Podiatry Blog | Barrett Podiatry

18 Apr 2016

Do I Have Shin Splints or Stress Fractures?

Newsfoot and ankle specialist, shin splints, stress fractures

If you're starting a new sport, changing activity, or rapidly increasing the amount of exercise that you normally do, pressure can start to build up in the muscle compartments around the shin, resulting in shin pain. Shin splints and stress fractures are two of the most common sources of pain in this part of the body. Both are overuse injuries, but stress fractures are the more severe of the two injuries. So, how do you know which one you have and how you should treat it? Shin splints refer to microtears in the bone and muscle tissue along the shinbone…

17 Mar 2016

By Barrett Podiatry

Foot Pain: Is It Your Shoes or Your Feet?

Newsfoot pain, podiatrist

New shoes, old shoes, and poorly fitting shoes can all cause foot pain - whether it is a mild issue like an occasional blister, a more long-term annoyance like a corn or callus, or even chronic heel pain. But how can you be sure that the foot pain you’re experiencing is the result of your footwear instead of a structural issue with your feet? While your best bet is to see a podiatrist for a comprehensive foot exam and official diagnosis, we offer a few reasons why your feet might be the culprit and reasons why you should maybe point…

17 Feb 2016

By Barrett Podiatry

5 Signs You Might Have Athlete’s Foot

Newsathlete's foot, athlete's foot symptoms, podiatry

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common fungal infections. It occurs when the tinea fungus, which thrives in warm and moist environments, grows on the top layer of skin on the feet. The contagious nature of the infection means that it can easily spread to others. It can also spread to other parts of your own body, including your hands, underarms and groin. To prevent unnecessary discomfort, it is important to take action as soon as symptoms arise. Here are five signs of athlete's foot to look out for: Dry skin that looks cracked or flaky. Red, itchy skin, especially…

16 Jan 2016

By Barrett Podiatry

5 Foot and Ankle Stretches to Loosen Your Feet and Prevent Injuries

Newsfoot and ankle, foot stretches, prevent foot injuries

Stretching and exercising your feet is a good way to prevent foot and ankle injuries and ease discomfort. To start taking better care of your arches, heels and toes, incorporate these five simple stretches into your daily routine. 1. Get Rolling Sit on a chair with both feet planted on the floor, and place a golf or tennis ball under one foot. Roll the ball back and forth under your arch, letting the ball move from your toes to your heels, for about two minutes. Do this once for each foot to stretch the plantar fascia ligament. 2. Write the…

22 Dec 2015

By Barrett Podiatry

Maintain Diabetic Foot Health: 5 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Newsdiabetic foot health

What you eat affects many different aspects of your life. This is especially true for people with diabetes. For diabetics, a poor diet can lead to a number of health-related issues, including foot complications and problems affecting the heart, kidneys, and eyes. The best way to maintain a healthy body and prevent diabetic foot problems is to control your blood sugar by eating well. This can be difficult to do during the holidays, but it’s not impossible. Here are five tips to help you get through the holidays: 1. Avoid standing by the food table. If you find yourself at…

14 Dec 2015

By Barrett Podiatry

Sore Feet: Are Orthotics the Answer?

Newsflat feet, orthotics, shoe inserts

Look inside almost any shoe you own, and you’ll most likely find an insert with a slope in the arch area. These pre-packaged inserts are designed to support the arches of the average person’s feet. However, not all feet are the same, and different people may require different levels of arch support (think about people with flat feet, for example). Because of this, for many people with foot pain, shoe inserts or custom orthotics are often the answer. If what you’re looking for is something to provide more comfort and support, a shoe insert may be all you need. Some…

20 Nov 2015

By Barrett Podiatry

Three NFL Athletes Battling Foot and Ankle Injuries

Newsfoot and ankle injuries, NFL injuries

Despite all of the training and conditioning that professional athletes do on a regular basis, sports injuries still happen. In fact, injuries are often the result of athletes pushing themselves harder in order to perform at a higher level. Foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common, often leaving players sidelined for weeks and even months at a time. Here are three professional NFL athletes currently suffering from an injury to the foot or ankle: 1. Peyton Manning - plantar fasciitis Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning had been suffering with plantar fasciitis for weeks before partially tearing his plantar…

13 Nov 2015

By Barrett Podiatry

Avoid These Common Foot and Ankle Basketball Injuries

Newsankle sprain, basketball injury, foot and ankle pain, podiatrist

Each year, over 200,000 children under the age of 15 visit the emergency room as a result of a basketball-related injury. Foot and ankle injuries are the most common. They affect more than 38 percent of boys and 36 percent of girls. With high school basketball season getting ready to start, it is important for you and your child to know the types of injuries that are most common and how to prevent them. Ankle Sprains Playing basketball requires constant movement, including running, jumping, and frequent stops and starts. Because of this, ankle sprains are very common. They often occur…

21 Oct 2015

By Barrett Podiatry

Is Wearing High Heels Causing Irreparable Damage to Your Knees?

Newsankle sprain, foot pain, high heels

If you think that the only downside to wearing high heels is foot pain and soreness in the legs after a long day, think again. According to a new study from scientists at Stanford University, walking in heels that are three and a half inches or higher puts high levels of strain on the knees, which can cause the joints to age prematurely. In some cases, it can even lead to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis, affects million of Americans each year. It occurs when the cartilage that pads the ends of your bones wears down, often…

10 Oct 2015

By Barrett Podiatry

Three Common Causes of Foot Pain

Newsbunions, calluses, foot pain, plantar fasciitis

Together, your feet contain about 25 percent of all the bones in your body. With 26 bones each, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and multiple muscles and tendons, they are one of the body’s most complex structures. They are also one of the parts of the body that people tend to neglect. In fact, about 75 percent of Americans will suffer from a foot-related problem at some point in their lives, requiring the services of a podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist. Do you suffer from foot pain or discomfort? Here are three of the most common causes of foot…