Items filtered by date: September 2022
Tips for Beginner Runners
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All runners sustain injuries from time to time. If you are a beginning runner, it is important to start slowly and maintain a training level a bit beneath your ability. Over- training is one of the first ways runners get injured. If you become injured while running, resting is the first course of action. So, for example, if you pull a muscle, stop running and walk for a bit to see if the pain diminishes. Rest until you can resume running pain free. Most injuries suffered as beginning runners are minor and heal quickly but if your pain persists, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as additional tips on running safely.
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 New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?
Causes and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
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The toenails can become disfigured if they are infected by toenail fungus. The medical term for toenail fungus is onychomycosis, which can be quite unsightly. It is caused by a fungus that lives in warm and moist environments, including public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. The fungus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin, and it feeds on keratin that is found on the hard surface of the toenails. Additional factors like poor foot hygiene or wearing socks that are too tight can contribute to the development of toenail fungus. Also, existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and poor circulation, may lead to toenail fungus. Toenail fungus symptoms include hard, brittle toenails that often turn white or yellow. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, which may require medical attention. If you experience any symptoms of fungal infection on your toenails, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who specializes in diagnosing and treating this condition.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Consider for a Proper Shoe Fitting
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Many people believe when their foot fits into a sneaker or shoe, it is a perfect match. This may not necessarily be true because there are many factors to consider in shoe size. These can include finding the right shoe length in addition to the proper width and volume. It is suggested to have a thumbnail space between the end of the longest toe and the top of the shoe. This can be checked by standing in the shoes with the foot as far back as possible and this often provides an accurate measurement. The space in the top of the shoe can allow room for the feet as they swell during the day. The width of the shoe is just as important and when this is perfect, the foot will fit snugly across the middle of the shoe. The volume of the shoe indicates the foot sliding into the shoe easily and there is no pressure felt on top of the foot. If you would like more information about how to fit shoes properly, please contact a podiatrist who can help you with any questions you may have.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
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.
Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!
Recognizing and Treating Plantar Warts
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Viral infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that enter the skin of the feet through cuts or breaks can lead to the development of a plantar wart. These are thickened, rough growths of a lighter color than skin that are typically flat, and may have a ridged pattern. They usually develop in high pressure areas, such as the heel and ball of the foot. A small, clotted blood vessel can sometimes be visible, looking like a dark dot in the center of the wart. Sometimes plantar warts grow individually, or they may form in clusters, called mosaics. Because plantar warts grow on the bottom of the feet, they can be painful as the weight of the body bears down on them while standing or walking. Plantar warts are highly contagious, with the HPV spreading through direct contact with another person’s skin, or by sharing personal hygiene items, footwear, or towels that are infected with the virus. Plantar warts are hearty, making them difficult to treat, and have a high rate of recurrence if not completely eradicated. Therefore, plantar warts usually require professional care from a podiatrist who can use a variety of effective treatments to quickly and permanently treat them.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.