October 2023

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit, boost cardiovascular health, and enjoy the great outdoors. Despite its many benefits, running can also take a toll on your feet and ankles. More than 80 percent of running injuries are attributed to repetitive stress, making it important for runners to be aware of the potential pitfalls and methods to prevent and address them. The repetitive impact of every foot strike during your runs can put significant stress on your muscles, joints, and connective tissues, increasing the risk of injury. Foot injuries are a significant concern for runners. Plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and stress fractures are some of the more common conditions that can affect the feet. These injuries can cause intense pain, particularly during the push off phase of running. Ankles are susceptible to sprains, strains, and ligament injuries in runners. Running on uneven terrain and wearing improper footwear can contribute to these injuries, which may result in instability and limited mobility. If you experience pain or discomfort in the feet or ankles from your running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and tips for preventing injuries.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a foot condition that often goes under the radar but can cause significant discomfort. It occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerves leading to the toes thickens, resulting in nerve compression. This compression can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Foremost is pain, typically felt in the ball of the foot or between the third and fourth toes. This pain is often described as a sharp or burning sensation, and patients may liken it to having a pebble in their shoe. Many individuals with Morton's neuroma experience tingling or numbness in the affected toes. Symptoms can worsen with activities that place pressure on the foot, such as walking or wearing tight shoes. If you are experiencing signs of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Stress fractures are small, hairline cracks in bones, often resulting from repetitive or excessive force on the affected area. These fractures can occur in various parts of the body, but they are frequently seen in weight-bearing bones such as the feet. Recognizing the symptoms of a stress fracture is essential for early intervention. One common sign is localized pain, typically described as a deep, aching discomfort that worsens with activity and may improve with rest. Swelling and tenderness at the fracture site are also common, often accompanied by a pinpoint area of pain. Unlike acute fractures, stress fractures may not always cause noticeable bruising or deformity. Left untreated, stress fractures can lead to more severe injuries. If you suspect you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you seek medical attention from a podiatrist promptly to prevent further damage and ensure proper healing. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe can happen to anyone, whether it is from a sudden accident or a simple misstep. The first step in treating a broken toe is recognizing the signs. Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the toe are common indicators. If you suspect a break, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. To confirm the broken toe, a diagnosis is often needed by having an X-ray taken. In the meantime, you can take some steps to alleviate discomfort. Resting the affected foot and elevating it may help to reduce swelling. Immobilize the toe by buddy-taping it to an adjacent healthy toe, which can provide support and stability during the healing process. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help to manage pain, and it is helpful to avoid putting weight on the injured toe. If the fracture is severe or displaced, the toe may need to be reset or placed in a splint. Healing a broken toe takes time, so it is advised to be patient and take good care of your injured toe. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this injury.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Toenail fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are typically treated with antifungal medications. This type of infection is hard to cure. A complete cure of toenail fungus is considered an eradication of the fungus and a healthy-looking toenail. Lasers are being used to treat these infections and are being considered as an alternative treatment worthy of consideration. This may be particularly true among older patients, or those with health conditions that make traditional antifungal medications unsuitable or ineffective. If you have toenail fungus and it is not responding to antifungal medicines, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether laser treatment may be correct for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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