Does Turning 30 = Foot Pain?

I'm sure by now you've seen the hit website, Buzzfeed, which displays popular social content on the web. Well, the other day I was scrolling through and an interesting title, 30 Unexpected Things You Learn in Your Thirties, caught my eye.

Working at Shenandoah Podiatry, naturally #16 jumped out at me:

I love the reference to orthotic shoe inserts as they really are an investment and they really do help with back pain (in addition to knee and foot pain!)

So our question is, when you hit the big 3-0 did you experience back and foot pain out of the blue? If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, give our office a call! We do our best to work with your schedule and get you in quickly to see one of our doctors! We are conveniently located in Blacksburg (right off of 460) and in Troutville (North Roanoke right off 81).

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. 

Why Danskos?

Red Danskos

I wear my Danskos everyday in the office, call me a loyal customer! Every once in a while I get asked why I like them so much so here's why:

1) They're deep & wide to accomodate most foot types
2) I can fit extra padding in them if necessary including my orthotics
3) No they're not the most fashionable shoes, but they're certainly not the ugliest!

One thing I do want to point out if you're researching them is while they are perfect for work, they're not great for uneven terrain so I don't recommend them for unstable ankles!

Click here if you're interested in purchasing them and if you're already a Dansko fan let us know what you like about them!

-Dr. Kate

Arthritis & Baby Boomers

40+60 Feet, Euw. (Photo credit: bark)

Baby boomers aren't ready to slow down, even if their bodies are. If you're a member of the "Me Generation," seek care if you develop joint pain in your toes, feet or ankles.

While there is no fountain of youth for a degenerative condition like arthritis, there are more medical options available than ever before. The earlier your arthritis is diagnosed, the more options are available for treatment.

The big toe joint is one of the most common parts of the foot to develop osteoarthritis. For Boomers with early stage arthritis in this joint, modern surgical procedures may provide more pain relief and increased joint movement, allowing continued activity.  

Boomers with advanced and severe arthritis may need to have the joint fused or replaced. Stronger screws and hardware are helping fusions last longer, while slashing recovery times. A new generation of big toe joint replacements also shows promise.

Custom orthotics can help stabilize the foot and minimize discomfort from arthritis.

If you're not ready to give up the running shoes or hiking boots, ask our office for more information on osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle.

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!