A Hiking We Will Go

I saw my first through hikers off the AT last weekend at Kroger-Daleville while doing my weekly grocery shopping. It got me thinking about all of the people that have limped into my office off the trail over the years.

Walking up and down steep hillsides and tramping through wet, slippery fields and wooded areas puts stress on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, especially if you haven't conditioned properly before hitting the trail. Also, many don't realize that sneakers aren't the best choice for extended hiking and hunting. Had some of my patients worn sturdy, well-constructed hiking boots, they wouldn't have suffered sprained ankles or strained Achilles tendons.

Make the investment in top-quality hiking boots. Strong, well insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks offer excellent ankle and foot support that helps lessen stress and muscle fatigue to reduce injury risk. The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact as the foot moves forward. So if a boot bends in the middle, don't buy it.

In wet and cold weather, wearing the right socks can help prevent blisters, fungal infections. Synthetic socks should be the first layer to keep the feet dry and reduce blister-causing friction. For the second layer, wool socks add warmth, absorb moisture away from the skin, and help make the hiking boot more comfortable.

Don't ignore pain and hope that it will go away. If you are out on the trail, try and take a break to see if the pain subsides. As soon as you are able, make a visit to your podiatrist to determine the cause of your pain. Remember, pain is your body letting you know there is something wrong.

Dedicated To Your Health Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

For more information visit our website http://www.shenandoahpodiatry.com/

What You Wear Can Hurt You

When it comes to feet, we are often our own worst enemies. From high heels to pointy toes, our shoes often pinch, pressure, and bind. Bunions, corns, and calluses are just a few of the problems that can result. To avoid painful and potentially serious foot problems, make sure the shoes you buy fit in width, length, and overall shape.

Even though the bones in our feet stop growing when we are in our late teens, our shoe size will change over our lifetime. Have your foot size measured at least once a year. There should be a thumbs width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Leave high heels to the fashion models-and let them deal with the consequences.

Although shoes are meant to protect our feet, too often we choose them for style rather than comfort and function. Whether shopping for sandals or hiking boots, let common sense dictate– if they aren’t comfortable, don’t buy them. If you do buy them, at the least you’ll end up not wearing them and wasting money; at the worst, they do damage and cost you even more.

To learn more visit http://www.shenandoahpodiatry.com/

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

The sinus tarsi is an opening on the outside of the foot between the ankle and heel bones. Sinus tarsi syndrome refers to localized pain, instability, and difficulty with weight-bearing activities. This condition commonly occurs after an inverted ankle sprain, (the foot rolls out), or it can be caused by a pinching of soft tissues in the area from a pronated (rolled inward) foot. Patients have trouble navigating uneven surfaces and feel pain when the area is touched. The ankle and foot joints often feel loose and unstable. Because treatment for sinus tarsi syndrome differs from that of other foot and ankle problems, an accurate diagnosis is important. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, injections, supportive shoes, immobilization of the area, and/or orthotics.

Pain may be one of the first signs of a foot problem, but it doesn’t always reveal the cause of the condition. The best way to determine the exact cause, location, and seriousness of foot pain is to have a podiatrist evaluation that includes medical history, examination, and tests. And at Shenandoah Podiatry, complete instructions for follow-up care and prevention are also an integral part of any treatment plan we formulate.

Looking Forward To Meeting You!

Wow, it is hard to believe that it is almost May 1st. We have been working hard painting, cleaning, organizing and we are now ready to see you! If you need to see a podiatrist in Blacksburg, call us at 808-4343. We look forward to meeting you :)

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny


p.s. To schedule an appointment via Internet, visit our website http://www.shenandoahpodiatry.com/

Foot Fractures May Signal Osteoporosis

A small foot fracture may be the first sign of osteoporosis, according to a study conducted by Ohio State University researchers. The study also demonstrated that several men studied as part of the research showed signs of osteoporosis, previously considered a woman’s condition. Researchers studied 21 patients who had suffered a metatarsal insufficiency (non-traumatic) fracture. Nine patients were found to have osteoporosis despite having shown no other sign of the degenerative, progressive bone-thinning condition.

Another 10 patients displayed significant bone loss. Because many patients do not discover they are osteoporotic until they break a hip, the study offers hope or earlier diagnosis and treatment. It also reinforces the importance of caring for feet and not neglecting foot pain.

