Running Challenge

What would you consider a man who runs 52 miles in just a matter of hours? Personally, I'd call him crazy. However, the reason for running the 52 miles, I'll call it inspirational.

Mark Hammer, of Roanoke, VA, has watched many of his relatives suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. Because of this, Mr. Hammer decided to involve himself in the Break Out of Diabetes challenge to run 1 additional mile every weekend of the year. Due to this past weekend being the 52nd of the year, Mr. Hammer completed his challenge by running 52 miles! He also plans on starting up another challenge for 2013 and possibly will write a book!

Way to go, Mark Hammer! You can view his interview here.

Foot Lifts

Nicky Hilton in Studded Christian Louboutin. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An excerpt from December 2012's Allure Magazine regarding different random sugeries:

Foot Lifts:
"Except in summer sandals, the foot is rarely on public display- but that doesn't mean vanity stops above the ankle. Foot surgery is available to make pointy shoes fit better and to shorten second toes that extend beyond big ones; there's lipo for the little toe in cases where it's not little enough, and injections of hyaluronic acid to add padding to the balls of the feet (dubbed the 'Loub job,' after Christian Louboutin). The complications, however, can be brutal. It took one New Yourk City socialite more than three years to recover from shots in the soles that caused nerve injury and forced her to wear sneakers. 'When patients ask to alter the architecture of a foot that has no real disabilities, I advise against it,' says Rock Positano, a New York City podiatrist and director of nonoperatvie foot and ankle service at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Foot Exams Help Prevent Ulcerations

diabetic foot syndrome

We urge all of our patients to make sure their primary-care physicians check their feet during every office visit for signs of ulcerations that, left untreated, can lead to infection and ultimately result in lower limb amputations.

It’s a simple exam that takes two minutes to determine if you are at risk for developing a foot ulcer. Perhaps the easiest way to remember to get your feet checked is to remove your shoes and socks in the examining room. Most diabetic patients are vulnerable to foot ulcerations caused by poor blood circulation in the lower extremities and neuropathy that inhibits nerve sensation.

Ulcers are the leading cause of foot amputations among people with diabetes, but they are preventable in most cases if doctors routinely check their patient’s feet.

In a routine foot exam we check for nerve sensation, skin irregularities (corns, calluses, punctures and areas of redness), swelling, drainage, and foot deformities that cause unnatural pressure points that are prone to ulceration.

Patients with diabetes who have their feet checked regularly can prevent foot ulcers or have them treated at early stages by their podiatrist.

New Floors!

Happy day for Shenandoah Podiatry's Blacksburg office! We installed new floors in our treatment rooms! Take a look and while you're at it, 'Like' our facebook page!

People Running Backwards?

Apparently a new technique to avoid injury and to help recover from common injuries is to run in reverse. You might have tried this (by walking) on the treadmill a time or two to work your calves a bit more or even on the elliptical but this is suggesting flat out running backwards!

Some other benefits are:

• Burning extra calories (2.5% more body fat is burned)
• Sharpen balance
• Mix up daily routine

A study at the University of Milan (in Italy) “found that...the runners struck the ground near the back of their feet when going forward and rolled onto the front of their feet for takeoff. When they went backward though, they landed near the front of their feet and took off from the heels. They tended to learn slightly forward even when running backward. As a result, their muscles fired differently.”



Backwards Running!

Since running backwards causes far less impact to the front of the knees, it is a good option for those runners with knee complications.

Personally, I am going to start doing it a little. I like the idea that it decreases body fat by 2.5% versus running forward the same amount of distance! I do recommend running with a partner in case someone falls and hurts themselves. I see a bit more runners in our Blacksburg office versus our Roanoke office, and will keep it in mind to bring up to patients who seem to be interested in a challenge!

Dedicated to your healthy feet,

Dr. Kate Steklachich

Foot Surgery Impairs Marathon World Record Holder

Paula Radcliffe, winner of the 2007 New York City Marathon, photographed at mile 14. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Paula Radcliffe realizes she may not be able to continue her elite running career as she recovers from complicated foot surgery. The marathoner had to withdraw her position in the 2012 Olympics because "Radcliffe had so much cartilage damage in her left foot that her bones were rubbing against each other..."

This was Radcliffe's dream to make an appearance in her home country. "In August, she had three operations on her foot, including a bone graft to correct a stress fracture. She’s still not back to running, though she hopes to do light sessions before Christmas."

Radcliffe has such a fascinating career, that unfortunately might be behind her:  She's won the London Marathon three times, the New York City Marathon three times and even the Chicago Marathon once.

Patient Testimonials

We are so fortunate to have such caring patients. We're glad we're able to serve the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley communities!

Ugly Toenails?

We know how annoying it is to not be able to de-stress from they day by taking your socks and shoes off and kicking your feet up! Instead you decide to keep those socks on in case someone were to spot those unsightly toenails.

Also, after researching what it is you're looking at, they're so time consuming to get rid of! Honestly, the time is worth it. If they are left untreated, the fungus gets worse and worse and soon you'll be seeing just white superficial nail fungus (looks similar to calcium deficiency) to thick, ugly, yellow, brittle nails you thought you'd never have.

We went ahead and created a short video in our Roanoke office (no sound so you can watch it at work ;) ) to let you see how quick and easy the laser treatment is. We ask you bring a clean pair of socks for after the treatment and we also provide with the essentials to sterilize your environment.

If you have any more questions about the laser or nail fungus, give us a call! There's also tons of information on our website including our interview with Channel 10 news!

World Diabetes Day

diabetic foot syndrome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

World Diabetes Day is held to raise awareness of how diabetes can affect your everday life. We stress how diabetics should routinely visit our office because they tend to lose feeling in the feet and therefore may have stepped on something, developed an ulcer, have a wart and aren't aware of it. Also, diabetics need to be especially careful about clipping their toenails and removing any calluses on their feet. Extreme complications can arise if this isn't done correctly.
Here is more information on what diabetic foot care entails.

Also, younger diabetics should annually visit our both our Blacksburg and Roanoke offices as well! They need to make sure their feet are healthy and there aren't any complications that have happened in the past year which could have harmful side effects.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A Podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist- we offer all services listed below and more!

Dr. Kate Steklachich

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

• Surgeries- everything from removing a bunion to reconstructive surgeries 
• Bunions
• Warts
• Ingrown Toenails
• Routine/Diabetic Foot Care
• Custom Orthotics & Over the Counter Orthotics
• Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Spurs
• Bone Spurs
• Neuropathy
• Neuroma
• Corns/Calluses
• Athlete's Foot
• Nail Fungus
• Injuries

The list can really go on and on! Our Blacksburg and Roanoke offices want to stress that we specialize in feet and ankles. A lot of people may think going to a general surgeon or orthopedist for surgery is a better idea than a podiatrist for a problem they are having with their feet or ankles. However, because we specialize and are day in and day out dedicated to this specific area- we know it best! If you have a question about a condition, pain or something else you are experiencing and it isn't listed here or our website- give us a call! We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Foot Care & Diabetes

Q: Could I develop a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A: Nearly 25% of Veterans are diagnosed with diabetes. General risk factors for diabetes include obesity, high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle, and prediabetes, to name a few. However early diabetes screening allows Veterans to make changes to their lifestlye and take advantage of annual foot screenings in our offices in Blacksburg and Troutville, VA to help manage diabetes complications such as Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs).



Q: What if I develop a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A: People with diabetes have a 15-25% lifetime risk of developing a DFU, many of which are often associated with impaired blood flow and may not heal within an appropriate time frame. If you develop a DFU, immediately come to our office!

Q: Why should I seek treatment?
A: If left untreated, DFUs can become infected and may lead to serious complications. If detected and treated early, many of these complications can be averted. With the multitude of resources available to Veterans with diabetes, never hesitate to seek immediate medical attention when you become aware of a foot wound.

Don't put medical attention off! Always promote preventative care!

Would You Run A Marathon in Flip Flops?

Yeah, me neither!

It boggles my mind this man would run in flip flops, let alone 26.2 miles! He certainly achieved his goal by getting in the Guinness Book of World Records- that's for sure!



