Items filtered by date: December 2015

running shoe9Everyone knows running offers many health benefits, but it’s also important to make sure to watch your form and wear shoes that fit. When running, ensure that your core is engaged, your posture is straight, and your strides are the same. Ease into runs by taking your time warming up and beginning with a brisk walk or slow jog before speeding up. It is also important to take your time while training and to incorporate strength training into your routine as well.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

Monday, 21 December 2015 20:55

The Effects of Bunions on Posture

stretching2A business in Minden, Nevada, has created new bunion treatment products that have been allegedly reported to help address a variety of problems connected to feet, such as back pain. Back pain results as an effect of bad posture, and bunions are one ailment that can contribute to poor posture. Bunions spread the feet and arch out, which can ultimately lead to back pain.

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If your heel is hurting, see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

  • Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
  • Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about bunions.

toenail fungus7Heel pain can be a result of an inflamed plantar fascia--also known as plantar fasciitis. Pain prevention involves doing stretches and exercises often, and getting shoes that fit. An irritated Achilles tendon can also cause heel pain, so it’s important to know what’s affecting your feet. If you’re running and dealing with heel pain, “try to reduce the ground reaction force,” sports podiatrist Karl Lockett of Sydney Heel Pain says. Run on the flat of your feet, and try to refrain from landing on your heels. However, if the pain is severe, opt for seeking treatment and take a break from your daily runs.

Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. If your heel is hurting, see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

Causes of Heel Pain

● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

- Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  

- Wearing non-supportive shoes

- Weight change         

- Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Heel Pain

hammertoe4While faulty footwear and improper foot support are the most common reasons for achy feet, there are many other probable causes. Stretching the feet regularly can help prevent ailment such as plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes that are not the proper fit in addition to swelling feet during pregnancy, weight changes, and suffering from diabetic foot problems such as neuropathy can all cause foot pain.

Proper foot support is of utmost importance in foot health. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.

The Importance of Proper Foot Support

Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support.

Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.

The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.

When looking for shoes that give proper support to your feet, you should refrain from wearing ill-fitting shoes. If footwear is too tight, this can affect the body’s posture, stress, bone deformities, and other foot and back pain. Therefore, it is important that shoes fit well in order to avoid these complications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Media, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

Read more about Proper Foot Support

Connect With Us