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!

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