Category Archives: Non-surgical solutions

Get to Know Your Doctor: Dr. Jordan Meyers

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Photo caption: Dr. Jordan Meyers with NHL legends at a Nashville charity hockey tournament in 2018. Left to Right: Stu Grimson (former NHL hockey player), Steve Rice (former NHL hockey player), Justin Price (former NCAA Division I hockey player) and Dr. Meyers.

 

When he’s not seeing patients or spending time with his family, Dr. Jordan Meyers can’t wait to lace up his skates and hit the ice. Dr. Meyers played hockey when he was a Pirate at East Carolina University, and he continues to play in an adult recreational league to this day! At the rink, you might spot his biggest fans: his wife Katie and two young daughters, who are the center of his world.

5 Questions With Dr. Meyers:

What’s your favorite part about your job?

Making people feel better and returning them to doing what they love. A lot of the time we are able to do a few simple, easy treatments for patients that really gets rid of their pain fast. I tell patients, “My job is to try and get you better as quick as possible, then have you forget all about me because your pain is gone!” I also truly enjoy getting to know my patients and making friendships. It is really fun for me to connect on a personal level and learn more about them, where they come from, and establish long-lasting relationships.

If you could make one rule everyone had to follow, what rule would you make?

Do something nice for others every single day. If we all did something nice, or made someone feel good about themself every day, this world would be a much better place. “Change starts with you,” as the saying goes, so I challenge everyone to try and lift others up and make them feel great!

What’s your favorite food?

Sushi! That being said, it’s challenging for me to come across food that I don’t like.

What was your first concert?

My parents took me to see Elton John at Walnut Creek when I was 12-years-old. It rained like crazy towards the end. We were muddy and soaking wet, and it was an absolute blast!

Who inspires you to be better?

My family. They are my everything, and I thank God every day for them. I feel this “Hallmark Channel moment” when I see them, where no matter how crazy the day was or what kind of sadness is happening in the world, they make all things feel right. My wife and two girls make me want to be the best version of me that I can be, which challenges me to improve all aspects of my life.

Bonus Question: What have your kids taught you?

Enjoy every simple, little thing. Appreciate the beauty and wonder of even the most basic of things. Take your time, take a step back from the hustle, bustle, and chaos, and truly try to live in the moment. I had no idea how much having children would change my life for the better. They have a way to make every day really special!

Dr. Meyers earned his bachelor’s degree at East Carolina University, attended medical school at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, and completed his advanced foot and ankle surgical training at the University of Louisville Hospital. He is an associate with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. To learn more about Dr. Meyers, click here.

If you or someone you know is experiencing foot or ankle pain, Dr. Meyers would be happy to help get you back on your feet quickly. Schedule an appointment with him today at (919) 850-9111.

Dr. Jordan Meyers, DPM

Get To Know Your Doctor: Dr. Kirk Woelffer

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Are you a music lover? 

Celebrating his 19th year at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Kirk Woelffer is known for his warm personality and fun sense of humor. He loves his job and it shows. Dr. Woelffer is crazy about cars and sports, and he sings in a classic rock band. He shares these interests with his wife Christina, and their three kids.

Here’s a little more about the man who serves as the official podiatrist for NCFC Professional Men’s Soccer, North Carolina Courage Professional Women’s Soccer and Carolina Ballet.

5 Questions With Dr. Woelffer:

What was your first concert?

Prince, 1984, Minneapolis, Minnesota (where I am from). The Purple Rain Tour. It was awesome! I was 14. My buddy’s mom dropped us off in her cool Dodge van, not minivan, and waited for us in the parking lot until it was over. We were too young to be there– it was perfect!

What’s your favorite part about your job?

Giving people a hope-filled plan for a healthy future. I love seeing people achieving their fitness goals.

What chance encounter changed your life forever?

Meeting Dr. Robert Hatcher. He gave me my job here, and he guided me every step of the way to this great place I LOVE working at every day.

What’s the best thing you got from your parents?

They gave me a philosophy to be positive about everything. They would say, “If you believe you can do it, you probably can.” It even feels good to say it now, as a grown-up!

What skill would you like to master?

I would love to be able to play the piano– I have taken lessons 3 times in my life! Turns out it takes practice. 🙂

Dr. Woelffer earned his bachelor’s degree at St. Olaf College, attended medical school at Des Moines University, and completed his surgical residency at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rear-Foot/Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and he is a Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Woelffer is also an Associate of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. To learn more about Dr. Woelffer, click here.

If you or a loved one is experiencing foot or ankle pain, Dr. Woelffer would be happy to come up with a plan to get you back on your feet quickly. Schedule an appointment with him today at (919) 850-9111.

Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center is a division of Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC. 

Here We Grow Again: We’re Coming to Holly Springs!

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Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center is pleased to announce the addition of its Holly Springs office in November 2018. The new state-of-the-art podiatry practice will open at 1004 Werrington Drive, Ste. 300 in Main Street Square along G.B. Alford Highway (Hwy 55). The practice will offer foot and ankle care for all ages. Services will include surgical and non-surgical treatment for skin and nail conditions, fractures, sprains, sports injuries, birth deformities, foreign bodies, diabetic foot care and disorders, pediatric conditions, nerve disorders, and wounds.

“Our vision is to serve the community by providing compassionate and progressive foot and ankle care for children, adolescents, and adults,” said Dr. Kirk Woelffer. “And our mission is to provide advanced care through a dedicated, well-trained healthcare team in a friendly, professional setting.”

