Items filtered by date: May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Injuries of any kind are not fun, and they are particularly frustrating when you enjoy running for exercise or are trying to build your training regimen in preparation for a big race. Though most running injuries happen from overuse, some occur because of falls or other accidents. Common running injuries include knee pain, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis causing heel pain. Thankfully, most running injuries are preventable. Cultivating good habits should be a first step in preventing such injuries. These include doing warm up stretching and strengthening exercises prior to running, wearing good running shoes (and replacing them regularly), building up speed and distance slowly, taking rest days, maintaining good running form, keeping attention and awareness while running, staying properly hydrated, and changing up terrain. If you are a runner and suffer from foot or ankle pain or get injured, a podiatrist can help diagnose the problem and come up with a treatment plan that will help you get back to your sport as quickly as possible.

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 The Foot Institute. 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 one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Tuesday, 24 May 2022 00:00

The Ugly Truth About Cracked Heels

When your heels have developed cracked skin, they can feel unattractive, to say the least. The texture of your heels becomes rough, the skin is dry and thick, and occasionally, you will have a yellow or brown callus along the heel. You might notice cracks that can range from small to deep. Bad cracks can bleed, become inflamed, and even get infected. Those who have the back of their foot exposed in open-heeled shoes are said to be more prone to developing cracked heels. Sometimes cracked heels can signal an underlying condition such as diabetes or hypothyroidism. These illnesses can reduce sweat production and make feet drier. Some skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, can contribute to having cracked heels as well. At-home treatments include regular cleaning, drying, and moisturizing of the feet, and removing some of the dry skin on the heel with a pumice stone. Visit a podiatrist for an assessment of your cracked heels and for expert advice and treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Tuesday, 17 May 2022 00:00

Taking Care of Your Ankle Sprain

Anyone who plays sports, wears high heels, or spends a lot of time on their feet is at risk of spraining or straining one of the many ligaments in the ankle joint. It is possible to help an ankle sprain heal more quickly and to limit the damage with a few simple measures: Rest the ankle, and try to avoid bearing weight or repeating the activity that caused the pain. Apply ice packs to the area, for about 10 minutes, making sure to cover your skin with a cloth or towel first. This method can help keep the swelling to a minimum and can be repeated after an hour or so. Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage or wear an ankle brace for stability, but avoid making it so tight that it cuts off the blood flow to the feet. Elevate the joint by keeping it at a 45 degree angle with your leg extended. Gently flex and point your foot to evaluate the pain level. If the pain lingers or increases after a day or so, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a complete examination and diagnosis, along with a treatment plan to heal and then strengthen the joint. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains
Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

Dealing With a Heel Spur

Exercising is good for the body and mind but can be painful when one has a heel spur. A heel spur is a bony growth that attaches to the heel bone and can grow into the arch of the foot. These can develop from a common condition known as plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation and possible tearing of the plantar fascia tissue running across the length of the foot. The body can try to deal with this injury by trying to repair the tissue with bone formation. The most common symptom of heel spurs is pain, especially after being off the foot for some time. Wearing properly fitting footwear, stretching the foot, and performing other strengthening exercises can help, but if you have a painful heel spur, it is best to see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about How to Treat Heel Spurs

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

Tiny, Troublesome Corns

Corns are small, round patches of thickened skin. Hard corns usually develop on the smaller toes due to shoes rubbing against them. Soft corns are more rubbery in texture, and typically develop in between the toes. They are softer due to sweat between the toes that keep them moist. Factors such as thin skin, boney toes, or deformities such as hammertoes and bunions can make a person more likely to develop corns. The best way to avoid corns from developing is to wear shoes that fit properly and have room in the toes. High heels and pointy shoes force the toes into unnaturally tight spaces that can cause them to rub against each other and the shoe. A corn can become painful when shoes press down on the corn, forcing it down on the underlying layers of skin. In rare cases, a corn can become infected. It is wise to contact a podiatrist who can effectively and safely treat corns. This is especially important for people with diabetes and the elderly. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Institute. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

Connect With Us