Ballet requires strength, balance, and flexibility in the feet to perform graceful movements. Regular stretching can enhance foot control and reduce injury risk. Toe tapping increases circulation and activates small foot muscles, while foot circles and ankle rolls improve joint mobility. Elastic band exercises build strength in the arches and ankles, and heel raises help stabilize the lower legs for better pointe work. These exercises support flexibility and endurance essential for dancers. A podiatrist can evaluate alignment, recommend proper footwear, and design a customized stretching plan to enhance performance. A podiatrist can offer a professional foot assessment to help keep your feet strong, flexible, and ready to perform beautifully. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury in ballet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions and foot flexibility exercises.

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. Howard Horowitz from Bowie 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Football players are at high risk for foot and ankle injuries, with lateral ankle sprains being the most common. These occur when the ankle twists outward, stretching or tearing ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, inadequate warm up, uneven playing surfaces, and ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation, recommend bracing or taping, design rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and stability, and guide a safe return to play. Early treatment prevents chronic instability and long term complications. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions and prevention tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the tibial nerve, located near the ankle, becomes compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space inside the ankle. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the foot and ankle, often radiating into the toes. Symptoms may worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity. A podiatrist diagnoses tarsal tunnel syndrome through a physical examination, reviewing the patient’s symptoms, and conducting tests, such as nerve conduction studies or imaging, to identify nerve compression. Treatment usually begins with conservative methods like rest and targeted stretching exercises to alleviate pressure on the tibial nerve. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and in severe cases surgery may be needed to release the compressed nerve. If you have symptoms as described, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer relief that will restore function to the affected foot.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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