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Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Most people know their shoe size and stick with it for life, but a proper shoe fitting could lead to better overall foot health. There are so many types of footwear, but everyone has specific needs when it comes to what is right for their foot. A proper shoe fitting involves both length and width. A shoe should have a wide enough toe box for the natural shape of an individual’s foot, as well as appropriate arch support. Some shoes provide mobility, while others hinder one’s mobility. A shoe that provides the greatest mobility for your feet, ankles, and legs is the best option. The foot is the first place to absorb the weight of our movements, therefore the wrong shoe can negatively affect all weight-bearing bones. If you would like more information on the right shoe for you, then it is recommended you consult with a podiatrist.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor 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:
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 Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Research has shown that approximately half of all injuries incurred by runners may be prevented by paying attention to your body in addition to taking the proper precautions by stretching the feet and ankles thoroughly before embarking on a run. A condition that is known as Achilles tendinitis may occur as a result of tight calf muscles, and the pain and discomfort this injury may bring may be avoided by building strength in the Achilles tendon and surrounding areas. Additionally, many patients experience an uncomfortable condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis, and this is characterized by severe pain in the heel area of the foot. This may be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly and have adequate arch support. If you would like additional information on how to prevent painful running injuries, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can properly guide you.
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 Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor 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 Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
One of the ways to have a more enjoyable travel experience is to include comfortable shoes in your suitcase. If you are planning on spending most of the day walking or exploring, it’s important to choose shoes that fit properly. Many patients may experience the uncomfortable condition that is known as blisters, and this may hinder any walking plans you may have. When purchasing new shoes, there may be a breaking-in period that is needed, and this may be beneficial by doing this before the trip begins. Many people have worn their new shoes with wool socks, and this may be helpful in softening the interior of the shoe. If a painful blister should occur, it may be advantageous to bring a medical kit, which may include different sizes and types of bandages, and an additional pair of socks. It is advised to contact a podiatrist if you would like additional information on the prevention or treatment of blisters.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about BlistersIf you have ever experienced an ingrown toenail, you may be familiar the pain and discomfort it may cause. It is defined as the result of the nail pushing into the skin as the growth process occurs. Many patients notice obvious symptoms that may accompany this condition, including swelling, redness and tenderness in the area surrounding the nail. Research has shown there may be several reasons why ingrown toenails may develop. These may consist of improperly trimming the toenails, wearing shoes and socks that may be too tight, or having a predisposed genetic trait. Moderate relief may be found in soaking the nail several times throughout the day, and this may ease the inflammation. If you have developed this ailment, it is important to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly extract an ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints of your feet, you may have what is known as arthritis. A common area of the foot where arthritis may appear are the toes, and severe pain and discomfort may be felt while lifting the toes to walk. You may notice a permanent bend in the joints of the toes, and this may make it difficult for the foot to lie flat on the floor. Some patients notice a bump developing on top of the toes, and this may possibly result from the joints rubbing together. Additionally, the toenails may separate from the nail bed, or pain may be felt in the rest of the foot. Possible treatment options can include injecting steroids, which may aid in reducing any inflammation that may be present. Having surgery performed, which may be helpful in reshaping the bones in the feet may be an additional option. It is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can assist you in determining which treatment is best for you.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.
Symptoms
Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.
Risk Factors
If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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