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

The Unique Nature Of The Skin On Your Feet

Your foot’s skin is unique— it contains some of the body’s most sensitive skin as well as the thickest skin— and require special care and attention. The skin on the bottom of the heel is the thickest of the body. Bearing incredible weight and pressure every day, this skin can become even thicker and suffer painful cracks if you don’t take care of it. On top of your feet is some of the body’s thinnest and most pliable skin. Skin problems that can affect the feet include blisters, corns, calluses, warts, and fungal or skin infections. These conditions can be painful and debilitating, so it pays to care for the skin on your feet.
You’re feet aren’t supposed to hurt, nor are they supposed to hurt you. Skin problems, bunions, fungal nails, heel pain, hammertoes— there’s no reason to suffer with them any longer. Visit your local podiatrist. SHENANDOAH PODIATRY treats patients of all ages for all kinds of podiatric problems, from minor to major to the prevention of both. Feet are our business, and our practice is designed with you, our patient, in mind.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Excessive friction, pressure, and moisture are common triggers of skin problems on the feet.
For more information visit our website http://www.roanokefoot.com/

Summertime Injuries

With summer sporting events beginning, as podiatrists we begin to see increased foot and ankle injuries in athletes and runners. Some common injuries that will be seen are stress fractures. Stress fractures are caused by a bone not being able to withstand increased repetitive force, improper shoe gear (severe wear), and increasing activity too rapidly. Stress fractures can account for approximately 10% of running injuries and often occur in activities that involve muscle fatigue.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress Fractures

Female athletes are more prone to stress fractures than their male counterparts due to what is commonly called the “female athlete’s triad”. This triad involves eating disorders (anorexia nervosa or bulimia), amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Each provides increased risk to developing stress fractures due to loss of bone density and mass. As bone density and mass are affected by hormones and nutrition.

If you suspect you have a stress fracture, you will possibly experience:

1. Tenderness over the area

2. Pain upon weight bearing

3. Slight swelling and reproducible pain with activity that is relieved with rest

Diagnosis

To definitively diagnose a stress fracture, an x-ray may be taken or other advanced imaging techniques (bone scan, CT, MRI, etc) may be necessary.

Treatment of Stress Fractures

It is advised to decrease your activity, change the intensity of your activity, change your footwear, and/or you may be prescribed orthoses. It is important to rest as the fracture will need 6-8 weeks to completely heal.

Prevention

To prevent your potential for stress fractures, inspect your shoes for creases and/or wear in the midsole, replace if worn or old, and be aware of changes in your running surfaces, as one the most common areas for stress fractures are the foot, tibia, and fibula. Try to add cross training to your exercise regimen, as alternating with different stretching; strengthening and flexibility exercises can decrease your chance for stress fractures. It is important to follow the medical advice during your recovery period, so that you can get “back on the road” in a shorter period of time. As returning to “normal” activity too quickly may cause a recurrence and possibly a larger, more difficult to heal stress fracture. Be an advocate for your foot health.