Running on Pavement: How Bad Is It For Your Feet?

Any avid runner has weighed in on the debate: which surface is best for running? The science aside, you probably have a personal preference, or are even limited by your immediate surroundings. For many of us, convenience is the deciding factor—and that means running on the ubiquitous pavement of city and suburbia.

While running on pavement poses its unique dangers, you can avoid injury with the right steps and the care of a trusted podiatrist.

The Impact of Running on Pavement

The mechanics of running are complex, with the incidence of injury the result of various factors other than the hardness of the surface you run on. While the jury is still out on whether running on hard surfaces is definitively bad for your feet, it does pose its unique dangers. The two main factors behind the arguments against running on pavement are the negative effects associated with impact and repetition.

Impact: Running is one of the roughest activities our feet can endure. The feet bear up to two to four times your normal body weight while running, repeated up to thousands of times over the duration of your trek. The feet play an integral part in the two essential steps of running: landing and push-off. When running on a hard surface like concrete or asphalt, the ground does not absorb any of the shock of impact upon landing. The weight of impact is then borne fully by the feet, sending vibrations up the leg when landing. When repeated continuously, this process can result in increased injury to the legs and feet.

While running on any pavement is not considered ideal, keep in mind that concrete is considered far worse than asphalt.

Repetition: Citing the aforementioned effects of impact on the feet, repetitive impact causes constant stress to the same muscles and bones in the body, leading to specific injuries. While asphalt would appear to be easier on the body due to its continuous nature, the continuity actually forces the body to endure repetitive trauma to certain muscles. The body is designed to adapt to its surroundings, not bear monotonous stress. Training across various terrains will even out the impact endured while running, lessening the likelihood of injury from repeated trauma.

However, this does not necessarily make running on grass or soil the superior alternative. Softer surfaces like nature trails tend to be more irregular, which is their dual benefit and risk. On one hand, you avoid repetitive impact and injury to the same muscles and bones, which you would suffer on a continuous surface like asphalt. On the other hand, uneven surfaces could present unforeseen obstacles such as pits and dips, resulting in sprains or even broken bones. The best recommendation is to switch up the terrain, to avoid constant impact and injury to certain parts of the body.

Training Tips for City Runners

Regardless of what surface you run on, running injuries are more a function of poor preparation than surface rigidity. A serious runner will know what to expect, and take preventative measures to avoid injury by becoming properly equipped. The first step in this is gaining intimate knowledge of your foot’s unique physiology and its needs, and that starts with consulting a certified podiatrist. Only a trained podiatrist can understand the support demanded by your unique foot anatomy and running patterns, and will advise you on what orthotics and shoes you require to avoid undue foot trauma. Common foot injuries suffered by runners include: plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis.

Before starting any running regimen, follow these steps:

• Consult your podiatrist. No two feet are the same – not even your feet. Only your podiatrist can identify physical conditions such as fallen arches, or recognize irregularities in your movement patterns such as overpronation. Both require special medical attention to avoid injury when running. In addition to this, no two feet are completely identical, with one possibly requiring extra attention. Consult your podiatrist to determine if you require custom orthotics, supportive inserts, or a specific type of shoe to reduce trauma when running.
• Wear the right shoes. The right equipment is essential to peak performance, and this is especially the case with running. Depending on your running form, you will likely require maximum cushioning and support to reduce the shock of impact, and a flexible sole designed to allow full range of motion. Further specialization is required if your feet overpronate, or if you have wide or narrow feet. Be sure to get shoes designed for the terrain you typically train on, whether it be nature trails or city streets. While running shoes can be extremely expensive, consider it an investment in your foot health.
• Change the terrain. Again, repetitive impact to the same muscle groups can lead to injury. Switching between softer and harder surfaces will allow your body to adapt to different conditions, and provide more comprehensive training to all muscle groups.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie

To keep your feet in prime shape, schedule a consultation with esteemed podiatrists Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie today. For all of your podiatric needs, contact the caring specialists at the Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by the tinea fungus, and is usually found between the toes. Its medical name is tinea pedis– ringworm of the feet. It most commonly affects those who are highly active, and thus prone to having sweaty feet confined within tight shoes often and for extended periods of time.

Athlete’s foot is not only embarrassing, but highly contagious. The infection can spread via contaminated surfaces such as floors and laundry. If not careful, the infection can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the hands, nails, and groin.

Learn more about the symptoms of athlete’s foot, and how to prevent an infection of your own.

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms

The visual indication of an athlete’s foot infection is a red rash between the toes that is scaly in appearance, with some occurrences even presenting blisters or ulcers. This rash causes the sensations of itching, stinging, and burning. The itching is usually most intense immediately after removing the socks and shoes.

You may also experience dry, cracked, raw, or peeling skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Thick, discolored toenails detached from the nail bed are another indication of an infection.

Some strains of the tinea pedis fungus can cause chronic dryness and chafing on the soles and sides of the feet. This can often be mistaken for other skin conditions such as eczema. The infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as your hands, if you pick at the infected sites.

