Barefoot Running... The Official Stance

The official stance taken by the American Podiatric Medical Association on barefoot running is as follows:

Barefoot running has become an increasing trend, and a possible alternative or training adjunct to running with shoes. While anecdotal evidence and testimonials proliferate on the Internet and in the media about the possible health benefits of barefoot running, research has not yet adequately shed light on the immediate and long term effects of this practice.

Barefoot running has been touted as improving strength and balance, while promoting a more natural running style. However, risks of barefoot running include a lack of protection--which may lead to injuries such as puncture wounds--and increased stress on the lower extremities. Currently, inconclusive scientific research has been conducted regarding the benefits and/or risks of barefoot running.

The American Podiatric Medical Association, along with the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, encourages the public to consult a podiatrist with a strong background in sports medicine to make an informed decision on all aspects of their running and training programs.

Barefoot Running

A new trend in running has taken off in recent years though it is not a new concept. People have been kicking off their running shoes to go au nautrale and enjoy the intense connection with the earth that they feel when running this way. Though there has not been a lot of conclusive research done to prove whether or not running shoes are beneficial.

Even with out the concrete evidence showing that barefoot running is better for you, barefoot runners swear by this lifestyle. Barefoot runners believe that with out the obstruction of a running shoe, the brain knows where to place the body and foot in order to run in a way that is most efficient and beneficial to the particular runner. The world was wowed in 1960 when Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won his first of many gold medals running barefoot. Of course this was nothing new to him, but it caught everyone else off guard. Barefoot running was also brought to the world’s attention by European runner Bruce Tulloh and American runner’s Charlie Robbinson and Zola Budd.

Research done by Michael Warburton and published in Sportsscience journal entitled ‘Barefoot Running’ which can be found at www.sportsci.org/jour/0103/mw.htm has shown that running shoes increase ankle sprains, Plantar Fasciitis, and other shock related injuries. He also found that less expensive running shoes cause fewer injuries and fewer stressing points on your body than more expensive and advanced running shoes do. According to the article Amby Burfoot wrote in Runnersworld which you can read at http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319--6728-0,00.html, the brain is much more aware of your body and its surrounds when no shoes are worn.

Despite these findings, running shoes do have their advantages. Most importantly they provide protection. We live in a world filled with dirt, debris, and sharp objects no matter where you are running. Whether that is on a trial, a grassy field, on a side walk, or in a gym, puncture wounds are nothing to take lightly. These wounds can be very dangerous especially if they are not taken care of right away. Running shoes provide support for those with flat feet or high arches. Shoes also protect diabetics from foot injuries. Diabetics are strongly recommended not to try this style of running.

Barefoot running is a very controversial subject. Many people believe that humans should run exactly how they where made and not let anything get in the way of that. Others believe that shoe where invented for a purpose and are extremely important to wear. A third party believes that there is a happy medium between these views and has designed shoes that resemble barefoot running without the risk of puncture wounds. If you are going to start barefoot running make sure to take things very slow and consult your podiatrist before you start. If you don’t have a podiatrist, get one!! And make sure to go to regular check ups. If you are not sure if barefoot running is right for you, do a little research of your own and talk to your podiatrist to decide what is going to be the best running style for you.

How to keep your feet friendly during flights.

Sitting for hours in a cramped airplane chair is no ones favorite part of traveling. Not only are you much to close to the person besides you, your glutes and thighs get cramped and your feet get swollen and sore. There is no magical advice to keep the cramping away, although buns of steel exercised might help, but there are some simple ways to help keep the swelling and soreness away from your feet.

• Drink plenty of water. Keeping your whole body hydrated will decrease foot swelling. Try and stay away from salty foods and alcohol unless you are able to drink enough water to compensate.
• Walk around. You’ll need to use the bathroom after all that water and this is a good thing. Take this time to walk up and down the isles a bit to keep the blood in your body flowing. This will help prevent blood from building up in your feet.
• Wear big shoes. Wearing shoes that have enough room to let your feet to swell will help prevent them from becoming cramped and sore.
• Stay active. Do some seat stretches to keep your body active. Try wiggling your toes, rolling your ankles, and pointing/flexing your feet. This will help prevent tightness from building up in your lower body.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re in a plane to make for a more comfortable flight.

Safe Travels!!