People sometimes don’t realize that their feet mirror the state of their body’s health. Some of the first signs of osteoporosis, for example, are seen in foot and ankle fractures.

 

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Experts estimate that more than 1.5 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur each year.

To learn more visit http://www.shenandoahpodiatry.com/

Mow the lawn, not your foot

The thousands of lawnmower-related foot injuries every year can be prevented

Springtime is here and weekend gardeners should note that their yards could become "toe-away" zones if they’re not careful when operating rotary-blade lawn mowers.

Each year, some 25,000 Americans sustain injuries from power mowers, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Although the number of accidents has steadily declined since the 1982 adoption of federal safety standards, we still see too many foot injuries from power lawnmowers. The blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun. Yet we see patients who have been hurt while operating a mower barefoot! Foot injuries range from dirty, infection-prone lacerations to severed tendons to amputated toes.

If a mower accident occurs – with just a minor injury – immediate treatment is necessary to flush the wound thoroughly and apply antibiotics to prevent infection. Superficial wounds can be treated on an outpatient basis, but more serious injuries usually require surgical intervention to repair tendon damage, deep clean the wound and suture it. Tendons severed in lawnmower accidents generally can be re-attached surgically unless toes have been amputated.

Children under the age of 14 and adults over age 44 are more likely to be injured from mowers than others. Anyone who operates a power mower should follow a few simple precautions:
Don’t mow a wet lawn. Losing control from slipping on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries caused by power mowers.

• Wear heavy shoes or work boots when mowing – no sneakers or sandals.
• Mow slowly across slopes, never go up and down.
• Never pull a running mower backward.
• Keep the clip bag attached when operating a power mower to prevent projectile injuries.
• Use a mower with a release mechanism on the handle that automatically shuts it off when the hands let go.
• Always keep children away from the lawn when mowing it.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny
For further information about foot and ankle problems, visit our website wwww.ShenandoahPodiatry.com

Weekend Warriors….Take It Easy!

Spring is here and so you want to relive those glory days of playing football or basketball. But hold on weekend warrior, you might want to think about a few things before you do. Many times injuries are caused from the lack of preparation before engaging in strenuous activities that involve a lot of running and sprinting. Many patients have complaints of ankle pain, ankle sprains, jammed toes, and/or black toenails from injuries. If you haven’t been active or exercising during the winter months, the sudden increase in activity and demand on the joints and muscles can cause pain, soreness, and inflammation

An ankle sprain is the stretching and/or tearing of ligaments that can occur from twisting motions, sports, or walking and/or running on uneven surfaces. Individuals that have had previous ankle injuries it is important to have some additional support to prevent re-injury, by using ankle bracing or other athletic support, as those previously injured areas may be weak. It is also wise to get a thorough exam before participating in strenuous activities. Also, make sure you “warm up” before you begin your activity by stretching your muscles to prevent strains and sprains. Make sure you that you wear the proper shoes for your activity because wearing improper shoes can mean the difference between you scoring a goal or a sprained or broken ankle.

A black toenail is caused by repeated injury to the nail bed. This is usually caused by the toe being jammed against the sides, front or top of shoes when running or walking. The toenail may or may not be painful, but it is not a pretty sight. The black color is due to blood accumulating underneath the toenail. If the toenail becomes too painful, it will be necessary to seek professional treatment. The toenail may take 4-5 months to fully grow out and be replaced by a normal toenail. Make sure that your shoes fit properly to prevent this type of injury during rigorous activities. So throw out those old athletic shoes that have been sitting in your garage all winter. One point to remember, don’t “break in” a new pair of shoes during a strenuous activity. This can cause some areas of blisters or calluses from friction and additional pain from the “break in” period.

If you do have an ankle or foot injury or just need advice before engaging in an activity, get some guidance from your podiatrist. Remember, be an advocate for your foot health.

Coming Soon!

I am excited to share the news with you- we are coming to Blacksburg! Being a Virginia Tech graduate and a proud supporter of Hokie Nation, I am no stranger to Blacksburg and look forward to being back in the area. My practice, Shenandoah Podiatry, will be conveniently located at 210 Professional Park. I hope that you consider us for all your foot care needs.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny