Reflexology

English: Foot reflexology is a "pressure therapy" and involves applying focused pressure to certain known reflex points located in the foot to cure or prevent disease. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Therapeutic reflexology, a popular therapy around the world, involves massaging the nerve endings of the feet to reduce stress and tension and promote healing in other areas of the body. The practice is based on the ideas that our body parts are reflected in the feet, with the front of the body on the sole of the feet and the back of the body on tops. For example, massaging the toes can help relieve headaches and other symptoms in the head. Massaging the ankle bone can help with hip problems. The feet have always played an important role in healing and reflexology dates back to 2500 BC. Some podiatric offices are now hiring therapeutic reflexologists as a complementary service.

It’s always a good idea to listen to your feet, as they often have lots to tell you, including giving you clues about the rest of your body’s well-being. When  your feet tell you there’s trouble somewhere, as your podiatrist, Shenandoah Podiatry will work as a team with you to keep you and your feet healthy and pain free. Feet that feel good mae the rest of you feel good, too so why not give us a call and start the process of feeling better today!

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. 

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!

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

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

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!