Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Foot therapy can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. It falls into two categories consisting of foot massages and reflexology. The latter is done by stimulating the energy channels in the body by touching the feet in specific areas. There are parts of the foot that are connected to various organs and bones and can interact with the tissues in the feet. When a foot massage is given, it is generally more direct and may be helpful in relieving tight muscles. Additionally, circulation may be improved, and existing soreness may be reduced. Many people enjoy having reflexology performed on them as it can bring positive feelings to the overall body. The digestive system may be improved in addition to having increased energy. If you would like to know more information about the benefits of foot therapy, please confer with a podiatrist .
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
Many beginning runners make mistakes that can cause injuries. Here are a few tips to prevent that from happening. Start with getting running shoes that are right for your feet, which includes evaluating your running style and foot type. It is recommended to replace shoes after about 350 miles, and to alternate with an extra pair when you are halfway through the lifespan of your first pair of shoes. Second, try to avoid doing too much, too soon. Experts agree that the easiest way to get injured is by running too far, for too long, too fast, and too often. It is advised to increase mileage by a maximum of 10 percent a week. It is also recommended to combine walking and running, at first, as well as taking at least one day off between runs. One of the most common causes of injury in beginners is overstriding, which consists of landing heel first with your foot ahead of the body’s center of gravity. Instead, try landing midsole, with the body’s weight directly over the foot. If you need further guidance about gait and foot type, or are having problems with your feet and ankles after running, please consult with a podiatrist.
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 Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This condition is the inflammation of the tough band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, that runs along the sole of the foot from toes to heel. This tissue helps support the arch and plays an important role in foot mechanics when walking. Causes of plantar fasciitis include standing or walking for long periods, heel spurs, pregnancy, and obesity. Wearing shoes with little or no cushioning in the heel and sole, as well as walking barefoot, may also contribute to the inflammation. The pain of plantar fasciitis is usually a stabbing sensation, felt most in the heel. It tends to be worse upon awakening or after prolonged activity. When pressure is placed on the arch of the foot, pain increases. A feeling of tightness in the calf muscles is another indicator of plantar fasciitis. Luckily, there are a number of remedies for plantar fasciitis. For more information, please make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Excessive running
Having high arches in your feet
Other foot issues such as flat feet
Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
Being on your feet very often
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Foot therapy can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. It falls into two categories consisting of foot massages and reflexology. The latter is done by stimulating the energy channels in the body by touching the feet in specific areas. There are parts of the foot that are connected to various organs and bones and can interact with the tissues in the feet. When a foot massage is given, it is generally more direct and may be helpful in relieving tight muscles. Additionally, circulation may be improved, and existing soreness may be reduced. Many people enjoy having reflexology performed on them as it can bring positive feelings to the overall body. The digestive system may be improved in addition to having increased energy. If you would like to know more information about the benefits of foot therapy, please confer with a podiatrist .