Source

I've seen a few patients in our Blacksburg and Roanoke offices that have run too far too soon in Five Fingers and Nike Frees get injuries. I should've praised them for not running in flip flops! Apparently, Mr. Levasseur only trained up to about 13 miles in flip flops and was in for a rude awakening for the 2nd half! The injuries he could receive from this are:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Blisters
• Fractures
• Bone Contusions
• Tendonitis
• Capsulitis
• Bursistis
• Painful Calluses

So if you take anything away from this post, it is to not run in flip flops...period.

-Dr. Kate

Arnica Pain Relief

A couple days ago in our Blacksburg office, a patient mentioned to me a cream she has been using for pain. She mentioned it even helps with bruises! I had to immediately ask the name of the cream and she said it's called Arnica and she buys it at Annie Kay's Natural Food Store in Blacksburg, VA.

I know a woman that works over there and asked her to send me some information on it. Turns out it's a best seller item and all the employees swear by it! I love learning about new products from my patients.

Here is a bit more information about the pain relief cream:

• Reduces pain, swelling and discoloration from bruises
• Temporarily relieves muscle pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion and falls

If you'd like to learn more visit their website at: www.boiron.com

- Dr. Kate

Home Remedies for Foot Cramps

Have you ever heard or tried any of these home remedies before? Well, they're worth a shot! If you are experiencing a foot cramp, or more commonly called a charlie horse, try these on for size:

• A plain, original scent, brand name bar of Dove soap placed under the sheet at the end of the bed when you go to sleep at night (Grandma Stek highly recommends this!)
• Drink 6oz of tonic water before bed (Gin isn't necessary)
• Take 3 teaspoons of yellow mustard throughout the day (can be taken by the teaspoon or with food)
• Drink one cup of gatorade right before bed
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day

If you want to go extra strength, combine the tonic water and gatorade and drink right before bed!




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Now these are not guaranteed to work but again, they're worth a shot!

- Dr. Kate

How Does He Do It?

Last week Dr. Feeny and I traveled to Las Vegas for a Marketing Summit and had to stop in front of Bally's to watch a performer.

But how do they do that??

I did a little research and here are the steps on how to moonwalk:

1. Get a pair of shoes with flat soles (i.e. converse or keds)
2. Get on a flat surface that won't provide much friction (i.e. wood floor) ideally you would practice at a skating rink
3. Point your left toe on the floor (but it really doesn't matter which foot you use first)
4. Place your right foot ~1 foot in front of left foot
5. Slide your right heel back so it's even with your left foot
6. As soon as you slide it back, snap your right heel up so it's pointed (like step #3)
7. Repeat!
8. You are now a Michael Jackson Moonwalker!

And here is what you can look like if you keep practicing!

Gobblerfest 2012

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth on Friday, September 7! We had such a great time informing and educating our community at Gobblerfest and a HUGE thanks for welcoming us!

Here are a couple pictures we took at Gobblerfest and visit our Facebook to view more!

We call this the "draw with your foot" game (very straightforward)!

Need:

- sketch pad

- markers (one for every person - so no one shares!!)

- feet

We played for shirts! I announced to each pair who ever could draw the best #Hokie bird or #Hokie football player wins a free t-shirt...somehow everyone wound up getting one though...

- The Shenandoah Podiatry Team

Shoe Shopping Tips

Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of foot problems. Use this guide when you shop for shoes:

• Fit new shoes to your largest foot. Most people have one foot larger than the other.
• Have both feet measured every time you purchase shoes. Your foot size increases as you get older.
• If the shoes feel too tight, don`t buy them. There is no such thing as a "break-in period."
• Most high heeled-shoes have a pointed or narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape. As heel height increases, the pressure under the ball of the foot may double, placing greater pressure on the forefoot as it is forced into the pointed toe box.
• Shoes should be fitted carefully to your heel as well as your toes.
• Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Judge a shoe by how it fits on your foot - not by the marked size.
• There should be a half-inch of space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe.
• Try on both shoes.
• Try on new shoes at the end of the day. Your feet normally swell and become larger after standing or sitting during the day.
• Walk around in the shoes to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable.
• When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes.
• Women should not wear a shoe with a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches.

