Giant Hobbled by Plantar Fasciitis

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 just 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!

Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a bending of the toe at the first joint of the digit, called the proximal interphalangeal joint. Flexible hammertoes are still moveable at the joint and are less serious as they can be treated while still in the developmental stage. Splints such as Yoga Toes can help. Rigid hammertoes are more advanced than the flexible condition. The joint is misaligned and immobile, making surgery the usual course of treatment. Hammertoes are more common to females than males.

Hammertoes are formed due a muscle imbalance in the toes. This imbalance causes increased pressures on the tendons and joints of the toe, leading to its contracture. There is a strong hereditary predisposition to develop hammertoes, although shoes, trauma and arthritis can also contribute.

Your feet should not hurt. If you are suffering from hammertoes, call your local podiatrist to discuss the best option for you. If you live near Roanoke, VA, I'd love to help you at Shenandoah Podiatry.

Pregnancy And Your Feet

Being pregnant is usually a wonderful experience, but it can make life a little uncomfortable at times. Many women suffer from foot and leg problems during pregnancy but the good news is there are things you can do to prevent or relieve them. The two most common foot problems during pregnancy are over-pronation (flat feet) and edema (swelling). Leg cramps are also a common experience during the second trimester.

During pregnancy hormones can do some interesting things to prepare your body for birth. One of the things they do is relax ligaments to help the body during birth. Unfortunately it is not only pelvic structures that can become more relaxed, but also your feet. The other main reason that you may become prone to flat feet during pregnancy is due to the natural weight gain that occurs. Not only do you gain weight, but your body’s center of gravity changes quite dramatically forcing a change in gait.

While there is not a lot you can do to prevent this condition occurring, apart from keeping up gentle exercise and not over eating,there are things you can do to prevent any further pain or damage. Make sure your shoes are not too tight, you may even need to wear a half or even full size larger shoe than you normally would. Your feet will need extra support and shock absorption too. You can purchase specially designed orthotic insoles or shoes that will provide this extra support.

Edema, or swelling of the feet and ankles, is very common particularly towards the end of pregnancy. This is caused by increasing pressure from the growing uterus that can lead to fluid pooling in the lower extremities. Fortunately there are things you can do to help prevent edema and to relieve it.

Drink plenty of water as this actually helps the body to release the fluids and avoid retention. Cut down on salt in your diet,including soda drinks as salt encourages water retention. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid socks that have seams or tight bands. While it is important to exercise you also need to rest and elevate your feet frequently. If you do need to stand keep moving.

Swimming is great exercise during pregnancy and the support of the water will also help with swollen feet. Soak your feet in cool water too to ease pain and disperse fluid build up. Get in the habit of sleeping on your left side as this reduces pressure on your veins. Avoid crossing your legs or ankles when you are sitting. If you have to work at a desk remember to take plenty of breaks and walk around and if you can keep a footstool under your desk so you can raise your ankles.

Some women who suffer from severe edema also find that wearing compression stockings can also be helpful. Treat your self to a few reflexology treatments too. This can be great not only for foot problems but any other pregnancy issues as well.

If you develop swelling around your face see your doctor immediately as this can be a sign of something more serious. Feet can be a bit of a pain in pregnancy but it is usually controllable and any problems will dissipate after birth.

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

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.

For more information visit our website http://www.roanokefoot.com/

The Safest Golf Shoes

The sesamoid bones are located on the ball of the foot. Theses bones often become inflamed from high-impact sports like tennis and basketball, which involve athletes coming down hard on their feet throughout a game. Sesamoid bones may also suffer from the stress of spiked golf shoes. When a spike is positioned directly beneath the ball of the foot, the resulting pressure commonly causes pain and swelling around the sesamoid bones, a condition called sesamoiditis. Golfers who currently wear spiked shoes may modify the spike patterns to protect their feet without losing traction or hindering their game. Those shopping for new shoes should choose shoes with spike patterns that avoid the ball of the foot area.
When your sport has your feet hurting, get the advice and treatment from professional foot care specialists at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY. Whatever is causing pain in your step, we’re here to help, so call us for comprehensive foot care. If you are new to this area and don’t yet have a podiatrist, we’d like to take on the responsibility of your family’s foot care.

Dedicated to Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. An average round of golf involves taking 15,000 steps.

Golfing Feet

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus says the feet lead the way in golf, playing a critical role in timing, balance, distance, and direction. Lively feet, says Nicklaus, are the key to a great golf score. To improve your golf game and prevent injury, start by wearing proper golf shoes that will be comfortable over the four or five miles of a typical round. Stretch your feet and legs before golfing. For maximum results, maintain proper foot alignment during your swing. During the back swing, keep weight evenly distributed on the back foot while rolling the front foot in. A good downswing requires a quick weight shift from back to front, with the back foot rolling in and the front foot rolling out.
For those who participate in sports activities of all kinds, professional attention and guidance can help reduce the potential for discomfort and injury. Since all difficulties with your feet can adversely affect you comfort and lifestyle, SHENANDOAH PODIATRY invites your call for an appointment to maximize your health and well-being. We can’t promise you a better golf score but we can promise you comprehensive foot care geared to your personal needs. We can often accommodate same-day appointments.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny