November 2022

The pandemic may have contributed to the increase in running injuries that have occurred throughout the nation, and this may be a result of gyms that couldn't open. Training may have been compromised, and patients would begin to run on pavement without a proper warm-up or cool-down. Research has shown that it is easier to prevent running injuries than it is to treat them, and this can be accomplished in several ways. It is beneficial to increase speed and distance gradually, which can prepare the body for running longer distances. Stress fractures are a common injury among people who enjoy running, and many people choose to ignore the aches and pains that are associated with this type of injury. It may be prevented by wearing shoes that fit correctly and resting the body for a day between runs. Additionally, running injuries may be avoided by keeping the body strong through strength training, and high repetitions while lifting lighter weights may be effective in achieving this. If you are interested in pursuing running, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward practicing the right running injury prevention techniques. 

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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . 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

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Life-changing moments can happen from slipping on a rug, or from tripping over an object. The feet are often affected after falling, such as incurring a broken ankle, foot, or toe, and it is always a good option to learn about fall prevention techniques. Research has indicated that approximately one-quarter of people who are 65 years and older fall every year. Additionally, the risk of falling increases with age, and the importance of practicing fall prevention methods becomes imperative. It is wise to have routine physical and eye examinations where existing medications and current eyeglass prescriptions are checked. At the same time, an examination can diagnose thyroid disorders, which may lead to increased falls. It is beneficial to incorporate gentle exercises and stretches into your daily routine, which can help to increase muscle strength. Installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area may help to reduce the risk of falling, in addition to using a bath mat while standing in and out of the shower. If you would like to learn about other effective fall prevention methods, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that may cause an itchy rash as well as blistered or scaly skin between the toes. While athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is not necessarily dangerous, it is highly contagious and can be uncomfortable. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is mainly found in warm, moist conditions. These places include the inside of your shoes and socks after they have been worn for long periods and moisture has built up. Exposure to the athlete’s foot often takes place in public areas, such as swimming pools and gym locker rooms, where people are more likely to walk barefoot. The fungus can easily spread by sharing towels or clothing that has been infected. While several lotions, creams, and sprays for athlete’s foot are available, the chances of reinfection are high if the surrounding conditions don’t change. It is suggested that shower or pool slippers be worn while in these areas where the fungus thrives. If you have a particularly stubborn case of athlete’s foot, please consult a podiatrist for more advanced treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people do not think twice about their toes until a foot condition develops. Hammertoe is one such condition that is considered to be a deformity. An imbalance of the toes can cause the second and third toes to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling the shape of a hammer. The toes contribute to maintaining balance and pushing off while walking. Hammertoe may develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. When high heels are frequently worn, the toes may gradually bend to fit into the narrow toe box, causing a hammertoe. Additionally, blisters may form on the affected toes due to friction as they rub against the top of the shoes. Existing medical conditions like arthritis, bunions, and high or low arches may lead to the development of hammertoe. Relief may be found when the shoes have ample room for the toes. It can also be beneficial to wear a protective pad over the affected toes. Surgery may be suggested in severe cases to obtain permanent straightening. Please consult a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many people who choose to frequently wear high heels, often producing sore feet at the end of the day. It is a common side effect that may be remedied by wearing high heels that have a lower heel. Some of the conditions that may occur from wearing high heels can be quite uncomfortable, including blisters, corns, and bunions. Additionally, the heel may be affected by plantar fasciitis, which can happen from having inadequate support in the arch area. Soaking the feet in warm water may help to relieve existing swelling and aching muscles. The feet can benefit from performing specific strengthening exercises, consisting of calf and heel stretches. People who continue to enjoy wearing high heels may also benefit from choosing a shoe that is well-cushioned and has maximum support for the entire foot. If you would like more information about what kind of high heels to wear that may help to minimize foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.