July 2018

Recent research has indicated there may be a direct link between increased body mass index, which is also referred to as BMI, and serious foot conditions. People who have an elevated BMI may develop foot ailments, which may include arthritis, heel pain, or tendonitis. Pressure is generally increased in the ankles and feet as a result of the additional weight and this may lead to the feet incurring skeletal issues. Additionally, it may be challenging to purchase shoes that are comfortable, while offering adequate support. There may be ways to find relief from foot pain associated with obesity, which may include practicing a healthy dietary lifestyle change, in addition to including moderate exercise into your daily routine. A consultation with a podiatrist may be considered for a proper assessment of any foot conditions that may be present, in addition to learning about how to reduce your BMI, which may possibly prevent future problems with your feet.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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 care needs.

The majority of runners are fearful of incurring any type of running injury. This would generally conjure up thoughts of gaining unwanted weight and not receiving the endorphins that many runners typically enjoy. There are different types of injuries that may be common among runners, including Achilles tendinitis, which consists of pain and discomfort in the back of the heel and lower calf and shin splints where the pain commonly strikes the front of the lower leg. Additionally, patellar tendinitis may develop, which is an injury that affects the knee. Many painful injuries may be avoided by properly stretching the legs before and after running. Research has shown the importance wearing the correct shoes for the specific type of running that is pursued. If you experience an injury to your foot after running, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

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 Piedmont Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Cary, Apex, Dunn, and Benson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are a few symptoms that patients may experience that are indicative of a condition referred to as gout. These may include redness and tenderness in addition to swollen joints under the big toe which is often accompanied by severe pain. This occurs as a result of the build up of crystals in the blood, which may form in and around the joints of the foot. This form of arthritis may often make people feel disabled, and simple tasks such as walking up the stairs may prove to be impossible. The causes of gout may include ingesting red meats and shellfish, overindulgence in alcohol, and taking certain medications that may be responsible for the onset of this condition. Research has shown there may be a strong connection between obesity, high blood pressure, diabetics and gout attacks. If you are afflicted with this ailment, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to determine what the best treatment options are.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 a correlation exists between obesity and specific foot conditions. The plantar fascia may become inflamed as a result of the additional weight, and this may lead to developing the painful condition known as plantar fasciitis. When obesity affects children, balance may be compromised, the walking pace may be slower, and the feet may become wider and longer. Children who are overweight may experience damage to the ligaments and joints, which may lead to abnormalities in the feet. Many times, the excess weight will keep obese children from participating in physical activities despite knowing that it is one of the key factors in losing additional pounds. If your child shows signs of becoming obese, please consult with a podiatrist to learn more about how obesity affects the feet.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of 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.

Inflammation of the nerve, which runs along the inside of the foot and ankle, is often referred to as tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is typically a result of  overuse of the entire ankle and may often occur because walking or running is practiced for extended periods of time. Occasionally, a sudden injury may be a cause of this condition, often producing similar symptoms. These include pain and discomfort in the ankle and surrounding areas, and may be tender to the touch. To alleviate the pain, rest is typically suggested in addition to elevating the affected foot above heart level, which can help to reduce blood flow to the ankle. Recent research has suggested that when ankle exercises are performed, the foot generally becomes stronger when repeated frequently. These exercises may include gently rolling the ankle in a circular motion, and moving the ankle up and down. If you feel you are affected by tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist for additional information about how this condition is treated.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.