If you have any hesitations about your shoe selections, make an appointment and we'll help identify what you should look for in a shoe with your specific foot shape (high arches, high instep, etc.)!

Metatarsal Fractures

In the US, there are approximately 206,000 metatarsal (toe) fractures every year! 5th metatarsal fractures represent 68% if all metatarsal fractures.

For the Jones Fracture, a common type of 5th metatarsal fracture, the non-union* rate may be as high as 28%! (*Non-union means the fracture doesn't heal)

There are many fractures that lead to 5th metatarsal non-unions:

• Lack of blood supply
• Nutrient artery disruption
• Muscle/tendon overdistraction

If you believe you might've fractured your metatarsal (toe), please make an appointment to be examined! There are many treatment options we can offer to ease the pain.

- Dr. Kate



compliments of Exogen

"He Got Cold Feet"

Ever heard the saying, "He/She got cold feet," usually referring to backing out before a wedding ceremony? Well, where did it come from? How does "cold feet" have anything to do with having apprehensions about making a commitment?

After a little research, it seems there are a couple tales of where this phrase originated, which are pretty interesting!

• The wartime usage of "cold feet" has led some to claim that the phrase originally referred to soldiers whose frost-bitten toes prevented them from entering a battle.
• Hotfoot is used for someone keen to get somewhere - perhaps cold feet are the opposite

Have you heard of any other origins of the phrase "cold feet"? Share with us below!

Why Danskos?

Red Danskos

I wear my Danskos everyday in the office, call me a loyal customer! Every once in a while I get asked why I like them so much so here's why:

1) They're deep & wide to accomodate most foot types
2) I can fit extra padding in them if necessary including my orthotics
3) No they're not the most fashionable shoes, but they're certainly not the ugliest!

One thing I do want to point out if you're researching them is while they are perfect for work, they're not great for uneven terrain so I don't recommend them for unstable ankles!

Click here if you're interested in purchasing them and if you're already a Dansko fan let us know what you like about them!

-Dr. Kate

PSA: Leave Reviews!

ShenandoahPodiatry's Animation by ShenandoahPodiatry on GoAnimate

Animation Software - Powered by GoAnimate.

Click here to leave a review for Shenandoah Podiatry's Blacksburg Office
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Billy Gilman and Soles4Souls

Last year Billy Gilman co-wrote the single, "The Choice," with Dan Murph and Philip Douglas in order to help the charity provide shoes to the world. 

The single was released in April and has already had 35,000 downloads! All proceeds of the single are given directly to Soles4Souls to purchase shoes. 

"The kids looked like they had won the lottery," Gilman, 24, said, after handing out shoes to kids in Jacksonville, Florida, this week. 'You ask them for their size, you wash and dry their feet and then you put on their new pair of shoes.'" 

source

Gilman recorded the song with top artists such as, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, Randy Travis, Craig Morgan, Rodney Atkins, Steve Holy, Kellie Pickler, Wynonna Judd, Amy Grant, Montgomery Gentry, Diamond Rio, Ronnie Milsap, Richie McDonald of Lonestar and Josh Turner.

Click here to purchase and download the song so you can provide shoes to someone in need!

Virginia Tech is Going Green

After VT's wide receiver, D.J. Coles, PCL ligament heeled the team had their hopes up. Soon after however, linebacker, Tariq Edwards, suffered a stress fracture in his shin which hasn't been healing well after the mishap earlier this year. The hopes for an injury-free season starter diminished even more after left guard, David Wang, sprained his left ankle.

source

Wang received surgery and was placed in a green jersey (no contact) for a recent closed mini-scrimmage. Last season Wang was named most improved offensive player only to break his foot in the second game of the season!

Although Wang seems to be doing better, a number of other players were in green jerseys which several are suffering from a hamstring injury.

Good luck, Hokies! We hope your injuries heal correctly and quickly!!

What Do Podiatrists and Pedometers Have In Common?



They both involve FEET!

Health experts- myself included- say 10,000 steps a day is the magic number to get (or stay) on the healthy track. Side effects include increase in energy, weight loss and less frequent sickness (<- I’d take those side effects any day!)

