Super Bowl 47 Injuries

As the two teams lined up for their grand entrances into the Superdome last night in New Orleans, some of the players were facing questionable injuries. Let's break them down (not literally):

• Ravens: WR Tandon Doss (ankle)
• Ravens: LB Dannell Ellerbe (toe, back)
• Ravens: FB Vonta Leach (knee, ankle)
• Ravens: LB Terrell Suggs (achilles, bicep)
• 49ers: TE Garrett Celek (foot)
• 49ers: S Dashon Goldson (foot)
• 49ers: RB Frank Gore (ankle, shoulder)

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It's unfortunate it doesn't matter which sport you play, you're likely to get injured. However, in order to not keep you off your feet for too long with an injury, stop playing when it hurts. We don't like to hear, "play through the pain," it's more likely the injury will get worse if you just ignore it! Both our Blacksburg and North Roanoke offices see athletes of all levels daily. From Virginia Tech players to Hollins, our goal is to get them back on the playing field in the appropriate time frame. If you are having any kind of discomfort in your lower extremity, please take our advice and seek professional help. It may be a quick fix or a boot may be necessary- but the sooner the better!!

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

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. 

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

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.

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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!!

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