The Origin of Shoes

Shoes have come along way since their invention. Some anthropologists believe that the invention of shoes happened as early as 40,000 B.C. These anthropologists noted substantially different toe bone sizes between different generations. The older generations had very big bones; the kind that are associated with a lot of hard work. Then fairly suddenly, the toe bone size got a lot smaller. A very possible explanation to this change is the invention of shoes.

Shoes had an open toed sandal design until about 1600-1200 B.C. when people in colder weather climates created ‘soft shoes’ made out of leather, similar to moccasins, covering the whole foot, and therefore inventing the first close toed shoe. The next major advancement in shoe technology was made by the Egyptians who where the first civilization to make shoes ornate. When the Pharaoh’s where dressed in all their glory, their outfits would be incomplete if they where wearing boring shoes. Shoemaking became a profession in the Egyptian society, making shoes more like jewelry than simply for necessity. Necessity for a hardier shoe brought about the invention of the boot during the ancient Greek era. They needed boots to keep their soldiers protected from different elements in nature and in war. Shoes where not particularly sturdy until about the Middle Ages, when due to the Crusades and the great deal of walking associated with those events, shoes needed to be more durable and more comfortable. Since then shoes have progressed into the styles we know and love today.


In 1850 the first shoe was designed to fit specifically the right or left foot. Soon after that, inventors created special sewing machines that made it able for someone to sew the soles of shoes to the uppers. This new machine expedited the time it took for shoes to be made, leading to the first mass manufacturing of shoes. In 1892 shoes started to look more like the shoes we wear today. Nine rubber companies used their resources and creativity to come up with a new kind of shoe, one that is very quiet and easy to bend. This new rubber sole shoe, a sneaker, was a huge success! Since then, shoes have progresses to fashion as well as necessity, being manufactured and computer engineered instead of handmade, and now mostly made from man made material instead of natural material. Though styles of shoes and techniques of how shoes are made have changed drastically over time, peoples love for shoes and desire to keep inventing haven’t.

Common Symptoms for Foot Ailments

Do you suffer from itching or scaling between your toes? Have you experienced this sensation in the past but now your feet are painful, inflamed, and possibly have blisters?

You might have Athlete’s Foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungus that enjoys the dark dampness between your toes. This is usually taken care of with an anti fungal cream or powder.

Does your big toe point towards the rest of your toes? Does your big toe look like its overlapping or invading the space of your second toe? Does the portion of bone that connects your big toe to your foot look like its protruding from your body?

You might have bunions. A bunion occurs when the bone starts pointing outward. This puts extra pressure on the toe joints which can cause inflammation and pain. Different splints and spacers can help slow this process or relieve pain but surgery is the only way to correct it.

Do you have sections on the skin of your foot that seem thicker than the rest of the skin?

You might have corns or calluses. These can be red flags for more serious foot ailments because they are caused by constant rubbing. These should only be removed by a professional.

Are your toe nails discolored, misshapen or smell? Is it painful to walk?

You might have toe nail fungus. The fungus can be gotten rid of by topical or oral medication. In extreme cases the toe nail will be completely removed so a healthy nail can have the freedom to grow.

Do you have severe and sudden attacks of pain, redness, or tenderness in your joints?

You might have gout, a form of arthritis that is caused by a build up of urate crystals in your body. These crystals are formed by uric acid, a by-product of breaking down of proteins. Different forms of therapy are now available to help cope with Gout.

Like any medical condition, the key to getting healthy faster is by listening the symptoms you have and treating the problem right away instead of just ignoring them and hoping they will go away. The sooner you see a podiatrist for your feet ailments the sooner your life doesn’t have to be run by them.

Pain!!! A cry for help.

If you called the fire department when your house was on fire and they didn’t come, that would be really bad. Since nothing was done to put out the fire, you’d end up losing everything. This is essentially what your body is doing when it creates pain and the results of ignoring pain can be just as bad. When something hurts, your body is saying “Help, something is not right! Something is malfunctioning!” Most people try to ignore the pain, take pain killers, or think that once the pain is gone the problem will be gone as well. Sometimes the pain does just go away. But this can be very deceptive. Just because your body has stopped sending calls for help doesn’t mean the problem is fixed. Often our bodies will try to correct the problem by compensating in another way, but this ends up putting unnatural pressures on another part of our body and can cause even more problems.