One tip to obtain these “side effects” is to keep track! Make sure you record your total number of steps per day to keep yourself accountable. You might be expecting these results when you assume you’ve walked that amount each day when in reality it’s only been 7,500 or 8,000 steps. If you’re really looking for weight loss, go ahead and write down your food intake daily and you might see double digits lost on the scale sooner rather than later!

If you find any pain after your daily walks, make sure to see a podiatrist as soon as possible so you can get back on your feet!

- Dr. Kate Steklachich

Outrun Injuries

Zurich Marathon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If a nagging ache is keeping you off the treadmill, track, or trail, the fix may be in your feet. Research recently published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that runners who land on the ball of their foot are 40% less likely to have repetitive stress injuries than those who touch down heel-first.



"I don't recommend minimalist shoes if you have a history of chronic injuries or if you run extreme mileage. Runners can still run in adequate running form in regular running shoes, minimalist shoes aren't always necessary," Dr. Kate Steklachich, D.P.M.

Following the strategies listed to (slowly) switch up your strike:

• Touching down with a stiff leg ups the force of impact, so keep a slight bend in your knee
• Bend your back knee more than usual, and don't let your rear leg lag behind. This will help you take short, fast strides (aim for 165 steps a minute), lessening your injury risk.
• When your foot hits the ground, it should be aligned with your hip.
• Angle your foot slightly down and land on the outer ball of your foot, behind the second-to-last pinkie toes. After the front of the foot hits, let your heel naturally touch down, then push off your toes again to begin the next step.

source: Shape Magazine August 2012 Issue

Feel Good in Flip-Flops

The summer staples may not be doing your feet any favors, stride safely with these expert-approved styles and tips!

When it's steamy outside, skimpy clothes and sanda rule. But think twice before donning those flimsy thongs on a daily basis. "It causes over-pronation when wearing flip flops because there's no arch support, in addition flip flops make you claw your toes just to keep them on in order to walk," Dr. Kate Steklachich, D.P.M. That can lead to painful problems like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and shin splints. Fortunately, some companies now make healthier versions, but fit is key. And if a pair doesn't meet the following criteria, give them a pass.

• Support: Look for a visible arch formation. The toe end should slope upward a bit to help you grip while walking.
• Flexibility: But they shouldn't be too floppy; if you can fold one in half with your hand, put them back on the shelf.
• Traction: Tread patterns on the outsole will keep you grounded.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Montrail Molokini ($60)- Warm these in the oven before wearing them for the first time and the "thermo-moldable" footbeed will permanently conform to your contours
• Orthaheel Tide ($60)- If you pronate-meaning your feet roll in too much when you walk. A deel heel cup and motion-control footbed encourage proper alignment

  

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• Okabashi Ocean ($20)- This recyclable sandal provides excellent arch support with massaging beads. Bonus: if the sandals get grimy, you can run them through the diswasher
• Sole Sport Flips ($70)- In addition to a wide platform that allows overheated feet to expand, boast a metatarsal cushion and a hidden toe ridge to provide extra gripping power.

source: Shape Magazine August 2012 Issue

Bunhead's Crazy Competition

According to ABC Family's new show, Bunheads, the girls say the best dancer is the one with the worst looking feet!

Jack Daniel's Interesting Cause of Death

Did you know Jack Daniel, the famous distiller, died of a foot infection? Well, we learn something new everyday!

Source



Jack Daniels Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



Jack Daniel had an infection that apparently started in his toe after kicking his safe (probably made of cast iron- so not a good idea!) out of anger. He often joked, "all I have to do to cure the infection is soak my toe in my own whiskey!"

The infection then lead to blood poisoning which Daniel died of in 1911.

Why a foot doctor?

Dr. Kate and I were talking the other day about the different types of doctors and other fields she might of considered entering other than Podiatry. After talking, I started wondering why Dr. Kate chose becoming a Doctor of Feet afterall and here's what she had to say!

What made you decide to become a foot doctor? When was this? My grandpa was Type 1 Diabetic with complications and he was the only grandparent I never met, this made me become interested in Diabetes. I also wanted to specialize in surgeries as opposed to an orthopedic doctor or doing hip surgeries, etc. Another reason is because I was an athlete in school and was exposed to injuries. So Podiatry covers all of the above- Diabetes, Surgeries and Sports Medicine! I believe I made the decision my senior year in college.

You're a young doctor, do you think its an advantage or disadvantage drawing patients to you? I 100% believe it's an advantage because Podiatry training is becoming better, you're well trained and are given good exposure to multiple aspects of Podiatry.

What do you love about your job? Helping people overcome their disease or complication and educating them on how it affects their foot health. Also, I met my current boyfriend through a patient (who is a good friend now!) and am thankful this career has led me to the person I hope to marry!

What do you do in your free time? When I can I spend time with my friends and family and try to live a healthy and active lifestyle with sporting activities.

How would you encourage others to enter this same profession? I would encourage them to shadow which is following a doctor around to educate them on what they would be taught and able to do.

Thanks Dr. Kate for taking the time out of your hectic day to inform others on what it's like to be a Podiatrist!

Blogger Wordle

Wireless Shoe Inserts

A Canadian company is producing a wireless shoe insert which supposedly will monitor the pressure people put on their feet. This will be particularly helpful for diabetics which often receive diabetic foot ulcers and numbness leading to amputations.

source

Due to the numbness, diabetics don't feel pain in their feet which this new insert will help. A watch is worn with the inserts and will trigger if people are putting too much pressure on their feet and risking numbness.

The product is currently under approval so we'll see what comes of it! Hopefully this or something like it will be available soon to prevent more and more amputations everyday.

Change In Walking Could Mean Early Alzhimer's Disease

Research recently presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2012 suggests that subtle changes in the way a person walks can be an early warning sign of cognitive decline. Read all about it in this USA Today article. As podiatrists in Blacksburg and Troutville, Virginia we provide gait analysis and are able to detect subtle gait abnormalities.The changes in walking may be from arthritis, painful ingrown toenails or other causes. A podiatrist is a great place to start if you notice a loved one has changed the way they walk.

VT's Bruce Taylor Still Injured

Last November, Bruce Taylor, a Hokie Football Player, suffered a Lisfranc Sprain which is common for football players.

"After 12 weeks in a walking boot, a limited spring practice schedule that kept him out of contact drills and a second planned surgery in April that removed one of two screws inserted into his foot, Taylor was fully cleared to start running again just before players dispersed for the summer." - Roanoke Times

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Taylor says at first he didn't want to believe he had an injury and fortunately after surgery has been told his foot is fine and "he can do anything."

To read more about Lisfranc injuries (which ranges from sprains to fractures) head on over to our website!

Exercise Those Toes!

Many people underestimate the importance of keeping their toes physically fit. Toes take a lot of abuse from the hours we spend on our feet each day. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society recommends doing the following simple exercises to strengthen your toes and prevent foot discomfort.

• Toe raise, toe point, toe curl: Hold each position for five seconds and repeat 10 times. This especially recommended for people with hammertoes or toe cramps.
• Toe squeeze: Place cigarette filters or small corks between your toes and hold a squeeze for five seconds. Do this 10 times. Recommended for people with hammertoes and toe cramps.
• Big toe pulls: Place a thick rubber band around the big toes and pull them away from each other and toward the small toes. Hold for five seconds and repeat 10 times. Recommended for people with bunions or toe cramps.
• Toe pulls: Put a thick rubber band around all of your toes and spread them. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat 10 times. This is especially good for people with bunions, hammertoes or toe cramps.
• Golf ball roll: Roll a golf ball under the ball of your foot for two minutes. This is a great massage for the bottom of the foot and is recommended for people with plantar fasciitis (heel pain), arch strain or foot cramps. Towel curls: Place a small towel on the floor and curl it toward you, using only your toes. You can increase the resistance by putting a weight on the end of the towel. Relax and repeat this exercise five times. Recommended for people with hammertoes, toe cramps and pain in the ball of the foot.

