Items filtered by date: September 2022

Anyone who enjoys running needs to be aware that an injury can interrupt their daily exercise routine. Many people who have endured a running injury will continue to run making the injury worse. It is helpful to implement effective strategies that can help to prevent running injuries. These can consist of stretching before and after running. Additionally, gradually increasing duration and speed as this can provide the body with flexibility. Strength training is essential to practice, which is an efficient method for building and maintaining muscle strength. Research has shown it is beneficial to eat healthy and balanced foods that have adequate nutrients and vitamins. Running injuries often affect the feet and many people can endure a broken foot or ankle. If you would like more information about how to practice effective methods to prevent running injuries, please confer with a podiatrist.

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 Southwest Podiatry. 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 Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-flops are a popular type of shoes that are worn during the summer months. They can be purchased in a variety of colors and styles, and are easy to wear. They are generally inexpensive to buy and can be fun to wear. Despite the appeal, these types of shoes may not be beneficial for the health of the feet. Flip-flops often have little or no arch support and the entire foot can be negatively affected. The toes often grip harder than they should to keep the shoes on the feet. They are appropriate to wear for short periods such as in public showers or locker rooms, and to the beach. When other activities are performed, it is suggested that sturdier shoes are worn that can better protect the feet. For more information about how the feet can be affected by wearing flip-flops, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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

Reflexology is a popular form of foot therapy. It is performed by applying pressure to certain reflex points on the feet which are connected to specific organs. Patients have noticed their ailments may be diminished as a result of having this type of therapy done, and it may produce a healing response in the overall body. Some therapists lightly touch the heels and surrounding areas and may pull on the toes. Having a massage performed is another form of foot therapy. This targets the tissues to relieve tension in the muscles and may possibly improve circulation. The benefits of reflexology can include boosting the immune system, balancing the body’s energy, and reducing toxins in the body. There are additional bonuses for both types of therapies, and if you would like more information, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to determine which is right for you.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. 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 offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching the feet has a wide variety of benefits. Most notably, stretching the feet can strengthen and improve agility in the muscles and ligaments of the feet. This can strengthen the feet and improve balance, which can be particularly helpful for the elderly who are prone to suffering falls and tripping incidents. Like stretching the entire feet, stretching the toes can yield a wide variety of significant benefits. For example, if you have developed a bunion on your feet, performing different toe stretches can improve your condition. Specifically, performing toe curls and stretches can reduce pain in the toes, making them markedly more limber. Ideally, one would be able to perform these toe stretches in the morning and at night. As with any kind of stretching or exercise, it is always important to listen to your body to ensure that you are not overexerting yourself or straining your feet. If you have a condition like bunions and want to use toe stretches to mitigate the pain you feel from your affliction, contact a local podiatrist for more information.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.