Posts for tag: walking
Well, summertime is here again. Time for vacation! It’s the time of year when we trade our Uggs and clogs for sandals and flip-flops. Although sandals offer less friction and less constriction of the feet, there can be problems caused by increased activity in these stylish summer kicks. I am referring to the Disney toenail. It never fails; I get several patients a week with the common problem of “a black toenail.” I refer to this as the Disney toenail, because it seems like when I ask where the vacation took place…it’s always from a long day walking at Disney. When you wear sandals for long periods you subconsciously use your toes to hold on a flip-flop or thong type sandal. This grasping motion occurs so many times a day, constantly pushing the toe into the nail and eliciting pressure that eventually a blood vessel breaks under the nail. This bleeds under the nail and causes the nail to turn black. It can be painful if the blood gets trapped under the nail and doesn’t cause lifting. Otherwise, the nail itself usually lifts off the nail bed and the pressure is released. Unfortunately, the nail will likely fall off or need to be removed if it is loose. This is usually not painful and can be done in the office, with the use of local anesthetic if necessary. The nail will grow back, although not by the end of the summer. But, despite having one less nail for the summer, it can be a reminder of a great Disney vacation! So, if you find yourself walking around Disney this summer and you end up with a black or lifting nail, you can consider yourself a mousketeer with an official Disney toenail.
What is Coastal Podiatry Associates?
For most people their feet are the furthest things from their minds, both physically and mentally. They continually place their feet into shoes with the expectation that their feet will hurt at the day’s end. The foot’s design allows it to withstand the constant demands ofwalking, running, and for the most part whatever stress we place on them. It is for this reason that constant foot pain is especially concerning. Often times, your foot’s health is an indicator of your overall health. Signs of arthritis, diabetes, nerve, and circulatory disorders can all be detected in the foot. This is where the doctors at Coastal Podiatry Associates are specially trained to help. Podiatrists are highly trained physicians and surgeons focusing on the foot and ankleand should be an important part of your healthcare team.
The doctors at Coastal Podiatry Associates, Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Menn,Dr. Werter, and Dr. Bakerhave each completed years of rigorous foot and ankle training in a podiatric medical school. This education is an additional four years after receiving an undergraduate degree. Their schooling and training make them the most qualified doctors to care for your feet. These doctors have been taught and specialize in wound care, surgery, biomechanics (how the foot moves), geriatrics, pediatrics, diabetic care and dermatology.
Coastal Podiatry Associates has locations in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach and Little River, South Carolina. It is important to visit one of these locations if you are experiencing or have diabetes, flat feet, bowed legs, high arches, recent or recurring foot, ankle, or lower leg injuries, sores or infections, circulation problems, or lasting foot pain of any kind. The foot is a complex combination of bones, ligaments, and muscles. It is an all-in-one stabilizer, shock absorber, and the initiating force during walking making it essential to overall health and wellbeing. Feet require expert care, like that given at Coastal Podiatry Associates.
Walking is an excellent form of exercise. It doesn't involve high costs, risks, training, or wear and tear to your body. With only a few simple items such as shoes, outdoors and a good walking partner can provide you hours of enjoyment. Since shoes are your only cost, it is a good idea not to cut corners on your shoe budget. It is best to try on shoes in the afternoon. This is when your feet are most swollen and the best fit possible can be achieved. Look for a shoe that is stable from side to side, well-cushioned, room to wiggle your toes, and enables you to walk smoothly and comfortably.
Paying attention to your feet is vital to pain free walking. Changes such as swelling, red spots, numbness, and tingling or pain in the foot and ankle are not normal and can indicate a serious problem. Becoming familiar with your feet and ankles and routinely checking them can prevent a small problem from growing. As always, be sure to visit your podiatrist for questions or when noticing changes to your feet. For those suffering from diabetes this is especially important. Many people with diabetes experience a loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injury. Routine self-examinations are the best method to prevent permanent damage or amputation.
It is important to exercise smart. Establishing a walking route can take time and through appropriate and realistic goals, longer distances and faster times can be achieved. Using a soft ground path will prevent wear and tear to your body. This is especially important for and elderly population. With age the natural shock absorbers in the feet deteriorate along with bone density. Walking on a softer ground produces less shock to your body. Warming up and cooling down helps improve circulation and decreases build-up of lactic acid. This practice also helps alleviate any muscle stiffness and prevents future muscle strain. A few simple stretches of the hamstrings, calves, Achilles tendons and shins can allow you to walk further, longer, and injury free.
Orthotics are shoe inserts intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. They are designed to make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by slightly changing the angle of the foot as it hits the ground. Podiatrists prescribe orthotics as a first treatment option or after certain types of foot surgery. Their relief and treatment success also adds to their high use. Orthotics take many different forms and are constructed using different materials. All of the types aim to improving foot function and reducing stress forces on the foot to prevent foot deformity and pain. Orthotics fall into three broad categories: those that attempt to change foot function, those made primarily to protect, and those that combine change of function and protection.
Rigid orthotics are designed to control the function of the foot while in a walking or dress shoe. They are made of a firm material like plastic and made from a plaster of mold of the individual foot. Rigid orthotics are long enough to go from the sole of the heel to the ball or toes of the foot. These orthotics are used to control motion in two major foot joints located below the ankle joint. They are long lasting, do not change shape, and are difficult to break.
Soft orthotics are meant to help absorb shock, increase balance, and to take pressure off uncomfortable spots of the foot. Constructed of soft, spongy materials, this orthotic is molded by the action of a walking foot or created from a mold of the foot. The advantage of soft orthotics is that they may be easily adjusted to changing weight-bearing forces. Their disadvantage is a shorter lifespan and they must be periodically replaced. Due to their spongy nature, they are particularly effective for arthritic and deformed feet where there is a loss of protective fatty tissue and diabetic feet.
The last type of orthotics, called semirigid orthotics offer dynamic balance of the foot while walking or playing sports. Each orthotic is made specifically for each individual athlete and sport they participate in. The orthotic helps guide the foot through proper functions, helping the muscles and tendons perform more efficiently. The typical semirigid orthotic is made of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.
If you are using orthotics, below is a list of a few tips.
- Wear shoes that work well with your orthotics, your podiatrist can tell you which shoes are best.
- Before buying a new pair of shoes, try them on using your orthotics. Also remember to wear socks similar to those you plan on using the shoes with.
- Make sure to schedule and go to your follow-up appointment with your podiatrist. It is very important to make sure your feet and orthotics are functioning properly together.