Fleet Feet Foot Clinic

We hope everyone learned a lot at our most recent foot clinic at Fleet Feet in Roanoke!Dr. Kate received a TON of questions, which is what we were hoping for!!
Here are a few of the questions asked at the clinic, make sure to keep up with our events, so you can have the opportunity to learn more about your feet and ankles!!

Participant: How do you prevent plantar fasciitis?
Dr. Kate: Stretching, orthotics, night splints or Strausburg socks, Ice.

Strasburg Sock, purchase in our office today!

Participant: How long does a custom orthotic last?
Dr. Kate:  5-7 years or longer if you're finished growing.

Participant: Why do corns keep coming back?
Dr. Kate: There are pressure points, or cushion (fat in your feet) is gone or you're genetically inclined to get them more often.

Participant: How do I know when to see a Podiatrist vs a Physical Therapist?
Dr. Kate: Start with your podiatrist. If your podiatrist feels the need for physical therapy, he or she will refer you

Got Feet? Your Guide to Sports & Running Injuries

Shenandoah Podiatry offers two free books, "Got Feet? Your Guide to Sports and Running Injuries" and "Got Feet? A User's Guide to Foot and Ankle Health." Today I'd like to take an excerpt out of our running book, as more and more people are slipping on their running shoes to hit the Huckleberry trail in this beautiful Blacksburg weather!

"Chapter 10: How Do I know if I Need Orthotics? Foot pain is not normal and should not be ignored. It can lead to complex problems that can affect the functioning of other parts of the body, including the hips, knees and back. Foot-related problems are often treated very successfully with functional orthotic shoe inserts.

Orthotics are prescribed to:

• Reduce pain
• Provide support
• Prevent or slow down the development of a foot deformity
• Provide better positioning of the foot, knee and hips
• Improve the overall biomechanical function of the body"

As you can see, Shenandoah Podiatry is here to help. We want you to be an informed patient, knowing what we can do to help and how. To receive your free book, head to our website and request either one or both!

Rain, rain go away!

Spring is just around the corner and judging by the last two weeks it’s going to be a wet one. If you don’t already own waterproof footwear, you’re probably considering it now. Many of us opt for the standard rubber boot because they’re inexpensive, keep our feet dry, and come in many different colors. Though this style of boot is widely popular, it does pose some unique concerns for your feet.

Most of these styles provide little to no arch support which means that they can lead to problems much more serious than wet feet. Shop for rain boots that have removable insoles because this will allow you to replace them with more supportive inserts or even your custom orthotics.

Another concern posed by the standard rain boot is fungal infections. Because rubber doesn’t breathe, rain boots provide a warm, moist environment where fungus can flourish if steps aren’t taken to prevent it. One of the best ways to prevent fungal infections is to alternate shoes so that the same pair isn’t worn everyday. If this isn’t possible, at least let them dry out completely between uses. You can also spray Lysol into your boots after each use to kill fungus and other germs.

Whether you’re about to break out your old boots or you’re in the market for new ones, keep these tips in mind for happy, healthy feet.