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•  

• Marble pick-up: Place 20 marbles on the floor. Pick up one marble at a time and put it in a small bowl. Do this exercise until you have picked up all 20 marbles. Recommended for people with pain in the ball of the foot, hammertoes and toe cramps.
• Sand walking: Take off your shoes and walk in the sand at the beach. This not only massages your feet, but also strengthens your toes and is good for general foot conditioning.

Sports Injuries & Children

English: Child Soccer player. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If your children are playing sports this fall, pay attention to six tips that could protect them from serious ankle injuries.

Every fall season, foot and ankle surgeons see an increase in ankle injuries among young athletes. Football, soccer and basketball are the sports most likely to lead to sprains, broken bones and other problems, says Roanoke and New River Valley area podiatrist Jennifer Feeny, DPM.

"What seems like a sprain is not always a sprain; in addition to cartilage injuries, your son or daughter might have injured other bones in the foot without knowing it. Have a qualified doctor examine the injury," says Dr. Feeny. "The sooner rehabilitation starts, the sooner we can prevent long-term problems like instability or arthritis, and the sooner your child can get back into competition." Dr. Feeny, who is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), offers these additional tips for parents:

--Have old sprains checked by a doctor before the season starts. A medical check-up can reveal whether your child's previously injured ankle might be vulnerable to sprains, and could possibly benefit from wearing a supportive ankle brace during competition.

--Buy the right shoe for the sport. Different sports require different shoe gear. Players shouldn't mix baseball cleats with football shoes.

--Children should start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down like a car tire and become uneven on the bottom, causing the ankle to tilt because the foot can't lie flat.

--Check playing fields for dips, divots and holes. Most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by jumping and running on uneven surfaces. That's why some surgeons recommend parents walk the field, especially when children compete in non-professional settings like public parks, for spots that could catch a player's foot and throw them to the ground. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.

--Encourage stretching and warm-up exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing the risk for ankle injuries.

For more information on treating ankle sprains, visit ShenandoahPodiatry.com

From Flats to Stilettos, it's Agony of the Feet



I went to visit my boyfriend's grandparents the other week and his grandpa cut out this article from the Richmond Times for me!

The article describes how women will wear 5 inch stilettos to work throughout the week then will switch to flats or flip flops over the weekend. (Around these parts, however, with all the students it's more of wearing flats throughout the week and growing 5 inches taller on the weekend!) 

When conducting a study on the feet, it was found that "women who wore so-called 'high risk' shoes that lacked sound structure and support, including high heels, sandals and slippers, were more likely to complain about foot pain later in life."

Listed are some common problems associated with wearing heels (or frequently switching from heels to flats to heels):

• Bunions- Experts say bunions, when the big toe points toward the second toe causing a bump to appear on the outside edge of your toe, are partly genetic. Wearing pointy-toe high heels can make the problem worse.
• Hammertoes- Shoes that crowd the toes together can cause the second, third, fourth and fifth toes to become bent, like a claw.
• Corns- Thickened skin on the top or side of the toe.
• Neuromas- Pinched nerves that cause a burning sensation, tingling or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
• Heel pain- Plantar fasciitis commonly causes inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot, which leads to pain in the bottom of the heel.

What it comes down to is if height is important to you, wear wedges instead of platform or high heels. I personally recommend Danskos (I wear them everyday!) however, they are an investment, but they will give you the height and the support you need.

Also, make sure to stretch, yes it may sound silly to stretch after removing your heels for the day, but it will help in the long run with pain, swelling and discomfort!
Here are some quick stretching exercises we recommend: Plantar Fasciitis stretches and Heel Pain stretches

Got Feet?

Because of my unique training in the care of feet and ankles, I see people every day who suffer from foot pain. So often my patients tell me that they've been experiencing symptoms, including pain, for very long periods of time before they finally come in to see me. In some cases they've waited years! Sometimes when I'm out in the community, at the grocery store, for example, I'll see folks I know who say, "Hi Doc. You know I need to come in to see you because I've got a pain in my ankle or my heel hurts." Then months will go by and I'll see them again and they'll repeat the same thing.

When they finally do come in, in almost every case I am able to alleviate their pain, treat their condition, and drastically improve their quality of life.

The big question I used to ask myself is "Why?" Why do people suffer needlessly for years when a quick trip to see me almost always relieves their problems? It used to bother me, but as I've continued to see patients I've come to understand that sometimes fear of the unknown is stronger than the pain or inconveniences my patients face.

What I've also learned is in case after case-even though my patients could have saved themselves time, trouble, and expense by just coming in to see me- patients didn't have enough information to help them clearly understand their foot pain and the incredible options that state-of-the art podiatric medicine offers today.

So, I created a publication. I wrote it for you. I also wrote it to help you clearly understand what is happening with your feet and to help you get a sense of the help that is awaiting you at a podiatrist's office. I hope it is helpful and that it answers your questions. If after reading it you think you might be helped by seeing a podiatrist, I hope you consider Shenandoah Podiatry. My staff and I will do everything we can to treat your condition, reduce or eliminate your pain, and make you feel at home.

To Receive Your FREE Copy of Got Feet?- A User's Guide to Foot and Ankle Health fill out this short form!  

Foot Care Myths



Dr Henri Lelièvre (Hallux valgus, Bunion) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



Old wives' tales and myths like that example are fun to laugh at. We believed them growing up. "Step on a crack and you'll break your mother's back." But there are other myths that are no laughing matter, especially when they involve your health. Here are four myths about foot care and the realities behind them.

Myth: My foot or ankle can't be broken if I can walk on it.
Reality: It's entirely possible to walk on a foot or ankle with a broken bone. But it's not a smart idea. Walking with a broken bone can cause further damage.  It is crucial to stay off an injured foot until diagnosis by a podiatrist. Until then, apply ice and elevate the foot to reduce pain.

Myth: Shoes cause bunions.
Reality: Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types make a person prone to developing a bunion. While wearing shoes that crowd the toes together can, over time, make bunions more painful, shoes themselves do not cause bunions. Although some treatments can ease the pain of bunions, only surgery can correct the deformity.

Myth: A doctor can't fix a broken toe.
Reality: Nineteen of the 26 bones in the foot are toe bones. There are things that can be done to make a broken toe heal better and prevent problems later on, like arthritis or toe deformities. Broken toes that aren't treated correctly can also make walking and wearing shoes difficult. A foot and ankle surgeon will x-ray the toe to learn more about the fracture. If the broken toe is out of alignment, the surgeon may have to insert a pin, screw or plate to reposition the bone.

Myth: Corns have roots.
Reality: A corn is a small build-up of skin caused by pressure or friction. Many corns result from a hammertoe deformity, where the toe knuckle rubs against the shoe. The only way to eliminate these corns is to surgically correct the hammertoe condition or wear extra depth orthopedic shoes that eliminate the pressure. Unlike a callus, a corn has a central core of hard material. But corns do not have roots. Attempting to cut off a corn or applying medicated corn pads can lead to serious infection or even amputation. A podiatrist can safely evaluate and treat corns and the conditions contributing to them.

For more foot care myths, visit http://www.shenandoahpodiatry.com/

Kristen Stewart's Legendary Hurt Foot

Cover of Twilight (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Kristen Stewart, of the hit Twilight films, recently hurt her foot during re-shoots of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.

While not a long-time fan of high heels anyway, Stewart recently gave them up after the injury. The harm was found out to come from a puncture wound which can be very serious.

Many times people brush off puncture wounds but honestly, they can lead to severe infections! In order to determine the severity of the wound there are a few items to note, which are listed here.

Charlie Sheen: Hammertoes Aren't Winning

Charlie Sheen has recently announced his major turn off in women- hammertoes. Yes, the man fired from Two & Half Men because he has a number of addictions feels he has the right to deem women with hammertoes unattractive!

Hammertoes are everywhere in Hollywood!
Katie Holmes’ Feet

Even when women have a longer 2^nd toe than big toe is “bad too”; luckily his previous 3 significant others, Brooke Mueller, Denise Richards and porn star ex-girlfriend Bree Olson all had pre-approved feet.  

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Mr. Sheen, you have winning feet, don’t you?

Dedicated to your healthy feet,
Dr. Kate

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