Items filtered by date: February 2020

People who enjoy the sport of running are most likely familiar with the importance of properly warming up before and after each run. The ankles may become more stable when leg swings are practiced frequently, followed by performing hip circles. Research has indicated that running injuries may be prevented when you focus on a specific type of running, and train accordingly. These can consist of increasing speed, endurance, or running up and down hills. Practicing squats is an effective way of increasing the range of motion in your ankles, hips, and knees. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to prevent them, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Sayville Foot Care. 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 Sayville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Poor circulation is a common ailment that many people suffer from. It can occur as a result of diabetes, smoking tobacco products, or being overweight. The symptoms that are commonly associated with poor circulation can include swelling, a tingling or burning sensation in the feet, and there may be pain and discomfort. Research has indicated it may be beneficial to eat a diet that consists of healthy foods, and wearing compression stockings may help existing swelling. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, it is advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

The connective tissue at the bottom of your foot that joins the heel bone to the toes and aids in arch support is referred to as the plantar fascia. If this tissue becomes strained, it may experience small tearing which can cause heel pain, as well as make it difficult to walk or stand. The plantar fascia is also likely to become inflamed when overstretched. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis. To help ease the discomfort and pain of this condition, it is suggested that you get plenty of rest off your feet, and reduce activity level throughout your day. Icing the affected area may also help in reducing inflammation and swelling. Try freezing a water bottle, and once frozen, roll the bottle under your foot to ice the entire plantar fascia. To help make the plantar fascia more flexible, it’s suggested to perform light calf exercises. If you are experiencing intense heel pain, and the affected area is warm, red, or causing a fever, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for the best treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Patients who have chronic foot pain may be aware of the benefits that reflexology may have on the feet. This may be a result of engaging pressure points that relate to different organs in the body. Having reflexology performed on the feet may help patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis, in addition to general wear and tear of the tendons and ligaments. It may also be beneficial in cleansing the immune system, as well as improving circulation. If you would like additional information about reflexology and how it is performed, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, one of our podiatrists of Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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