Items filtered by date: September 2021

Wednesday, 29 September 2021 00:00

Why Do My Ankles Hurt After Running?

Runners take hundreds of steps per minute while they run. During each step, a large amount of force is transmitted through the foot, ankle, and leg. The ankle takes most of the force, so it should come as no surprise that runners often experience ankle pain. There are several factors that contribute to ankle pain while running. Muscle imbalances and weakness or tightness in some part of the foot, ankle, or calf, can change the way force is distributed while you run, putting more pressure on the ankles and leading to injuries. Repetitive overuse from intense bursts of running and not giving yourself enough time to fully recover can also cause or worsen ankle pain. Previous injuries, such as an ankle sprain that hasn’t completely healed or hasn’t healed properly, can increase the risk of future ankle injuries as well. It is important to wear properly fitted, supportive shoes while you run. If you are a runner suffering from ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Sunday, 26 September 2021 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 21 September 2021 00:00

What Causes Cracked Heels?

When the skin on the heel dries out and loses its strength and elasticity, the heel becomes hard, dry, and flaky. This leads to splitting, or fissuring and cracking, of skin around the heel which is more commonly known as cracked heels. While cracked heels usually form because of dry skin, wearing open-backed shoes, gaining weight, and increased friction from the back of the shoes can all lead to cracked heels forming as well. Common methods for managing cracked heels include moisturizing the heels twice per day, soaking the feet in warm water, and using a pumice stone on the affected area. However, excessively dry skin can indicate other problems such as neuropathy or diabetes. Patients who continually struggle with cracked heels should consult with a podiatrist to find the source of their issue.  

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 14 September 2021 00:00

Caring for Your Child’s Feet

Good foot care is not beneficial only for adults, but also for children. You can put your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy feet by following a few simple tips. If you have a young child, let them walk around barefoot where it is safe to do so. Young, growing feet build strength and flexibility as they walk barefoot. Wash and dry your child’s feet daily to promote good foot hygiene and prevent skin and nail problems. Trim your child’s toenails regularly, cutting them straight across and not too short to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. Finally, choose the right shoes and socks for your child. They should fit the child’s feet well, be supportive and comfortable, and be made of breathable materials. If your child complains of any foot pain, or if you notice any worrisome changes to their feet, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 07 September 2021 00:00

What is an Overpronation?

As weight is being transferred from the heel to the forefoot when walking, the foot naturally rolls inwards resulting in what is referred to as pronation. If the foot rolls too far inwards, overpronation occurs. Overpronation can lead to a variety of overuse injuries, especially in runners, because of the additional stress placed on muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet, as well as the ankles and knees. Common injuries that can occur due to overpronation include plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tarsal tunnel syndrome, bunions, or Achilles tendonitis. Patients who believe that they may have an overpronated gait should consult with a podiatrist who will perform a gait analysis. Upon completing the gait analysis, a podiatrist will be able to offer a variety of treatment options, such as orthotics. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Biomechanics in Podiatry
Wednesday, 01 September 2021 00:00

Overuse, Biomechanical Problems, and Heel Pain

Podiatrists frequently diagnose and treat heel pain. Typically, heel pain can be attributed to two main causes. The first is overuse. If you regularly put excess pressure and strain on your heels from prolonged standing, walking long distances, running, playing sports, or wearing ill-fitted shoes, you may be more likely to experience heel pain. The second potential cause is a biomechanical problem, or a problem with the structure or function of your feet. The most common biomechanical issue is an overpronated gait, a walking pattern in which the feet turn too far inwards with each step. This is frequently seen in patients with flat feet and can contribute to plantar fasciitis and other conditions that cause heel pain. Sometimes, a combination of both overuse and an underlying biomechanical problem are to blame for heel pain. If you are experiencing heel pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain

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