Items filtered by date: May 2018

Many new runners experience injuries that occur from running, and recent research has suggested that it's helpful to learn about preventative techniques. Performing proper stretches before running any type of distance is important in maintaining flexibility, but stretching too deeply may result in developing pulled muscles. It’s suggested that stretching should start at a slower pace, enabling the tendons and ligaments to warm up. "Overuse injuries" are common among runners, and these may include shin splints, sprains, and stress fractures. If you start your warm-up practice by walking at a slow pace before starting the run, the possibility of incurring injuries may be diminished. This enables the cells and fibers in the muscles to gradually tear and then rebuild stronger than they were. If you are contemplating incorporating running into your regular routine, please consult with a podiatrist for additional information on how to prevent running injuries to the foot and ankle.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you have an ingrown toenail, you may experience your big toe digging and irritating the skin that surrounds it. Some symptoms of ingrown toenails include warmth, swelling, and redness near the affected area, in addition to drainage and pus. Ingrown toenails are particularly painful because the skin that is near the nail corners is a sensitive area with a lot of nerves. There is not one particular cause for ingrown toenails, it can be caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes or by cutting your toenails too short. The proper way to cut toenails is to cut them straight across instead of at an angle. Allowing your toenails to grow to about one or two millimeters past the end of the toe will help, so that they do not start to grow inward. If you would like additional information about how to prevent or treat ingrown toenails, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet is a common foot condition that affects millions of Americans. The feet are the foundation of the body, and any misalignment that occurs from flat feet may affect the rest of it. An assessment is often performed to determine the severity of one's flat feet. The ankles may show signs of turning in, and this can an individual’s gait. There are several reasons why flat feet develop, such as an injury that has occurred, diseases like diabetes, or conditions that may develop from arthritis, which may alter the structure of the foot. You may notice pain and swelling surrounding the ankle, and this is a general sign that this condition may be present. Visit a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and possible treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One form of arthritis, commonly referred to as gout, often produces severe pain and swelling in the big toe. There may be several causes of this condition, including an injury or illness that has happened or from ingesting excessive amounts of red meat and alcohol. When this occurs, uric acid in the body may produce excess crystals which lodge in the joints, and the toes are generally affected. A proper diagnosis may consist of knowing the intensity of the gout attack and learning about the patient's diet and regular medications. Additionally, an X-ray or similar may be performed to analyze the bones and soft tissues surrounding the affected toe. It’s suggested to consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for the discussion of proper treatment options that may include dietary changes.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.