Keeping the feet strong can improve balance, stability, and overall movement during daily activities. One helpful exercise is a towel scrunch. Place a small towel on the floor, rest your foot on top, and slowly pull the towel toward you by curling your toes. This strengthens the small muscles that support the arch. Another useful exercise is the heel raise. Stand near a counter for support, lift your heels until you are on the balls of your feet, pause briefly, and lower with control. This helps build strength in the calves and improves ankle stability. While these movements support functional fitness, they are most effective when performed correctly and paired with proper footwear and healthy mechanics. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate exercises, and address any discomfort that limits progress. If foot pain develops during these activities, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief tips and additional guidance on exercising the feet.

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 Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & 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 San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle can occur from a fall, sports injury, or twisting motion that causes one or more of the ankle bones to fracture. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Because breaks can range from small cracks to complex fractures, a professional diagnosis through X-rays is essential to determine the best course of care. Treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or boot, the use of crutches, and rest to allow the bones to heal properly. More serious fractures might require surgical repair with pins or plates to realign the bones and restore stability. Targeted exercises are often given afterward to rebuild strength, balance, and flexibility. If you have sustained an ankle injury with significant pain or swelling, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly for a complete evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Foot wound care is essential for preventing infection and protecting long-term mobility. There are a number of types of wounds. A diabetic foot ulcer develops from poor circulation and nerve damage. A pressure ulcer is caused by prolonged pressure on bony areas. Venous ulcers are related to vein disease, and traumatic wounds result from injuries or accidents. Each type requires careful evaluation and a focused treatment plan to support proper healing. A podiatrist can assess the wound, manage infection, improve circulation, and provide advanced treatments that promote healthy tissue recovery. With regular monitoring and specialized care, many serious complications can be avoided. If you or a loved one has a foot wound, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment solutions.

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 Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & 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 San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.