Causes & Risk Factors

Athlete’s foot is closely related to ringworm and jock itch, and is actually caused by the same fungal infection. The tinea pedis fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, making sweaty socks the perfect incubator for its growth. It is most commonly found in moist public spaces, such as communal locker rooms, public showers, gyms, and swimming pools. Walking anywhere barefoot is highly discouraged.

Certain environmental factors put you at higher risk of contracting an athlete’s foot infection. For one, males are more likely to develop the infection. If you are highly active, meaning that you wear sweaty socks for extended periods of time, then you are at higher risk. Since the fungus is highly contagious, being exposed to an environment such as a communal gym or shower with an infected individual makes you extremely likely to catch the infection. Moreover, if you share a home with someone who is infected, you may catch the infection through contaminated floors, shared bedding, shared towels, etc. For this reason, those who tend to walk barefoot in public spaces are at a higher risk. This includes those with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes.

Athlete’s Foot Diagnosis

An experienced podiatrist can often diagnose an athlete’s foot infection through visual confirmation. However, he or she may also take skin samples to view under a microscope or send to a lab for testing for a definitive diagnosis.

Common tests include:

• PAS stain
• Skin culture
• Skin biopsy

Athlete’s Foot Treatment

Athlete’s foot is similar to other common fungal infections, and mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications such as creams and ointments. Over-the-counter antifungal medications include: Lamisil AT and Lotrimin AF.More serious cases may require prescription medication to be applied topically to the feet. For the most severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal pills to flush out the infection. Common oral antifungal prescriptions include: Sporanox, Diflucan, Gris-Peg or Lamisil.

At home, you may soak your feet in salt water to help remedy the blistering. Tea tree oil is also a common natural remedy used with some limited success. Of course, only a doctor’s visit can be trusted to completely eliminate the infection.

Prevention

The most effective treatment for any infection is prevention.

• Avoid walking barefoot in any public space, especially ones that are humid and moist such as a locker room.
• If you know that a family member has contracted the infection, do not walk barefoot on any communal floors, and refrain from sharing linens such as bedding and towels. Even try to use different showers until the infection clears, if possible.
• Wash your feet thoroughly with antibacterial soap, and dry them fully.
• Apply antifungal powders daily, if necessary.
• Wear socks with breathable fibers such as cotton or wool, or specially designed moisture-wicking features.
• Change your socks as often as possible, and alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry out between uses.
• If the infection seems unavoidable due to a highly active lifestyle, seek treatment at the first signs of infection to avoid it from spreading to the hands, nails, or groin.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have diabetes or compromised immune health.

Potential Complications

The fungal infection can potentially spread to your hand, your nails, and your groin (jock itch).

You may also develop an allergic reaction to the fungus, resulting in blistering on the affected area. Moreover, an additional bacterial infection may develop. A bacterial infection may also be present if your foot becomes painful and swollen, or if it develops pus and drainage. Seek medical attention if you develop a fever to prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body.

Consult Esteemed Podiatrist Dr. Vikki

If you suspect that you may have an athlete’s foot infection, schedule a consultation with podiatrist Dr. Vikki today. Dr. Vikki is a diplomat of the Board of Podiatric Surgery, and the trusted podiatrist of the Special Olympics. Just look to her well-earned reputation for excellence in patient care. For all of your podiatric questions and concerns, contact the specialists at the Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center.

Understanding Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a very common form of bacterial infection which can cause redness, swelling, and a warm sensation under the skin. It appears on the lower legs, although it can also appear on other areas of the body and face as well.

If left untreated, Cellulitis can quickly turn from an infection to an abscess, or even a much more serious illness called Necrotizing-Fasciitis, or Flesh Eating Disease.

In 2013, roughly 37 million cases of Cellulitis were reported worldwide, with an estimated 30,000 deaths resulting from complications related to this infection.

Causes of Cellulitis

Cellulitis usually occurs when streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria enter the body through an abrasion or cut. Those at particular risk are the elderly and those with pre-existing immune-deficiency conditions such as diabetes.

Owing to the decreased blood flow inherent with diabetes and other immune deficiencies, the bacteria, upon entering the body, are able to reproduce much quicker, making the condition much more aggressive.

However, it’s not just diabetes and immune-deficiencies which can lead to Cellulitis. There are many pre-existing conditions which can lead to cellulitis. Some common conditions are spider bites, eczema, Athlete’s Foot and open wounds from tattoos.
Others are more specific to children and the elderly.

Chicken Pox, for example, can leave a child’s skin open to infection. Similarly, bed sores and other abrasions common to the elderly can also lead to infection. Proper cleaning and sterilization of affected areas is always encouraged.

Densely-populated living spaces such as dormitories, hostels, retirement homes and shelters are common breeding grounds for Cellulitis. As with Athlete’s Foot and other highly contagious conditions, it can easily be transmitted through shared contact with hygienic facilities. Preventative measures like shower shoes and proper toweling-off are always recommended.

