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Avoid Running Injuries with Proper Training
Improper training is the cause of about 56 percent of running injuries each year, reports Jason Fitzgerald, a 2:39 marathoner and USA Track & Field certified coach. Contrary to popular belief, proper running requires proper technique—similar to the way a football tackle or deadlift requires practice and skill.
According to Fitzgerald, there are three general methods in avoiding injury: Avoid repeated use of the same part of the body and add variety to your training and distances, practice proactive recovery by adjusting your workouts by how you’re feeling day-to-day, and perfect your running form by counting your steps, avoiding over-striding, and standing up tall.
Running injuries, even with proper precautions, can still occur in many runners. If you are suffering from a running injury see Dr. Michael E. Newman from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Early Signs of Flat Feet detectable in Children
Children are in a constant state of growth and development and therefore often require frequent shopping trips to purchase items that will fit their growing bodies. Shoes often fall into this list of necessities, and with the purchase of new shoes parents should also keep in mind the necessity of proper foot health. Children in particular are prone to developing flat feet, a condition characterized by an abnormal collapse of the arch while standing. Parents can watch for early signs of the condition, which include: a flat foot arch at age 5 or older, heels that tend to angle outward when seen from the back, clumsiness during activity or early leg fatigue, or foot, knee or ankle pain during or after activity or the middle of the night.
Certain sports and physical activities may become difficult for children with flat feet. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to Dr. Michael E. Newman of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are 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. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch 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.
For more information about Flat Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
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Pedicures Not Ideal for Diabetic Foot Health
In an article by Centre Daily, Dr. Christina L. Rowe believes if someone is affected by neuropathy, there may be a loss of sensation to the feet. As a result, neuropathic patients might miss something as small as a nail technician’s cut or burn. This could be serious, as even a minor injury or burn could develop into an infection which could form down the line. Dr. Rowe believes it is best for patients with neuropathy to avoid pedicures altogether as there are natural products which can help and be classified as a safe alternative, essentially saving the patient’s foot in the long run.
The American Diabetes Association describes symptoms of peripheral neuropathy as including a tingling sensation, pain, numbness or weakness in the hands and feet.
Being diabetic makes you especially susceptible to foot problems like ulcers and nerve damage. For instructions about diabetic foot care, talk to one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors can help you manage your foot and ankle conditions.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
For more information about Diabetic Foot Care, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Wearing Flatforms Can Lead to Ligament Tears
Many people, including famous idols like Willow Smith, Kate Bosworth, and Miley Cyrus, have recently been seen sporting “flatforms,” a new shoe designed to mix elements of flats and platforms. While this fashionable new item provides wearers with the benefit of a few extra inches of height, it also comes with some severe drawbacks.Flatforms cause the ankles to move in ways they aren’t biomechanically designed to. This can lead to painful ligament damage if they’re worn too much, as one journalist for Vogue magazine wrote about after finding out the hard way. It remains to be seen if the potential foot risks that come with wearing flatforms will be enough to derail their current popularity.
Shoes like flatforms that don’t offer proper foot support can cause really painful damage to the feet and ankles. If you have a foot condition that arose from wearing trendy footwear too often, think about calling podiatrists Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assess the problem and explain how getting supportive shoes will help prevent similar issues in the future.
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.
Shoes to Consider:
- Good heel and arch support
- Have proper length and width for your feet
- Avoid tight/cramped shoes
For more information about Proper Foot Support, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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