If you have an ingrown toenail, don’t think that just because it’s on a smaller part of your body you can be a surgeon for a day.

If you have pain in the arches of your foot in the morning and it goes away after you stretch a little bit, don’t think your body is just being cranky.

If your toes are starting to look bent and you get corns frequently, don’t think you are just looking in a fun house mirror.

These are all symptoms of foot problems and unlike wine they do not get better with time. Listen to your body. It knows what it needs. If you are experiencing foot pain in any way or a part of you foot is starting to look different than it has in the past, call a podiatrist before the problem gets out of hand. We want to help put out the fire.

Ankle Injuries: More than just an annoyance.

Though ankle injuries are painful when they first occur, the long term damage that is caused can be even more detrimental. Ankles that have suffered an injury are seven times more likely to become arthritic that ones that have seen no trauma. Injuries can very in severity and still have the same long term affects. From inconspicuous reoccurring ankle sprains to more seemingly detrimental ankle fractures or broken bones, the damage that is caused is irreversible. Ankle cartilage is quite strong and can usually withstand a life time of movement but when the cartilage gets damaged its cells are unable to be repaired. Cartilage is made to glide smoothly to create movement but when it becomes worn or frayed the movement is not fluid. This leads to swelling, inflammation, and pain in the ankle joints. If proper treatment is not attained after the injury, post-traumatic ankle arthritis could very well occur in the future.

A study taken from 1991-2004 at the University of Iowa, studying 639 patients with grade 3 or 4 arthritis concluded that ankle injury is the most common cause of ankle arthritis. Trauma was the primary cause of arthritis in 445 patients out of the 639 patients surveyed. That is about 70%. The other 30% was caused by rheumatoid disease and primary osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of ankle arthritis include: pain or tenderness, stiffness or reduced motion, swelling, difficulty walking, bone spurs, and instability. No matter what stage of arthritis is present, or if arthritis is just a possible threat in the future, professional care should be sought. Podiatrists everywhere have many surgical and non-surgical options to help cope with the pain, prevent arthritis from over running everyday life, and catch arthritis before it become a problem.

This little piggy...

This little piggy ran a mile. This little piggy swam three. This little piggy bench pressed. This little piggy danced free. And this little piggy showed up everyone else in the gym. But how did these piggys get so strong?? Because their owner never forgot to work them out before and after the physical actives the owner participated in.

When exercising, feet are usually forgotten to be warmed up and cooled down with the rest of the body. Rarely are they considered a body part that needs to be strengthened. They are smaller than other parts of the body, attract less attention, and are usually out of sight and out of mind. But these little guys under go a huge amount of impact during a work out or a physical activity.

Stretching and strengthening feet is a very important way to prevent foot injury from occurring during the everyday life not and in the future. This is also a very effective way to help relieve foot pain if an injury has already occurred. A little tender love and care is important to keep your feet healthy and pain free enough to get you the places you need to go.

Here are a few stretches, exercises, and massage techniques to keep your piggys marching on.


Stretches:
- Toe Raises: Hold onto a wall for support. From flat foot, rise up so you are standing on your toes only. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
- Toe Points: Sitting down, flex the arch of the foot so the toes are pointed into a straight line and the heel is close to the back of the leg. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times
- Toe Curls: Sitting down, scrunch all your toes together so they are pointing away from the top of your foot. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Exercises:
- Toe Squeezes: Hold a toe separator between your toes. Squeeze for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. This exercise is great for people with Hammer toes of suffer from toe cramps.
- Towel Scoop. While standing, place a towel on the floor, pick it up with only your toes. Repeat 5 times.

Massage techniques:
1. Apply an ample amount of lotion to feet.
2. Start by massaging the length of your feet up and down. Repeat 3-5 times.
3. Cup your heel and gently assist your foot in rotating the ankle. Repeat 5 times both directions.
4. Hold toes in one hand and heel in another. Gentle bring toes back towards your shins. This will stretch the calf. Hold for 3-5 seconds and repeat 5 times.
5. Gently grab each toe individually and pull directly away from foot to stretch and lengthen the toe. Hold for 3-5 seconds and repeat 5 times.
6. With your thumb, in circular motions, gently rub and apply pressure to the arch of your foot. Continue for 60 seconds.
7. To finish, once again massage the length of your foot 3-5 times.

