October 2018

If you have adopted running or jogging as a hobby, you most likely know the benefits of choosing shoes that fit your feet perfectly. There are different parts of running shoes, including the upper portion, which is typically the entire part of the shoe above the sole. When a shoe is chosen that is the same shape as your foot, running may be accomplished with ease and satisfaction. The part of the shoe that is located in back of the laces is referred to as the ankle collar. This is the portion of the shoe that is responsible for holding the heel in place. The heel counter is found in the heel of the shoe and will generally provide stability while landing on the foot. The saddle is known to protect the arch of the foot by reinforcing this area, in addition to holding the foot securely in the shoe. Lastly, the outsole is comprised of material that is on the bottom of the shoe, and provides the necessary traction for efficient running. If you would like additional information about how to choose the correct running shoe, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly advise you.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Cary, Apex, Dunn, and Benson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If we should incur an injury to the foot or ankle, it may affect the quality of completing daily activities efficiently. As a result, having physical therapy performed may be an effective channel that promotes healing in addition to bringing gradual and moderate relief. There are several foot conditions that may benefit from physical therapy, including stress fractures that involve the foot or ankle, the painful ailment known as plantar fasciitis, or turf toe, which is a sprain the big toe endures. Research has shown the multitude of benefits that physical therapy may provide including renewed and increased muscle strength, the ability to walk easier as the pain diminishes, or the added range of motion to the affected joints. If you have endured a severe injury to your foot or ankle, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist about whether physical therapy is correct for you.

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 Piedmont Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 one of our offices located in Cary, Apex, Dunn, and Benson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort surrounding the nail of your big toe, you may have what is known as an ingrown toenail. This uncomfortable condition is typically the result of a toenail that grows into the skin or over the edges of the nail. Bacteria may enter the area, and this may possibly lead to the development of an infection. There may be noticeable symptoms of this occurring, including an unpleasant odor or drainage coming from the toenail. There may be several causes for ingrown toenails to develop. These may include wearing shoes and socks that are too small, injuries the nail may have incurred, or trimming the toenails incorrectly. If you have an ingrown toenail, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist before it becomes infected, so the proper course of treatment can begin.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Cary, Apex, Dunn, and Benson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The uncomfortable condition that is known as athlete’s foot may typically have noticeable symptoms, which may include red and itchy skin. This may develop in between the toes or on the sole of the foot and is known to be a common fungal infection. This contagious foot ailment can be spread by direct contact with another person or from walking on wet floors, including shower and pool areas. There may be several preventative measures that can be practiced, which may avoid the onset of athlete’s foot. These may include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, changing socks promptly if they become wet, and wearing shoes that are made of breathable materials. If you feel you have contracted athlete’s foot, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist who can suggest the best course of treatment that will provide relief.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Foot & Ankle Clinic.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Cary, Apex, Dunn, and Benson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has shown that if the feet are enduring structural problems, it may lead to improper foot function, which may affect the body. Some of these misalignments of the feet may include low arches, feet that have a tendency to roll inward, also referred to as overpronation, or supinated feet, which is the term for feet that roll outward. If these conditions are present, some of the symptoms that may be experienced may include ankle pain, discomfort in or around the arch of the foot, and pain involving the Achilles tendon. If you are experiencing ailments that may include shin splints, heel pain or uneasiness during walking or running, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist so a proper analysis can be performed. Additionally, a discussion about correct treatment options may be advised. This may include performing exercises, which may strengthen weak muscles and wearing orthotics that are specifically fitted to your foot.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Cary, Apex, Dunn, and Benson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.