Tuesday, 11 February 2025 00:00

Preventing running injuries requires focusing on the health of your feet, toes, and ankles. New runners or those without prior sports experience should start with walking or partial weight-bearing activities to prepare their bodies for running. Gradually increasing training intensity can reduce stress on the feet, particularly for those recovering from past injuries. Experts recommend running no more than 40 miles per week and suggest balancing training frequency with adequate rest to prevent overuse injuries. Opting for soft running surfaces can decrease the negative impact on the feet and ankles. Stretching may improve flexibility, but consistency is important if included. Transitioning to a forefoot strike or minimalist shoes should be done gradually, paired with strengthening exercises for the foot muscles to avoid added strain. Regularly check the wear pattern of your shoes and consider replacing them if they are older than six months. Alternating between multiple pairs of shoes can also be beneficial. If you have sustained a running injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 04 February 2025 00:00

Diabetes can cause serious complications in the feet, toes, and ankles, especially if blood sugar levels are not well managed. Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, can lead to numbness or tingling, making it harder to notice injuries like cuts or blisters. Poor circulation, another common issue, reduces the blood flow to the lower limbs needed for healing, increasing the risk of ulcers or infections. Foot deformities, such as claw toes or changes in the arches, can create pressure points that increase the likelihood of injury. Without proper care, complications like deep infections or even gangrene may develop, sometimes resulting in limb loss if ignored. Regular foot exams and early detection of foot problems are vital for preventing these outcomes. A podiatrist can help by monitoring blood flow, nerve function, and skin health, as well as addressing issues such as ulcers, deformities, or poor footwear choices. If you have foot problems resulting from diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can to help manage them. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in one of the bones of the foot, typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse. These fractures are common in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities such as running or jumping. The repetitive force placed on the bones can gradually lead to tiny fractures, often in the metatarsals. Overtraining, wearing poor footwear, and sudden increases in physical activity are common causes. Symptoms of a stress fracture include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity. Rest is the primary treatment for a foot stress fracture, along with avoiding activities that place stress on the foot. Additionally, elevating the foot can also aid in recovery. In more severe cases, a walking boot or crutches may be necessary to immobilize the foot and allow healing. If you think you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Ankle swelling can occur even in the absence of an injury and may be a sign of an underlying health condition. One common cause is poor circulation, which can lead to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Prolonged sitting or standing, especially for long periods, can also result in ankle swelling. Certain medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease, can impair the body's ability to regulate fluid, causing swelling in the ankles and other parts of the body. Additionally, high blood pressure or varicose veins can contribute to fluid retention and swelling in the ankles. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menstruation, can also lead to ankle swelling due to changes in fluid balance. Additionally, medications, such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes, may have side effects that result in swollen ankles. If ankle swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.


 

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