Broken Bones

Broken bones or fractures in the foot are common due to all the repetitive stress the foot goes through from normal day to day activities. It can also occur from strenuous sport activities or blunt trauma such as an object falling on it. The two types of traumatic fractures are displaced and nondisplaced fractures. If a fracture is displaced that means the two fragments or pieces become separated and are no longer aligned with each other. This makes the healing more difficult and might require surgery to realign them. A nondisplaced fracture usually will heal with just rest and taking weight off the foot. Signs and symptoms of a traumatic fracture include hearing a snap at the time of the injury, pain at the site of the injury, and swelling with bruising. Also, just because you can walk on it doesn't mean its not broken.
Unlike a traumatic fracture, a stress fracture is a tiny hairline fracture usually caused by repetitive stress. It usually affects athletes and runners. Common symptoms are pain after normal activity, pain that goes away after resting, and swelling without bruising. Rest and immobilization is usually enough to treat a stress fracture.
Because of the various types of fractures and correlating symptoms, it is best to have your foot evaluated by a podiatrist if you had a recent injury, to make sure you get the correct treatment.

Tailor's Bunion

A tailor's bunion, also called a bunionette, differs from a regular bunion by its location. It is located on the outside of the foot as opposed to a traditional bunion which is located on the inside of the foot. It is due to either an enlargement of the head of the fifth metatarsal, which is the end of the long bone that attaches to the little toe or due to the fifth metatarsal moving outward towards the side of the shoe. Just as with a regular bunion, this can become painful with shoe rubbing causing redness and swelling.
A bunionette can easily be diagnosed by a podiatrist using x-rays to determine the extent and cause of the deformity. There are a variety of non-surgical treatment options that can be used to treat the condition. These include padding, shoes with a wide toe box, anti-inflammatory oral medications, and corticosteroid injections around the joint. In the case where conservative treatment isn't enough to alleviate the pain and discomfort, the podiatrist will select the appropriate surgical procedure to correct the deformity. Visit your local podiatrist if you have questions or concerns regarding your tailor's bunion.

Giant Hobbled by Heel Pain

Eli Manning, quarterback of the New York Giants, was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. Symptoms include severe stabbing, burning, or aching sensations in the bottom of the foot and/or in the heel. These symptoms usually occur during weight bearing movements but may be present even when just standing. It’s obvious to see how this would cause difficulty for a quarterback to do his job. The QB sought council after he was diagnosed and immediately started treatment. He is hoping to practice with his team on Wednesday but for now his pain and ability to play is being judged day to day.

Being a quarterback for a professional football team is not the only profession where plantar fasciitis can cause problems. Almost any job or activity where frequent walking or standing on hard surfaces can cause this ailment. Pregnancy, obesity, and several other sports tend to make people prone to this injury as well.

Luckily for Eli and anyone who may suffer from plantar fasciitis, there is hope. There are several treatment options offered by podiatrists to correct this problem. Foot and heel pain does not have to be part of everyday life when correct council is available. Treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. When plantar fasciitis is caught in its early stages the recovery rate is dramatically reduced. Pain in the foot during the first few steps of the day (especially when first getting out of bed) is an early warning to call a podiatrist and get the feet checked out.

Take care of your feet today… so they can continue to take you the places you need to go tomorrow!

Do you have an ingrown toenail?

Are you experiencing pain on the side of your toenail? Is there redness or swelling along with the pain? If so, you might have an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toe nail is a common disorder that occurs when the nail curves down and grows into the skin. The nail can irritate the skin causing pain, redness, and swelling. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria can develop causing an infection in the area.
Some causes of ingrown toenails are cutting the nails too short or wearing shoes that are too tight. Loose shoes can also contribute to it. It can also occur from trauma or activities that involve repeating pressure on the toes such as kicking or running.
Home treatment is not recommended for an ingrown toenail, especially if the patient is high risk such as a diabetic or has poor circulation. A podiatrist can perform a quick in-office procedure to remove either a portion or the entire nail along with various techniques to remove or destroy the nail root to prevent the problem from recurring.
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail don't endure it any longer. Call and make an appointment with your local podiatrist to get you pain free.

What is a bunion?

