The First Step is Always the Hardest (Someone With Plantar Fasciitis Would Likely Agree)

You get out of bed in the morning and sharp pain jolts through your heel area. Or maybe you work on your feet and the pain is constant at the end of the day? You might be suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. Funny name, serious pain.

Fear not, fine footed friends, Plantar Fasciitis is a pretty normal issue.

Here are a few common at home treatments that may provide some relief:

• OTC pain medicine, like ibuprofen or aspirin.

• Give yourself a week off (if possible) from the sport or whatever activity might be causing the pain.

• Wear orthotics (yes, Doc Dull does make tailor made ones, as you are likely aware).

• Wear supportive shoes.

• Stretch!

• Icing (not the kind for cake) - 10-15 minutes, twice a day, with some massage, as well.

To prevent Plantar Fasciitis, try these steps:

• Stretch before and after exercise.

• Give your feet a rest.

• Don’t walk around barefoot on hard surfaces.

• Wear supportive shoes.

If you’re experiencing pain that lasts more than a week in a row, give Doc Dull a call at 330-759-0904 and let’s get you back on your feet!

Toe-No You Didn’t…

Today in Footlandia, we’re talking toes - specifically, toenails! Those sturdy guardians of your toes can sometimes become stubborn and thick, making it uncomfortable to wear closed toe shoes. At any stage of life, it’s important to take good care of your toenails, but especially as you age.

If you look down at your Toebi One Kanobis and feel like maybe they’re looking a bit more like Jabba the Hut, yellow/brown, thick and scary, then it might be time to talk to a foot pro.

There are many causes for thickened, jabba toenails, and talking with a doc will help you get to the bottom of it and get back to feeling more pep in your step.

For some potential relief until you get in to see a doc, you may want to consider giving those tootsies a soak. Try doing so with this powerful mixture:

• Vinegar (One part vinegar to two parts water)

• Epsom Salt (Three to Four tablespoons per gallon of water)

• Baking Soda (One tablespoon per two gallons of water)

Also, you should avoid nail polish when trying to remedy your toenail sitch.

Once you tame the beast, some good steps going forward for keeping those thick nails at bay can include:

• Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or loose.

• Don’t share your nail clippers. Sharing is not caring in this case.

• Keep those nails short.

• Keep them clean, and dry!

• If you’re going to a public place, like a pool or a locker room, wear your shoes to avoid picking up a fun fella named gus, Fungus, that is.

If at-home treatment doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, call Doc Dull today at 330-759-0904 and let’s get you back on the right track.

Orthotics! (Better than inserts)

Tailor-made in stages, that’s how Doc Dull does orthotics. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill orthotics made generically for all feet. These are individually created for your feet. Doc Dull’s method of orthotic making is a tried-and-true process that has helped feet all over the world.

Doc Dull’s orthotics help to keep your hips in line, thus less pain in your lower extremities and in some cases, your back. There are a number of conditions that can be corrected with these hand-made superstars, to name a few:

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Achilles Tendinitis

• Cuboid Subluxation

• Sesamoiditis

These conditions can be disruptive to your daily routine. A simple foot exam with Doc Dull can help determine the best steps forward. Keep those soles feeling sweet by calling 330-759-0904 today!

It’s all about that base (the foundation, ie, your feet)

Your feet are the foundation of your body. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.

Our feet are oftentimes an afterthought. Maybe because they’re the part of our body that is out of sight, out of mind? Maybe we’re just too darn busy to take care of them? Whatever the reason, start to reconsider how you feel about the beautiful base of your body, your feet.

They help to get us around and keep us moving. They bear the weight of your world, or at least you.

There are 26 bones and 33 joints in each of your feet.

They’re strong and resilient, but based on their location on your body, they can be exposed to a variety of injuries and infections.

A good rule of thumb, or big toe, is to check in with your feet daily.

• Make sure there are no cuts or sores that need attention

• Keep them clean, using warm water

• Moisturize them using cream, lotion or vaseline (try not to get too much between your toes as that area should stay dry to keep infection at bay)

• Wear comfy shoes

• Skip the flip-flops and high-heels if you can

If you’re experiencing ongoing foot discomfort, or have a chronic condition such as Diabetes, please give Doc Dull a call today at 330-759-0904 and let us help you find relief for those dogs that are barking.