Wearing worn-out running shoes can lead to foot, toe, and ankle problems as a result of inadequate support and cushioning. Over time, the foam and tread in running shoes degrades, reducing their ability to absorb shock and stabilize the foot. This can increase pressure on the arches, contribute to overpronation or underpronation, and lead to conditions like arch pain or Achilles tendon discomfort. Signs of wear include new foot pain, flattened midsoles, or uneven tread patterns. For runners with flat feet or for those who overpronate, worn out shoes can aggravate these structural issues, increasing the risk of foot and other injuries. Experts suggest that active runners replace their shoes every 300 to 500 miles, or approximately every six months. A podiatrist can assess a runner’s foot alignment, gait, and running habits to help them choose appropriate footwear and reduce injury risks. If you are experiencing foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain while skiing can be caused by several factors, including improper ski boot fit, lack of foot support, and extended periods of pressure on the feet. Wearing ill-fitting boots that are too tight or too loose can lead to blisters, bruising, or pinching, while poorly aligned boots can strain the feet and ankles. Additionally, skiing for long durations without proper foot care can result in soreness and fatigue. To prevent foot pain, it is vital to ensure that ski boots fit properly and provide adequate support. Custom insoles can help improve comfort and alignment. Taking regular breaks to stretch and relax the feet also helps reduce fatigue. Foot care includes wearing moisture-wicking socks, keeping feet warm and dry, and using foot exercises to maintain flexibility. If you enjoy skiing and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on tips on wearing the right ski boots.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form on the skin due to friction, pressure, or heat. They are common among people who spend long hours walking, running, or wearing poorly fitting shoes. The main cause of heel blisters is friction between the heel and shoe, which causes the skin to rub and separate. This leads to a buildup of fluid underneath the skin. Factors such as moisture, wearing tight shoes, or lack of proper cushioning can increase the likelihood of blisters. To prevent them, it is important to wear well-fitted shoes that provide proper support. Additionally, wearing moisture-wicking socks can help reduce friction. Heel blisters can become infected, and can cause difficulty in wearing shoes. If you have developed this or any type of foot blister, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat infected blisters, and offer additional prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures in the feet often occur subtly, making them challenging to detect without professional evaluation from a podiatrist. These hairline cracks in the bones of the feet develop gradually, often caused by an increase in physical activity. People who are especially active, like runners and other athletes, older adults, and those with low bone density are at a higher risk for foot stress fractures. Common symptoms include pain that intensifies during or after activity, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Unlike typical bone fractures, stress fractures may not immediately show up on X-rays, often taking several weeks to become visible. Podiatrists can accurately diagnose stress fractures by using imaging methods, such as bone scans or MRIs, to ensure the right treatment plan. They may recommend rest, support devices, or other interventions to help the bone heal and prevent further complications. If you have foot pain that may be caused by a stress fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.