A bunion is an abnormal bump that forms on the side of the big toe joint. With a bunion, it is common for the big toe to drift towards the second toe. This can cause the bump to enlarge over time and become painful with certain shoe gear.
Causes of bunions can be genetic or having a certain foot type such as flat feet or a pronated foot which make a person prone to developing bunions. Although tight shoe gear does not cause a bunion , they can make the condition worse and cause more pain. Pain and redness on the side of the foot are common symptoms of a bunion.
A bunion can be diagnosed by a podiatrist by taking x-rays to determine the extent of the bone malalignment. The extent of the deformity can determine the type of treatment option recommended. Wider shoe gear, cortisone injections, and orthotics are treatments that can be used in the early stages of a bunion.
Sometimes a surgery might be needed for a more severe and painful bunion. The podiatrist can evaluate the condition and determine the appropriate surgery for the patient based on their age, activity level, and amount of bone and soft tissue correction needed.
If you've been dealing with a painful bump on the side of your foot that is affecting your day to day life, visit your podiatrist to see which options would suit you best.

Plantar Fibromatosis

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous nodule or mass located on the bottom of the foot, usually in the arch just underneath the skin. It is benign or non-malignant and usually embedded in the ligament of the foot known as the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. This mass may or may not be painful. It can remain the same size or increase over time.

A podiatrist can diagnose a plantar fibroma by examining the foot and palpating the affected area. An MRI or biopsy can be used to aid in a more accurate diagnosis.

Plantar fibromatosis usually affects the middle-aged and elderly population but can affect all ages. Men are ten times more likely to acquire it than women. Although an exact cause is unknown , there are some potential causes that play a role in the condition. Some of these causes are trauma to the plantar fascia, genetics, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and chronic liver disease.

There are a few non-surgical treatment options that can be used to decrease the pain associated with this condition. A steroid injection can be used to decrease the size of the mass which would alleviate the pain although the fibroma may return to its original size over time. Orthotics may be used to redistribute the patients weight away from the mass. Physical therapy modalities can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the fibroma. Transdermal Verapamil Gel has also been used in the treatment of plantar fibromatosis.

If conservative measures fail to improve the patients condition, a surgical removal may be required. If you are experiencing a painful lump in the arch or bottom of your foot, make sure to have it evaluated by a podiatrist.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon, also known as the heel cord, is the longest tendon in the body. It travels down the back of the leg and attaches to the heel bone. It functions to raise the heel off the ground. A common disorder that can affect this tendon is known as Achilles tendonitis.
Achilles tendonitis is simply inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This can occur from overuse or from a lack of proper stretching prior to exercising. Athletes are at high risk for acquiring tendonitis. Also, middle-aged recreational athletes are susceptible to it due to being less conditioned and the soft tissues and tendons being less flexible than younger athletes. In addition, people with flat feet have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis. Proper shoe gear is important for this group to prevent further aggravation of the Achilles tendon. If not treated properly, Achilles tendonitis can progress to degeneration of the tendon and develop microscopic tears.

Some symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis are pain and tenderness in the back of the heel. The most significant pain usually occurs after long periods of inactivity, therefore most patients experience pain when first getting up in the morning and after sitting for long periods of time.

There are a few recommended treatment options that are important for calming down acute inflammation of the tendon. These include immobilization with a cast or removable walking boot known as a cam walker. Icing the area helps reduce the swelling due to inflammation. A heel lift placed in the shoe to raise the heel can assist in reducing the strain on the tendon. NSAIDS such as ibuprofen can help in reducing pain and inflammation in the early stages. Also, stretching exercises and physical therapy can play a big part in recovery of this condition.
If non-surgical approaches fail to restore the tendon to its normal condition, surgery may be necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the best procedure to repair the tendon. So if you are experiencing pain in the back of your heel, you might want to be evaluated by a podiatrist.

Please Welcome

I am pleased to announce that Dean Atway, DPM has joined our team. A native Floridian, Dr. Atway recently completed an extensive three-year residency, specializing in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery before joining us here at Shenandoah Podiatry. We strive to provide the best care possible for our patients and feel his addition will contribute greatly to our efforts. Please welcome Dr. Atway as we all work toward your good health.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease causes weak muscles and atrophy in the hands, feet, legs and forearms. this peripheral nerve disorder involves a gradual deterioration of the myelin coating on motor and sensory nerves and poor transmission of nerve impulses. A person's legs and feet are typically the first to show signs of CMT. Foot and ankle weakness and fatigue may develop initially, along with weakness in the hands. Toes may curl as muscles weaken. Some patients develop a highly arched foot from weak foot muscles. The person may experience a change in gait from CMT, as muscles adapt to the atrophy. Fracures and sprains are common. Other symptoms include burning, tingling or numbness in the feet, and trouble balancing.

The first step in treating any foot problem is an accurate diagnosis. This requires a comprehensive history, physical exam and in some cases, x-rays and laboratory tests. Depend on it, though-whatever is causing your foot pain, whether it's disease or injury, a hereditary condition, or any number of ills that can plague the feet- you can count on Shenandoah Podiatry for relief.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny

p.s. CMT is different from Charcot's foot disease, a joint disorder and common complication of diabetes.

High Arches

When you stand, the gap between your foot’s inner side and the ground is referred to as your arch. If your arch is high, you have a pes cavus (high-arched foot). A high arch may not cause any symptoms for some people, but for others it can lead to discomfort. Symptoms vary depending on the degree of the arch. Some patients develop calluses or hard skin under the sole of the foot or feel pain or tenderness along the arch. Feet may also feel stiff. In severe cases, pain in the calf, hip, or knee may develop. It may be challenging to find shoes that fit properly, especially around the ankle, and shoes may wear out quickly.
To determine the best treatment for high arches and other foot conditions, a podiatrist will examine the foot and perform a gait analysis. He or she will also look at a patient’s medical history, past medical problems, length, frequency of symptoms in determining the best treatment plan.

What Is A Podiatrist?

Simply put, podiatrists are medical experts that deal exclusively with problems associated with the foot and ankle. The DPM after a podiatrist's name stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Because our training is highly specialized, we are able to quickly and accurately diagnosis your condition while offering the most modern treatment plans available.
Many people know that podiatrists treat senior citizens and those with diabetic foot conditions but may not realize that we also treat patients of all ages for a wide variety of ailments. Podiatrists are well qualified to help children and young adults with any foot and ankle problems they may be experiencing . Sports injuries, heel pain, bunions and hammer toes are just a few problems we provide treatment for. If your discomfort involves any part of the foot or ankle, a podiatrist is the one to call.

Creating A Splash...Fish Pedicures?!

Have you heard about the new type of pedicure? The fish pedicure involves submerging your feet in water while tiny little fish, called garra rufa, nibble away at your feet. Read Creating A Splash...Fish Pedicures?! to learn more about this strange procedure.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

For over one hundred and fifty years, Americans have been devoted to the game of baseball as both fans and participants. With the arrival of each spring, thousands of people across the country search for their gloves and cleats in preparation for the upcoming baseball and softball season. Spring also brings an influx of patients to the local emergency rooms and doctor’s offices because of the injuries associated with our national pastime. Before you ever step up to the plate, take the time to ensure that you are actually ready to run the bases. Read more about baseball and your feet in my new article Baseball and Your Feet.

PedEgg

There is a new product that has recently gained a lot of popularity in the past few months and has been all over the media and television…the PedEgg™. This little gadget has become quite “the star” in temporarily removing calluses on the feet. But how safe is it? Find out more in my new article PedEgg...is this a potential hazard?

What You Wear Can Hurt You

When it comes to feet, we are often our own worst enemies. From high heels to pointy toes, our shoes often pinch, pressure, and bind. Bunions, corns, and calluses are just a few of the problems that can result. To avoid painful and potentially serious foot problems, make sure the shoes you buy fit in width, length, and overall shape. Even though the bones in our feet stop growing when we are in our late teens, our shoe size will change over our lifetime. Have your foot size measured at least once a year. There should be a thumbs width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Leave high heels to the fashion models-and let them deal with the consequences.

Although shoes are meant to protect our feet, too often we choose them for style rather than comfort and function. Whether shopping for sandals or hiking boots, let common sense dictate– if they aren’t comfortable, don’t buy them. If you do buy them, at the least you’ll end up not wearing them and wasting money; at the worst, they do damage and cost you even more.