As this is an infection, it can spread quite easily through the bloodstream and into the lymphatic systems. It is extremely important that Cellulitis be treated early to avoid much more serious infections. Symptoms of infection include fever, chills, nausea and fatigue. Increased redness and swelling around the infected area are also common.

A diagnosis of Cellulitis can easily be made by a qualified health professional, like Dr. Vikki and the team at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center. Obtaining a proper and timely diagnosis is crucial. The longer it is left untreated, the more likely it will develop into something much harder to treat.

Treatment for Cellulitis

Antibiotics are the most common approach to Cellulitis. Similar to other streptococci-caused illnesses like Strep Throat, It tends to clear up within the first week of antibiotic usage. However, for those on antibiotics who do not see improvement, additional measures may be required.

In some cases, Cellulitis will lead to an abscess. Abscesses are large, swollen areas with dark centers, which generally require surgery to drain. Any at-home attempts at drainage can lead to further complications.

Pain relief medication is often prescribed along with antibiotics. However, if the pain is extreme, medical help should be sought out as soon as possible as this may be a sign of developing Necrotizing-Fasciitis—a very aggressive infection which can lead to permanent disfigurement or death.

The preventative measures favored by Dr. Vikki and the team at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center can help to prevent Cellulitis, and to cure any offshoot conditions.

As an active participant in the well-being of Special Olympians since 2003, Dr. Vikki understands the value of a proper diet and exercise in the prevention and treatment of Cellulitis. Excess blood sugars, like the kind that result from an improper diet can lead to increased bacterial spreading, which can exacerbate any stages of the condition.

Consult Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center

Along with a sound assessment, the staff at Superior Foot and Ankle Care can provide the educational tools necessary to prevent and treat Cellulitis.

Whether you have questions about an existing condition, or you’d simply like to learn more about how you can prevent this infection and other related health issues, schedule a consultation today with the professional team at Superior Foot and Ankle Care Center and start living healthier.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Unlike most neuromas, Morton’s Neuroma is not a tumor. It is a benign build-up of tissue surrounding a nerve, which can cause pain and discomfort. Many people describe it as the sensation of having a rock in their shoe, while others describe it as a painful burning or numbing sensation upon bearing weight.

The sensations are most often triggered on the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. Even the smallest amount of weight pressing down on the foot can cause discomfort.

On a microscopic level, deterioration of the affected nerve can be detected, though there are usually no abnormalities visible to the naked eye. Dr. Vikki and her team at the Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center can not only provide a sound diagnosis, they can provide the level of care required to dramatically increase patient comfort and mobility.

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is often linked to wearing high heels, as well as to various forms of exercise. Women and runners are most likely to suffer from it due to the confining nature of high heels and running shoes. Existing issues such as hammertoes or bunions can also cause or exacerbate the condition.

Symptoms tend to appear slowly, beginning most often with pain upon wearing restrictive footwear. Removing the constrictive footwear should alleviate the symptoms temporarily, especially in conjunction with mild massaging, but overtime the symptoms will worsen, lasting for up to several weeks.

As the condition continues to develop, the damaging effects of the neuroma will become less and less reversible. Early action is the best defense against permanent pain and discomfort. The earlier the diagnosis, the more likely that more invasive treatment such as surgery can be avoided.

Treatment for Morton’s Neuroma

Many conditions can present similar symptoms to those of Morton’s Neuroma. Only a professional, highly skilled team like the professionals at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center can identify the source of the problem and provide the proper treatment.

The most common treatments are corticosteroid injections and orthotics, but various other forms of treatment exist including radio frequency ablation and Sclerosing alcohol injections.

While non-invasive methods of treatment are more common, in some cases, surgery is required. A neurectomy is performed where the affected tissue is removed. In recent years, ultrasounds have become instrumental in diagnosing Morton’s Neuroma, and in assisting with treatments.

There are no effective at-home cures for Morton’s Neuroma. But there are a few things you can do to help alleviate some of the symptoms:

• Insoles are a good place to start. Custom-fitted insoles can help to alleviate the symptoms by taking weight off of the affected areas. They are only effective on symptoms, but they can provide quick relief.
• Applying an ice pack to the affected area can cut down on the swelling and provide a soothing sensation when the pain is most acute.
• A proper diet is key when dealing with issues like Morton’s Neuroma. As neuromas are triggered by weight distribution, lessening the amount of weight your feet have to bear is always a good place to start.
• Cutting back on physical activity can help to slow the progression of the condition.
• Purchasing more supportive footwear with wider toe boxes and lower heals can help to remove pressure from the balls of the feet.
• Finally, basic over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen can help to alleviate the pain.

While these methods can help to alleviate the symptoms, however, they cannot attack the actual issue, which is the thickening around the nerve tissue.

Contact Dr. Vikki Today

With the resources of a renowned podiatry clinic, as well as the preventative measures favored by the staff at the Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center you can find both relief and the tools necessary to prevent future issues. Don’t waste another day in pain.

Schedule an appointment today to talk to the well-renowned team at Superior Foot & Ankle Care center, and get back on your feet.