“We offer the latest advances in technology to get you back on your feet quickly,” said Dr. Alan Boehm. “This includes digital x-rays, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), ultrasound, 3D scanning for custom molded orthotics, and laser therapy for toenail fungus.”

The Holly Springs office will also feature an onsite nail care salon with medically trained technicians who will perform podiatrist-supervised pedicures for patients, including those with diabetes.

Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center’s surgeons Dr. Kirk Woelffer, Dr. Alan Boehm, Dr. Jordan Meyers, bring over 35 years of trusted podiatry experience. They volunteer at Open Door Clinic, Alliance Medical Ministry, and Project Homeless Connect.

“Holly Springs has seen a tremendous amount of growth, with little increase in available foot and ankle care,” said Dr. Jordan Meyers. “Making time to go to the doctor is challenging enough, so we are excited to provide advanced foot and ankle care a little closer to home for all the great people in Holly Springs and its surrounding areas. This also provides an opportunity for us to not only offer great medical care, but contribute and give back to the community through various avenues of charitable work.”

Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center plans to open the Holly Springs satellite office on November 12, 2018. For more information call (919) 850-9111 or visit www.RaleighFootAndAnkleCenter.com. Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center is a division of Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC.

 

High Blood Pressure? Treat Hypertension with Running

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Has your doctor diagnosed you with hypertension (high blood pressure) and recommended exercise? An easy, inexpensive way to get your body moving is running. As a passionate marathoner who personally has experienced the health benefits of running, Dr. Alan Boehm shares his tips on how to begin a successful running program to get your health back on track. Read his article here.

Injury Prevention Made Easy

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Did you know you should ALWAYS wear shoes… even at home? Check out Dr. Jordan Meyers’ easy and practical tips for “Injury Prevention Made Easy.” He provides some great tips for the home, office and gym to keep you from needing emergency podiatric care. Read it here.

Sports Medicine: Stay in the Game

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Sports Medicine can help everyone from gym class heroes to Superbowl stars. Check out Dr. Kirk Woelffer’s tips on how to keep athletes of all ages in the game. He shares great, non-invasive podiatry treatments including custom orthotics and Shockwave which can help you get back on your feet quickly. To read the article, click here.

Winter Weather Tips

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Winter weather is here in the Triangle… according to the Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center here are five things you need to do to protect your feet and ankles.

1) Wear stable footwear to avoid twisting your ankle or rolling your foot. “When there’s ice, slush and snow, put away your high heels and wear flat footwear,” said podiatrist Dr. Alan Boehm. “And when it comes to stability, lace-up shoes are better than slip-ons.”

2) Don’t try to get multiple seasons out of your kids’ boots by buying them too big so they can ‘grow into them’—footwear must be the right fit today. Kids love playing outside during winter weather, so make sure their feet are safe by putting them in stable boots that are the right size. If the boots are too big, kids’ feet slide, rub and get blisters. Additionally, if their feet are not stable inside the boots, kids can twist their feet or ankles which can lead to injury.

3) Runners can continue to train outdoors when it’s cold with extra precautions. Triathlete and podiatrist Dr. Alan Boehm said, “If it’s icy be careful so you don’t slip and injure your ankle. If you do decide to run outdoors just make sure you have the right gear… get a pair of grippers for your running shoes like Yaktrax which are designed for exercising in the ice and snow.”

4) “Don’t forget the big picture,” said podiatrist Dr. Kirk Woelffer. “Wearing footwear with traction is good, staying low to the ground is good, but don’t forget the big things such as holding onto the door when exiting vehicles (don’t assume you can jump out). And minimize the number of times you need to walk outside on sidewalks and parking lots. The goal during winter days in the Triangle is to be extra careful on that one day. The slush and ice will be gone in a day or two. Just don’t make a big mistake on the one or two days we have the bad weather that can sideline you for months.”

5) Finally, look out for your older family members and neighbors. “They are the ones who are going to try to get their mail and newspaper on that one day we get snow and ice in the Triangle,” said Dr. Woelffer. “You don’t need an ambulance picking up Mr. Johnson when you could have taken his paper from the driveway and run it up to his porch. Grab the mail and walk it up to his front door. Let’s keep our elderly safe from slips and falls.”

The Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center has professional, board-certified physicians and surgeons on staff to competently and compassionately care for all your foot and ankle needs in two Triangle locations. To request an appointment, click here.

It’s Cold, but Go Ahead, Be Bold!

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Happy New Year! I’m sure that a lot of you made New Year’s Resolutions to improve your quality of life, especially related to your health. Many of us strive to eat more fruits and veggies, eat less snacks and chips, and of course, get more exercise. Maybe you’re just starting out, or maybe you’re already physically active and want to run your first marathon.

One thing always seems to get in our way: cold, dark weather. It can be very discouraging! How do I keep active when it’s cold and dark outside? The answer: take little bites! Plan a schedule with short walks or runs every evening or morning. You’ll avoid complete darkness and decrease your chances of overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis. Long runs in pitch-black darkness are a bad idea. If you do run in the winter evening hours, make sure you run in well-lit areas and wear bright, reflective clothing. Not only will cars be able to see you, but you’ll be able to see any obstacles in the road that might trip over if unseen.

Make a schedule of easy to complete short exercise events. Get fresh air, burn calories, and stay fit until daylight hours increase. Spring will be here before you know it!! And you’ll be ready. And if you ever have any foot or ankle pain, whether you’re exercising or not, remember that it’s not normal. Thankfully we’re here to help. You can call us at (919) 850-9111 to make an appointment for any exercise-related injuries, or you can fill out our form to request an appointment online.

 

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!