Items filtered by date: May 2020

Running injuries can wreak havoc on the life of a runner. Common ailments can include shin splints, torn tendons, and heel pain. The majority of injuries may be prevented when the appropriate time is taken to properly warm up and cool down before and after completing a run. Heel pain can be indicative of plantar fasciitis, and wearing shoes that fit properly may help to ease the pain and discomfort that is often associated with this condition. Stress fractures can gradually develop from frequently participating in running and jumping activities. They can occur in the foot, and may develop as a result of overusing specific muscles. Effective prevention techniques may consist of slowly increasing the distance and speed of your run, and it is also beneficial to wear supportive shoes. Please consult with a podiatrist about how running injuries can impact the feet, and additional methods on how to prevent them.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander of Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. 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 office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches in your foot have not fully developed, and the entire sole of your foot touches the floor when standing up.  Flat feet can be caused by a variety of different things that include obesity, aging, or the simple lack of development during childhood. While this condition is very common, most people do not experience any symptoms. However, if you begin experiencing random foot pains, you should check with your doctor to see if you have flat feet. If you do have flat feet that cause you pain, a podiatrist can provide a variety of solutions that may include physical therapy, exercises and custom orthotics. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the joints of the toes are affected, it's likely that one may develop a hammertoe. Hammertoes are often recognized by their hammer-like appearance, as this condition causes the affected toe to bend downward. The second, third, fourth, and fifth toes are most commonly affected by this condition. It’s possible for a person to develop what is referred to as a flexible hammertoe. This means that even though a hammertoe is present, the toe can still be moved at the joint. Rigid hammertoes, on the other hand, do not allow for such movement. Hammertoes can develop for a variety of reasons. Common causes may include injury to the affected toe, improperly fitted footwear, and arthritis. In order to treat this condition, it's recommended that you seek the care of your podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander of Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who are overweight may have an increased risk of experiencing ankle and foot pain. This may be a result of the excess body weight the feet must bear as everyday activities are completed. The natural pad in the heel area may become thin, and this may lead to heel pain which can be indicative of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. People who are obese may have difficulty in performing daily exercise routines, which may contribute to the inability to lose weight. Pain may be experienced in the joints, ligaments, and muscles of the feet, and a sedentary lifestyle may be preferred. Research has indicated that foot pain may be controlled by maintaining a healthy weight, and this can be accomplished by eating healthy foods, and starting an exercise regime. If you have questions about how excess weight can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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 our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.