Posts for: February, 2012
While running can be great for a person’s overall health, it is harder on the feet than any other physical activity. Foot pain is common in both recreational and competitive runners. This is because the average person hits the ground with two to three times their normal body weight when they run. This pounding places considerable stress on the foot and ankle. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a 150-pound jogger will expose their feet to a total impact of 150 tons over the course of a three-mile run. To put this into perspective, a small compact car weighs about 1 ton.
To help the feet cope with this impact, proper footwear is crucial for preventing pain. Foot pain due to running can range from minor aches to serious injuries. Heel pain is due to a condition called plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the bottom of the heel to the base of the toes. This tissue becomes swollen and painful do to overstretching. Tendinitis is an irritation and swelling of tendons and can often affect the arch of the foot. It can be caused by excessive running or running too far too fast. Toe pain is common when running shoes are too small as the toes slam against the front of the shoe. Small shoes can cause toenails to turn black or fall off. Improper fitting shoes can also result in blisters, which form from friction between the skin and shoes.
Wearing running shoes specifically designed for the sport can help prevent many foot problems. Running shoes have extra padding to cushion the impact and are constructed to provide support and stability for the foot’s arch. Other methods to prevent pain include stretching, proper training increases, running on dirt terrain, and stopping once pain is noticed.
Ankle sprains are so common that many people never seek medical care. One simple misstep can cause the ankle to twist at just the wrong angle leading to pain for days. Two important questions to ask after spraining an ankle include; when is it appropriate to see a podiatrist and what can be expected during the visit?
During the most common ankle sprains, the outer ligaments of the ankle are injured due to an excessive stretching force. This can happen by awkwardly planting the foot while walking, stepping, or running. In these situations, the foot rolls in and forces the ankle to move away from the body. Ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness. This pain intensifies with movement or touching of the ankle joint.
For mild sprains, the RICE principle should offer enough treatment. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. RICE combined with a reduction in activity and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may offer full relief. If pain, swelling, and weakness last longer than a week, it is important to seek medical attention. The podiatrists at Coastal Podiatry Associates are trained to evaluate ankle injuries. They will examine the ankle to make sure that a serious injury, such as an ankle fracture has not occurred. In the office, they will evaluate the ankle’s range of motion, strength, and locate the area of maximum tenderness. They may use x-ray or MRI to ensure their diagnosis and check for bone or ligament damage. Depending on the severity of the sprain, a doctor might recommend a brace, splint, or crutches to keep pressure off the ankle joint. Physical therapy may be needed to help regain full range of motion and strength.
Adult-acquired flat foot is a condition that results in a fallen arch and the foot pointed outward. This condition is most common in women over the age of 40. A variety of foot problems can lead to adult- acquired flat foot deformity, but the most common cause is a gradual stretching out of a tendon near the ankle bone, known as the posterior tibial tendon. This tendon is the main stabilizer of the foot arch. While the cause of the stretching is not fully understood, many doctors believe that wearing high heels and standing or walking for long periods may add to the problem. Other risk factors include obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
People with flat foot experience different symptoms depending on the cause. Pain and swelling may be felt on the inside of the foot and ankle. This pain points to involvement of the posterior tibial tendon. The pain may increase with activity and high intensity activities such as running can be very difficult. As the condition worsens, the arch can collapse causing the heel bone to move placing pressure on the outside of the ankle. This can cause outside ankle pain and arthritis of the ankle joint.
The posterior tibial tendon is one of the most important tendons of the leg. It starts at a muscle in the calf and travels down the inside of the ankle and attaches to bones on the inside of the foot. The main function of this tendon is to support the arch. If the tendon becomes inflamed or torn, the arch will slowly collapse. Inflammatory arthritis can attach the ligaments, as well as, the cartilage in joints. Arthritis can cause pain and changes to the shape of the foot. Injury to the ligaments can cause joints to fall out of alignment and cause flat foot. The last major cause of adult-acquired flat foot is diabetes. People with diabetes or with nerve loss can have arch collapse.
Adult-acquired flat foot is a very common problem affecting the foot and ankle. The good news is orthotics and braces can help most people. Those who have tried orthotics and braces without any relief, surgery can be an effective way to reduce pain and deformity. Your podiatrist is specially trained in treating flat foot and will create a custom treatment plan.