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April 2018

Most running injuries occur from the muscles being overused, poorly fitting shoes that are worn, or a deviation in how the body is structured. Recent research has suggested that slowly increasing how many miles are run will give the body the strength to endure any pain that is experienced. It’s crucial that the correct shoes are worn, which may help to alleviate any issues the feet many endure. The benefits of practicing stretching exercises frequently before and after running may include eliminating any tightness and cramping that may occur, in addition to strengthening the muscles of the legs. Shin splints are a common and painful injury that may develop and can be avoided if proper running techniques are learned. Please consult with a podiatrist if you would like additional information about how to prevent running injuries.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor 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 offices located in Corpus Christi, and Laredo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 23 April 2018 00:00

Two Types of Achilles Tendon Injuries

Achilles tendinosis and Achilles tendon ruptures are referred to as two types of Achilles tendon injuries. Soreness and stiffness are often symptoms of tendinosis and will gradually worsen if left untreated. This is a common injury among long distance runners and can often be recognized by the severity of pain experienced while running or when touched. A tendon rupture consists of a tear or a complete break between the calf muscle and the Achilles tendon, commonly referred to as tennis leg. This typically happens when the player’s weight is on one leg while lunging to retrieve a serve, and a sharp pain is instantly felt. There may be several reasons why some people may be more susceptible to this type of injury, and these may include a genetic trait where the ankles turn inward or a weakened blood supply to the tendon. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information about Achilles tendon injuries and the treatment options available.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

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Wednesday, 18 April 2018 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Published in Blog
Monday, 16 April 2018 00:00

How To Treat a Stress Fracture

Athletes may often experience stress fractures, which may be a result of the bones enduring excessive strain. This is a common occurrence among runners who often ignore the discomfort that comes from high intensity running. Other factors contributing to stress fractures may include having a low body weight or a diet that lacks essential nutrients. Pain and swelling will generally accompany this type of fracture, and will gradually worsen with continued activity. When treating a stress fracture, it’s crucial to discontinue the activity that caused this condition from developing. Elevating and resting the foot is essential for proper healing, in addition to wrapping the foot or ankle to reduce swelling and bruising. If the foot has shown little or no improvement after the appropriate time has passed for proper healing, an actual break may have occurred. Please consult with a podiatrist for a correct diagnosis and to determine the best treatment for stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor 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 Corpus Christi, and Laredo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 11 April 2018 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

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Many children often experience a broken ankle at some point in their growing years. When the ankle is injured, it may be difficult to differentiate between a break and a sprain. It’s important to take note of any swelling, pain, and general discomfort in addition to where it’s located. Any uncomfortable sensation occurring at the joint or surrounding tissue may be indicative of a sprain. An obvious sign of a broken ankle is a deformity of the bone, generally resulting from having endured a fall. Your child may experience several symptoms of a broken foot, including the inability to stand as a result of the pain and bruising that appears around the affected area. A proper diagnosis generally consists of having an X-ray performed to determine the severity of the break. If you think your child has broken their foot, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for proper treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Published in Blog
Monday, 02 April 2018 00:00

Common Symptoms of Sesamoiditis

If you experience pain under the ball of your foot, you may have a condition that is referred to as sesamoiditis. There are small bones that exist within the sole of the foot, and a possible injury can cause inflammation to the tendons that connect the big toe to these bones. If this should happen, common symptoms may include pain being present while walking and running, in addition to experiencing difficulty standing on tiptoes. The skin typically does not show any signs of being swollen or red because the injured bones and tendons are deep within the foot. It generally stems from beginning any new activity that may involve running and jumping, typically indicative of a new sport. If you feel you are suffering from this ailment, it’s suggested that resting the foot by reducing the activity will be beneficial in promoting healing. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for more information about sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

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