the nail straight across.
• Make sure you stretch before any strenuous exercise.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Inspect your feet daily for any infections, bunions, or skin changes.
• Wear proper footwear. Make sure you have proper arch support. Avoid shoes that are too tight, and make sure you can wiggle your toes.
• Avoid going barefoot. It is especially important at the pool or in a gym locker room. These are places where bacteria breed, and it’s easy to pick up an infection.
• Give your feet a foot-bath. It can be done by filling a bucket with warm water and Epsom salts. Twice a week, soak your feet for 30-60 minutes.

All these things can help keep your feet healthy and happy. If you are experiencing any foot-related issues, you should not wait but make an appointment right away with a specialist.

Our dedicated doctors provide state-of-the-art care to our patients. Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, and Dr. Thomas Verla and their staff serve patients in Madison, Mitchell, and Watauga County. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact us today to make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill, or 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine, or 2211 NC Hwy 105, Boone, NC.