Why Is The Achilles So Sensitive?

While the Achilles is the body’s strongest tendon, it is also one of the most vulnerable. Spanning the calf and anchoring into the back of the heel, the Achilles is located on one of the most overused body parts. The foot handles extreme stress each day, sometimes accommodating the pressure of four times a person’s normal body weight during running activities. The Achilles also receives relatively poor blood supply, which leads to longer healing times when injured. The most common Achilles injury is tendonitis , an inflammation due to stress from excessive exercise, improper training, or high-heeled shoes. Tight calf muscles and biomechanical abnormalities can also strain the Achilles. Reducing activity levels when Achilles pain strikes may promote healing.

All the components of the leg and foot are designed to work together, sharing the tremendous pressures of day-to-day living. When they don’t work properly , or when one part like the Achilles tendon has to take on more than it’s fair share, it’s time to get help. The specialized care and treatment a podiatrist provides can make an important contribution to an individual’s total health. Call us at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY when pain plagues your every step.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. When Achilles pain persists for two weeks or more, seek podiatric care.

Attention avid golfers

Are you ready for another season of birdies, pars and bogeys? If so, you should know about potentially serious foot problems that can result from years of playing the game.

Although golf is not considered a rigorous sport, the physical act of repeatedly swinging a golf club can lead to a condition known as hallux limitus, a jamming and deterioration of the big toe joint. The movement and weight transfer that occur during the swing's follow through can cause this problem and other chronic foot ailments.
When golfers follow through, they can overextend the big toe joint on their back foot. Those who have played the game for several years eventually can wear out the cartilage or jam the big toe joint. The likely outcome, if left untreated, is painful arthritis in the big toe, which would make it very difficult to continue playing.

If you have pain and swelling around the big toe joint or have less mobility in this area than other parts of the foot, schedule an appointment for an examination. A history of trauma to the big toe area and bone structure also can precipitate the condition. Individuals with a long first metatarsal bone (big toe), for example, are more susceptible to joint compression and hallux limitus. In most situations, orthotics can be prescribed to provide relief, but advanced cases may require surgery.

Check Those Golf Shoes!

Another foot problem that is common in golfers is a neuroma or pinched nerve at the bottom of the foot. The weight transfer to the front foot that occurs in the follow through applies pressure that, over time, can cause a pinched nerve. Wearing shoes that have a spike located directly beneath the ball of the foot can worsen the problem. Also, pressure from that single spike, magnified by the several thousand steps taken during an average round, can cause intense pain and swelling in the ball of the foot. Your golf shoes can be made more foot-friendly, without sacrificing traction, simply by removing poorly located spikes.

For more information visit our website www.roanokefoot.com

Reflexology

Therapeutic reflexology, a popular therapy around the world, involves massaging the nerve endings of the feet to reduce stress and tension and promote healing in other areas of the body. The practice is based on the ideas that our body parts are reflected in the feet, with the front of the body on the sole of the feet and the back of the body on tops. For example, massaging the toes can help relieve headaches and other symptoms in the head. Massaging the anklebone can help with hip problems. The feet have always played an important role in healing, and reflexology dates back to 2500 BC. Some podiatric offices are now hiring therapeutic reflexologists as a complementary service.

It's always a good idea to listen to your feet, as they often have lots to tell you, including giving you clues about the rest of your body's well-being. When your feet tell you there's trouble somewhere, as your podiatrist, SHENANDOAH PODIATRY will work as a team with you, and other healthcare providers if appropriate, to keep you and your feet healthy and pain free. Feet that feel good make the rest of you feel good, too, so why not give us a call and start the process today.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Eunice Ingham is widely recognized as the grandmother of modern reflexology for transforming its theory into a practical therapy.

COMMON FOOT INJURIES IN ATHLETIC KIDS

Millions of kids are involved in several sports, which is a good thing overall. But because many sports are hard on the feet--- and a child's bones, ligaments, and tendons aren't fully developed, stress-related foot injuries are common. Heel growth plate inflammation, a risk until age 13 to 16, can occur due to muscle strain and repetitive stress. Achilles tendonitis occurs most often after age 14 and results from stressful running and pounding. Tendo-Achilles bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac between the Achilles tendon and heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is heel pain triggered by inflammation along the tissue spanning the sole of the foot. Stress fractures and hairline bone fractures caused by overuse.

Young or old, athletically inclined or not, no one can afford to play games with foot injuries, fractures, diseases, or disorders. Podiatric problems demand the attention of a professional. Don't let foot concerns keep you on the sidelines. Consult with us instead at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY . We offer treatment of specific problems as well as preventive care to keep you on your feet. Please call us for an appointment. Same day appointments are often accommodated.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Do not allow your child to continue playing a sport if he or she is in pain. Find out the cause of it to prevent chronic problems.