Running places repeated force on the feet and ankles, especially when mileage or intensity rises too quickly. This strain can irritate muscles, tendons, or bones. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain when the band beneath the foot becomes irritated. Achilles tendonitis affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle rolls and stretches the ligaments that hold it together. Stress fractures are small cracks in bones caused by repeated pressure. Pain that changes a runner’s stride should not be ignored because altered movement can place stress on other areas.

Several factors raise the risk of a running injury. Wearing shoes that lack support can allow poor foot alignment and reduce protection from impact. Uneven surfaces, weak ankle muscles, and limited flexibility can contribute. A sudden change in distance, pace, or hill training places extra demand on tissues that are not prepared for the added workload. Warning signs while running include increased foot pain, swelling, or tenderness in one spot. Other concerns include bruising, reduced ankle motion, or pain that continues after activity. A popping sound, inability to bear weight, or visible change in shape needs prompt medical evaluation.

A podiatrist can examine how the feet and ankles move, locate the injured area, and determine the severity of the problem. X-rays can reveal fractures or changes in joint alignment. Other imaging tests can help identify stress fractures or soft-tissue damage that does not appear on an X-ray. Treatment includes activity changes, bracing, or custom orthotics to improve support and reduce pressure. A podiatrist can assess running shoes and identify problems with foot mechanics. For injuries, a walking boot can protect the area while it heals. Surgery can be considered for a severe fracture, a complete tendon tear, or an injury that remains unstable. If you have injured a foot or ankle while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnancy changes how the body carries weight, and the feet feel the effects. As the baby grows, added weight places more pressure on the feet and ankles. Hormonal changes also loosen the tissues that support the arches. As a result, feet can become longer, wider, or flatter. Some changes may remain after delivery. Swelling can make shoes feel tight, while changes in balance can affect movement. These changes can lead to aching feet and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Foot discomfort should not be ignored, especially when it interferes with everyday activities.

A study of foot health during pregnancy found that participants in their third trimester reported the greatest foot pain. They also had more difficulty finding shoes that fit properly. Their activity levels were lower than those reported earlier in pregnancy. The second trimester was associated with the least foot pain. Swelling in the feet and lower legs can contribute to discomfort because fluid collects in the tissues. Flattened arches may also change how pressure spreads across the soles. A podiatrist can assess these changes and determine what is contributing to pain.

Podiatric care during pregnancy focuses on comfort, support, and safe movement. A podiatrist can record changes in foot size and recommend shoes with adequate room and proper support. Custom shoe inserts may help distribute pressure and support arches that have become flatter. A podiatrist can also examine swelling and assess how the feet function while walking. Treatment recommendations should reflect the stage of pregnancy and each patient's symptoms. Sudden or severe swelling, especially with a headache or vision changes, requires urgent medical evaluation. Persistent pain also needs attention rather than being dismissed as part of pregnancy. If you have symptoms of pregnancy-related foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Foot wounds can become serious when they do not move through the normal healing process. A wound that fails to heal properly over time is considered a chronic wound. Several types can affect the lower legs and feet, including diabetic, arterial, and pressure ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers often develop because nerve damage can reduce the ability to feel pain or repeated injury. Poor circulation can further interfere with healing. Chronic wounds require careful evaluation because their cause influences the type of treatment that may be needed.

Evaluating a non-healing foot wound involves more than examining the injured skin. Medical professionals consider the wound’s location, size, and depth. They may also evaluate drainage and the type of tissue within the wound. Blood flow is especially important because poor circulation can prevent damaged tissue from healing normally. Diabetic foot ulcers commonly develop on the toes or the bottom of the forefoot and may be surrounded by thick callused skin. Some wounds can extend into deeper tissues. Imaging may be needed when there is concern that an infection has reached the bone.

A podiatrist can evaluate a foot wound, identify factors interfering with healing, and determine an appropriate wound-care plan. Treatment depends on the type of wound and its underlying cause. Professional care may involve removing dead tissue, controlling infection, and selecting appropriate dressings. For diabetic foot ulcers, reducing pressure on the affected area is also an important part of treatment. A podiatrist can also evaluate circulation and nerve function to identify problems that may affect healing. Certain wounds may require coordinated treatment with vascular or other medical specialists. Early professional attention is important because chronic foot wounds can lead to deeper infection and other serious complications. If you have a foot wound that is not healing normally or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate wound-care treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A Lisfranc injury affects the middle of the foot, where bones and ligaments connect the forefoot with the midfoot. This injury can range from a stretched ligament to a fracture or joint displacement. Symptoms include midfoot pain, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Bruising on the bottom of the foot can be a warning sign. Because Lisfranc injuries can resemble a sprain, evaluation is important after injury.

A Lisfranc injury may occur when the foot twists while the body moves in another direction. Falls, car crashes, and sports injuries can create enough force to damage the Lisfranc joint complex. Risk increases with activities or trauma. Injuries are subtle and may seem manageable. Without treatment, an injury can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or foot deformity. A podiatrist may use an examination and X-rays to evaluate for alignment. An MRI or CT scan may be recommended when the injury is difficult to see.

Lisfranc surgery may be needed when the joint is unstable, bones are displaced, or the injury cannot be maintained in proper alignment without fixation. During surgery, the podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon realigns the bones. Screws, plates, or fixation devices may be used to hold the joints in position while they heal. The approach depends on the fracture pattern and joint damage. Some patients may require fusion when joints are damaged or cannot be restored reliably.

After treatment, protecting the foot is important for healing. Your podiatrist may recommend immobilization and restricted weight-bearing during recovery. Follow-up appointments and imaging tests can help confirm that the bones and joints remain aligned. As healing progresses, your podiatrist can guide a return to activities and footwear. Treatment can help protect foot function and reduce complications. If you have sustained a Lisfranc fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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