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

The sinus tarsi is an opening on the outside of the foot between the ankle and heel bones. Sinus tarsi syndrome refers to localized pain, instability, and difficulty with weight-bearing activities. This condition commonly occurs after an inverted ankle sprain, (the foot rolls out), or it can be caused by a pinching of soft tissues in the area from a pronated (rolled inward) foot. Patients have trouble navigating uneven surfaces and feel pain when the area is touched. The ankle and foot joints often feel loose and unstable. Because treatment for sinus tarsi syndrome differs from that of other foot and ankle problems, an accurate diagnosis is important. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, injections, supportive shoes, immobilization of the area, and/or orthotics.

Pain may be one of the first signs of a foot problem, but it doesn’t always reveal the cause of the condition. The best way to determine the exact cause, location, and seriousness of foot pain is to have a podiatrist evaluation that includes medical history, examination, and tests. And at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY, complete instructions for follow-up care and prevention are also an integral part of any treatment plan we formulate.

Looking Forward To Meeting You!

Wow, it is hard to believe that it is almost May 1st. We have been working hard painting, cleaning, organizing and we are now ready to see you! If you need to see a podiatrist in Blacksburg, call us at 808-4343. We look forward to meeting you :)

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny


p.s. To schedule an appointment via Internet, visit our website www.Blacksburgfoot.com

Foot Fractures May Signal Osteoporosis

A small foot fracture may be the first sign of osteoporosis, according to a study conducted by Ohio State University researchers. The study also demonstrated that several men studied as part of the research showed signs of osteoporosis, previously considered a woman’s condition. Researchers studied 21 patients who had suffered a metatarsal insufficiency (non-traumatic) fracture. Nine patients were found to have osteoporosis despite having shown no other sign of the degenerative, progressive bone-thinning condition. Another 10 patients displayed significant bone loss. Because many patients do not discover they are osteoporotic until they break a hip, the study offers hope or earlier diagnosis and treatment. It also reinforces the importance of caring for feet and not neglecting foot pain.

People sometimes don’t realize that their feet mirror the state of their body’s health. Some of the first signs of osteoporosis, for example, are seen in foot and ankle fractures.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Experts estimate that more than 1.5 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur each year.

Mow the lawn, not your foot

The thousands of lawnmower-related foot injuries every year can be prevented

Springtime is here and weekend gardeners should note that their yards could become "toe-away" zones if they’re not careful when operating rotary-blade lawn mowers.

Each year, some 25,000 Americans sustain injuries from power mowers, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Although the number of accidents has steadily declined since the 1982 adoption of federal safety standards, we still see too many foot injuries from power lawnmowers. The blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun. Yet we see patients who have been hurt while operating a mower barefoot! Foot injuries range from dirty, infection-prone lacerations to severed tendons to amputated toes.

If a mower accident occurs – with just a minor injury – immediate treatment is necessary to flush the wound thoroughly and apply antibiotics to prevent infection. Superficial wounds can be treated on an outpatient basis, but more serious injuries usually require surgical intervention to repair tendon damage, deep clean the wound and suture it. Tendons severed in lawnmower accidents generally can be re-attached surgically unless toes have been amputated.

Children under the age of 14 and adults over age 44 are more likely to be injured from mowers than others. Anyone who operates a power mower should follow a few simple precautions:

Don’t mow a wet lawn. Losing control from slipping on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries caused by power mowers.

Wear heavy shoes or work boots when mowing – no sneakers or sandals.

Mow slowly across slopes, never go up and down.

Never pull a running mower backward.

Keep the clip bag attached when operating a power mower to prevent projectile injuries.

Use a mower with a release mechanism on the handle that automatically shuts it off when the hands let go.

Always keep children away from the lawn when mowing it.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

For further information about foot and ankle problems, visit our website www.BlacksburgFoot.com

If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit…Make the Foot Fit the Shoe??

