Category Archives: Foot pain

Gear Up for Running Outdoors This Winter

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Gear up for running outdoors this winter. You may be wondering, how will I run in the brutal cold of North Carolina winters?! Maybe the use of the word “brutal” is a bit out of place, but still never underestimate the cold and what it can do to your body. Use these tips to make sure your feet, and the rest of you, are prepared to battle the elements.

Let’s get started with what we like to discuss the most, your feet! To keep your feet warm we recommend using shoes with the least amount of slush. Ideally, the uppers of the shoe will also have GoreTex lining to help keep out the slush. SmartWool socks are also very important to help wick away sweat but hold in as much warmth as possible. You don’t want to get blisters! You should also have some common sense: if there is snow and ice on the ground, maybe run on the treadmill that day instead. One misstep and a slip on the ice could result in a sprained ankle or worse!

Your innermost layer needs to be snug fitting and sweat-wicking. Outer layers should be waterproof, windproof, and be able to cool as well as you get further into your run and your body starts to warm up. Make sure to always protect your face, head, and extremities with layers. Generally, many expert running guides recommend at least 2 top and one bottom layer for 30 degree temperatures, 2 tops and 2 bottoms for 10 to 20 degree temperatures, and 3 tops and 2 bottoms for zero to 10 degree temperatures. If you are in North Carolina running in temperatures below zero, then you deserve to wear as many layers as you want, and a medal for dedication!

It’s also important to warm up well before you run. You need to get moving and get the blood flowing so the cold won’t feel quite as cold, and your body will be more prepared for your run with less chance of injury. Don’t forget you still need to layer to deal with wind and rain, and also make sure to wear bright clothes so you can be seen!

Don’t focus on training to push yourself for record times, but instead focus on the fact that you are staying motivated and still training against the elements and keeping your endurance up. And most important of all, listen to your body. If you start to tire or feel exhausted, take a break. Pushing yourself too hard can cause injury like sprained ankles or Achilles tendinitis. Run safe during the winter months, and come see us at Raleigh Foot and Ankle Center if you are having any foot or ankle pain! Call us at (919) 850-9111 or visit our website to request an appointment.

Get Out and Run!

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Most people start working out during January after making New Years Resolutions, but December is the perfect time to start some great, healthy habits like exercising regularly. Think about it: the holidays can be hectic and stressful; what better way to relive some of that tension than by going out for a run? And while we’re at it, exercise is a great way to balance out all of those extra calories we all eat over the holidays.

If you decide you want to start running, the first thing to remember is to take it slow! Always start each run with a walk to warm up your muscles. This is especially important during cold weather. You want to keep your muscles warm and loose to prevent injury during exercise. If you get fatigued during your run, slow down and walk for a few minutes. You aren’t going to run a half marathon on your first run. Pushing yourself too hard too quickly can result in injury, so be careful!

To protect your feet while you run, wear good, supportive running shoes. But what is a good shoe? For starters, the shoe will fit properly. You don’t want your shoes to be too tight in the toes. No one wants painful blisters! If you can, go to a specialty running or shoe store with an onsite pedorthist and make sure you get the right fit. Some people find that custom-fabricated orthotics help relieve pain in their feet during runs.

The bottom line for beginning runners is to take it easy, take it slow, and listen to your body. You should especially listen to your feet! If you ever experience foot pain while exercising, stop immediately. If you continue to run, thinking the pain will go away, you can make things a lot worse. You can always call the doctors at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center if you experience any pain in your feet or ankles. Our doctors are active themselves – some play basketball, some play hockey, and one of them is even a triathlete! We’re always here to help you with your foot pain. Call us at (919) 850-9111 or visit our website to make an appointment today.

Happy running!

In the News: Celebs Have Foot Problems, Too

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Last week was a bad one for famous feet. You may have seen that pop singer Taylor Swift was recently photographed at a concert on the Asian leg of her 1989 tour wearing an ankle brace – and she was still wearing her high heels on stage! Swift officially has Achilles tendinitis, also known as inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

If you have Achilles tendinitis you’re probably feeling pain where the tendon attaches to the heel bone, or along the back of your ankle. The injury usually occurs due to chronic, repetitive strain. In Swift’s case, wearing sky-high heels every night on stage for the duration of her world tour probably did the trick.

It wasn’t a good weekend for feet in the world of sports, either. Among the casualties is Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who left the game on Sunday with a foot injury that turned out to be plantar fasciitis. Manning actually has a partial tear in the plantar fascia of his left foot. The Broncos will not start him in their next game against the Chicago Bears.

Plantar fasciitis is also inflammation of a ligament, but the plantar fascia is on the bottom of your foot. If you have it, you probably describe it as heel pain, but you may also feel pain along the arch of your foot. Sometimes the pain improves with activity, but over-use of the foot can make it worse. It can be very, very painful!

So what can you do if you think you’re suffering from Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis? You can always call Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center at (919) 850-9111 and ask to see one of our board-certified podiatrists. You can also request an appointment online. Our doctors will give you a thorough exam and then discuss possible treatments with you. Rest is almost always part of the answer – in Swift’s case, they would probably recommend she stop wearing those high heels.

Remember – you don’t have to suffer from foot and ankle pain. The doctors at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center are happy to help you with any problems you have with your feet. Call us today at (919) 850-9111 to make an appointment.

In the News: Achilles Tendon Rupture

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If you watch football, you might have seen that former Carolina Panthers wide receiver (and current Baltimore Raven) Steve Smith tore his Achilles tendon in a football game against the San Diego Chargers. After catching a pass, Smith went to the ground and clutched his lower leg. He had to be helped off the field by Ravens athletic trainers. It was later announced that the torn Achilles tendon has brought Smith’s season to an end.

The podiatrists at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center frequently treat sports-related injuries like these. Here are some common questions we answer about this injury:

What is the Achilles tendon?

The Achilles is the major tendon located at the back of the ankle. It connects the ankle to the muscles in your lower leg.

What causes the Achilles tendon to tear?

Excessive strain. It’s usually seen in athletes (like Steve Smith) who are very active and put a lot of strain on their lower leg and ankle.

How do you treat a torn Achilles tendon?

Usually surgery, sometimes putting a cast on the leg can help, too.

How is this different from Achilles tendinitis? Are they related?

Tendinitis is an irritation of tendon fibers but the tendon is still intact, not torn or ruptured. A rupture is when the tendon completely tears and is usually a lot more painful. Click here for more information on Achilles tendinitis and possible treatments.

How can I prevent my Achilles tendon from tearing?

It can be difficult to predict. In general, remember to warm-up and stretch before exercise.

How do I know if I need to see a podiatrist for my Achilles tendon?

One word: pain! If you ever experience pain in your Achilles tendon, or any other part of your feet and ankles, call Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center at (919) 850-9111 or request an appointment online and make an appointment today. We frequently have same-day appointments available, and we now have a second location on Blue Ridge Road which may be more convenient for you.

 

Where did that heel pain come from?!

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Heel pain

You wake up in the morning, swing your feet around the side of your bed, set them on the floor, and – OUCH! Where did that pain in your heel come from? Maybe it’s the shoes you wear to work each day; it could be the extra weight you put on over the holidays; or perhaps it’s all that training for your next big sporting event. There are any number of reasons a person can develop plantar fasciitis. The bottom line is this: your heels hurt, and you want it to stop.

So what can you do about it?

There are about as many treatments for plantar fasciitis as there are causes. You could be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections by your doctor; you could get fitted for a pair of custom orthotic shoe inserts; you could go home from the podiatrist with a list of stretching and icing techniques; or you could be prescribed any number of night splint devices, walking casts, or tape strappings.

Shockwave Treatment

One option that the doctors at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center love to recommend is Shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy is an FDA-approved in-office procedure that treats heel pain. The procedure is non-invasive, which means there is no cutting of the skin. It is a quick procedure that is performed in our office, so that you can get back to work and business as usual without any down time.

Best of all, Shockwave therapy works. The doctors at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center have seen a lot of success with this treatment. To find out more about Shockwave therapy, visit our website.

 

Photo credit: http://tinyurl.com/p8o3sho

Summer Feet!

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Care for your feet in the summer sun!

Sunny days are here, and you know what that means – time to break out your favorite summer clothes and accessories. From sunglasses and flip flops to t shirts and shorts, the possibilities are endless. But remember when you’re heading out to the pool or the beach, or even just for a walk in the sunlight or a round of golf, to put on your sunscreen, even on your feet!

Think about it: for the majority of the year, your feet are covered in shoes and don’t get much exposure to the sun and UV rays. Because your feet are used to being protected, it’s possible they will be more sensitive to the sunlight and more likely to get sunburned. It’s even possible to get burned on the soles of your feet. Ouch!

If you have plans to be outside, remember to put on a sunscreen that offers protection from broad spectrum UVA and UVB rays, and remember to reapply often. There’s nothing worse than discovering you got sunburned feet because you forgot to put on more sunscreen after swimming and toweling off! Also remember to apply sunscreen to your entire foot, even if you are wearing sandals, so you don’t end up with splotchy or striped skin.

Summer shoes come with their own set of problems for your feet. Flip flops, sandals, and other open toed styles expose the feet not just to the sun, but also to dirt, germs, and higher risk for injury. Limit flip flops to the beach, the pool, and public showers only whenever possible. After your outing, be sure to wash your feet in warm and soapy water and dry thoroughly to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. You also want to make sure your shoes fit properly and aren’t causing discomfort.

If you do experience any issues with your feet this summer, please contact Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center at (919) 850-9111 and make an appointment. Our doctors have experience treating a wide variety of foot problems and will do their best to get you back on your feet!

Bunions: Not a Runner’s Problem Anymore

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Running with bunions is possible if you properly care for your feet!

What a Pain

Painful bunions can be a problem for anyone, but runners can really struggle with discomfort due to bunions while trying to get in their miles. The good news is that there are things that can help alleviate the discomfort and keep you running. If discomfort cannot be alleviated, it may be time to see a foot doctor, and we are here to help.

If the Shoe Fits…It Makes All the Difference

Probably the most important aspect of minimizing bunion pain is proper shoe fit. A bunion is a prominence at the big toe joint of the foot. As a bunion develops, shoes may start to rub the side of the foot, causing pain and redness. It is important to head to a running store for your next pair of shoes if this is the case. Having a professional fit you for a properly fitting running shoe can make a huge impact on running pain free.

Pad Your Feet for Extra Pain Relief

There are also a number of pads that can be used to protect the foot from rubbing in shoe gear, as well as toe spacers to help realign the big toe. These devices can help, but only if used consistently. Existing shoes can also be taken to a shoe repair store or pedorthic facility for modification to stretch or split the shoe, to provide more room in the toe box. Anti-inflammatory medicines and pain creams can be helpful in reducing pain. (Before you start taking medicines, however, consult a doctor to see what move is best for you.)

We’re Here for You

If, despite all best efforts you continue to have pain, it’s time to visit a podiatrist. We at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center are here to keep you active and pain free. Make an appointment today and let us develop a plan to allow you to keep logging those miles!

To schedule your appointment, call us at (919) 850-9111 or visit our website to Request an Appointment.

I Need Bunion Surgery – Or Do I?

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Do I need bunion surgery?

Bunions are bony bumps at the big toe and little joint areas of the foot. Usually, they are an inherited condition that worsens with age. They can be big bunions that do not hurt much, or they can be small bunions that hurt like crazy!

The key to “bunion happiness” is pain control. A goal should not be glamorous beauty, but comfortable walking. Our feet should feel good!

Podiatrists have many treatments to help bunions of all sizes. Of course, low-risk, high-reward treatments are the best starting point: proper footwear, toe splints, custom orthotics, oral and injectable medications, and physical therapy techniques.

Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary for bunions. Surgery is usually performed in a hospital or surgery center by a board-certified podiatrist, under sedation monitored by an anesthesiologist. Patients usually go home the same day, resting and taking pain medication as needed. Time off work and time off your feet will vary for different patients, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities in a few weeks.

Bunions aren’t fun to deal with, and bunion treatment never fits into our busy lives, but getting a plan from your podiatrist is a good starting point. Visit your podiatrist, and you might be pleasantly surprised about what you learn.

To schedule your appointment today, call our office at (919) 850-9111 or visit our website to request an appointment.

Dare to Bare Your Bunions!

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Dare to bare your bunions

There may be a few cold spells left this winter, but the warm weather days are within our reach. Once the sun comes out to stay and the days warm up, it will be time to break out the sandals and open-toed shoes. Are you ready for this, or are those bunions on your feet making you want to hide them away forever?

Here’s what you need to know about bunions to help ease your mind:

A bunion is what happens when your big toe begins to move towards the rest of your smaller toes, commonly accompanied by a bump on the inside edge of the big toe. A bunion can often be recognized by red and calloused skin along the bump and swelling of the big toe joint, with stiffness and decreased range of motion. Bunions often cause pain during walking or while wearing tightly fitting shoes.

Bunions can be aggravated by anything from tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes to genetics to the way your foot falls when you walk or run (pronation). So if you have bunions, what can you do about them?

At Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center, we start with a diagnosis: once we have confirmed you have bunions, there are a number of different treatment options, depending on what we (the podiatrists) feel is the best option for your bunion. Depending on the severity of the bunion and the level of pain or discomfort it causes, your options could range from changing shoes or adding orthotic shoe inserts, to using corrective braces and other comfort devices. Sometimes surgery is an option as well, if nothing else has worked and the pain is continuing to cause problems, affecting quality of life. Each method of treatment has proven successful, depending on the individual patient.

 

Here at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center, we are focused on making sure you, our patient, is the priority: we don’t want you to fear baring your feet in the summer sun simply because of a bunion problem. If you are worried about your bunion, stop worrying and come visit the foot doctors at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center. We’ll make sure your bunions are treated and taken care of!

Home Remedy vs. Treatment: Which is Better?

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Let a podiatrist check out any foot conditions you may have.

Many of us at some point in our lives will develop a hard spot on the bottom of our foot. It could be a callus, wart, clogged sweat gland, or some other skin disorder. The key is to have a diagnosis before treatment starts. All too often we head to the drugstore and pick up a lotion to apply. A lot of money and time can be spent on trying to deal with a skin problem on the foot. After months of trying to home treat with no results, many will make an appointment with a doctor.

 

I think what most people are worried about what is involved in the treatment of their condition. Most treatments are easy and painless, but the correct diagnosis is important to focus the treatment plan. This will save you time and money. Most patients are very surprised at the end of their visit and question themselves as to why they waited so long.

 

If you are diabetic, it is especially important to have your feet inspected. That little hard spot could be the sign that a shoe is rubbing your foot, and those spots can become sores if not properly managed. Often it’s simply finding the right shoe or modifying the current shoe. The key is to get the small stuff checked out before it evolves into a bigger problem.

 

The doctors and staff at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center are dedicated to helping you and your feet feel and look better. So the next time you notice a problem with your foot, save yourself the headache and expense of trying to deal with the problem on your own and make an appointment.