As the fashion trends for shoes continuously change, these changes are very persuasive in convincing women they need to change their appearance in order to wear them. As this is may be difficult for many to fathom, many women are considering the option of elective cosmetic foot surgery. If surgical intervention is the only reason for foot surgery, in order to fit into a shoe, then maybe the shoe is not for you. But you have to have the latest spring collection of Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik sandals, but that little pinky toe is just not fitting into the shoe. So what do you do? Well, some women are resorting to cosmetic foot surgery, which is becoming more popular since you can nip and tuck just about everything else, some figure well why not the feet?
A growing number of women are considering shortening their toes, narrowing their feet, or enduring collagen or silicone injections in an effort to have the “perfect” foot to fit the “perfect” shoe. One has to consider that there are complications that can occur with any surgical procedure, not to mention the pain, swelling and discomfort that may be experienced post operatively. Surgically changing the dynamics of your foot when there is no underlying injury or pathology to a shape that is not natural may cause potential difficulty down the road. What will you do if the shoe trends change again? Will you remove another toe? There has to be some reasonable options that don’t involve removing appendages. If surgical intervention is necessary, be sure it is for medical reasons. If you have a condition that cannot be treated conservatively, experiencing pain, or if overall quality of life is affected, then surgery may be necessary.
Remember trends go in and out of style, your toes never do. Be an advocate for your foot health.

Women's Traveling Feet Feel The Pain

Researchers recently found a strong link between packing uncomfortable shoes and suffering foot pain while traveling. Young women are the most common victims of foot pain on the road. Not surprisingly, they are also the most likely to pack and wear uncomfortable, even dangerous shoes— high heels, flip flops, etc. —when traveling. Eighty percent of the surveyed women under age 25 and 60% of surveyed women under 35 acknowledge that they sacrificed comfort for fashion on their last pleasure trip. While 60% of women, compared to 32 % of men, spent time planning their shoe selections for their trip, women were more likely than men to suffer foot discomfort related to poor shoe choices on their trips.

Switching shoes may not always be the best solution for correcting foot problems, but wearing appropriate footwear can prevent some problems from ever happening or alleviate others from continuing. As your foot care specialists, we can diagnose and recommend a course of treatment that may include a change in footwear, regular general care, medications, physical therapy, or orthotics. If your feet are tired of ill-fitting shoes, or if you are just tired of feet that hurt, we welcome your call at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY.

P.S. Close to one-third of travelers admitted to packing either brand-new shoes, uncomfortable shoes, or both.

Weekend Warriors….Take It Easy!

Spring is here and so you want to relive those glory days of playing football or basketball. But hold on weekend warrior, you might want to think about a few things before you do. Many times injuries are caused from the lack of preparation before engaging in strenuous activities that involve a lot of running and sprinting. Many patients have complaints of ankle pain, ankle sprains, jammed toes, and/or black toenails from injuries. If you haven’t been active or exercising during the winter months, the sudden increase in activity and demand on the joints and muscles can cause pain, soreness, and inflammation.

An ankle sprain is the stretching and/or tearing of ligaments that can occur from twisting motions, sports, or walking and/or running on uneven surfaces. Individuals that have had previous ankle injuries it is important to have some additional support to prevent re-injury, by using ankle bracing or other athletic support, as those previously injured areas may be weak. It is also wise to get a thorough exam before participating in strenuous activities. Also, make sure you “warm up” before you begin your activity by stretching your muscles to prevent strains and sprains. Make sure you that you wear the proper shoes for your activity because wearing improper shoes can mean the difference between you scoring a goal or a sprained or broken ankle.

A black toenail is caused by repeated injury to the nail bed. This is usually caused by the toe being jammed against the sides, front or top of shoes when running or walking. The toenail may or may not be painful, but it is not a pretty sight. The black color is due to blood accumulating underneath the toenail. If the toenail becomes too painful, it will be necessary to seek professional treatment. The toenail may take 4-5 months to fully grow out and be replaced by a normal toenail. Make sure that your shoes fit properly to prevent this type of injury during rigorous activities. So throw out those old athletic shoes that have been sitting in your garage all winter. One point to remember, don’t “break in” a new pair of shoes during a strenuous activity. This can cause some areas of blisters or calluses from friction and additional pain from the “break in” period.

If you do have an ankle or foot injury or just need advice before engaging in an activity, get some guidance from your podiatrist. Remember, be an advocate for your foot health.

Coming Soon!

I am excited to share the news with you- we are coming to Blacksburg! Being a Virginia Tech graduate and a proud supporter of Hokie Nation, I am no stranger to Blacksburg and look forward to being back in the area. My practice, Shenandoah Podiatry, will be conveniently located at 210 Professional Park. I hope that you consider us for all your foot care needs.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny