Friday, June 28, 2013

Exercising With Flat Feet



Are your efforts to stay healthy and active being hindered by foot pain? Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY fully und
erstands how frustrating that can be. There are several reasons why you may be experiencing pain or discomfort while exercising and it is often due to your foot structure.

A flat foot is a very common foot structure. If you are not sure whether or not you have flat feet, stand up barefoot and look at the ground. If the entire sole of your foot is touching the ground, you most likely have flat feet. For most people, having flat feet does not cause pain, problems, and are nothing to be concerned about. There are cases, however, where having this condition can affect your activities.

Being flatfooted means that you lack an arch in your foot. This can result in extra stress and pressure on your feet while you run, workout or are involved in sports. Having flat feet often causes the feet to pronate, or roll inward with each step. Regular running shoes are typically designed for arched feet. Wearing them with flat feet can make you prone to shin splints, tendonitis, ankle sprains and back problems.


If you know that you have flat feet and are very active, come and see Dr. Pandya even if you are not experiencing any pain. Custom orthotics can provide the extra support your feet need during exercise to alleviate present pain and prevent future problems. Dr. Pandya can help you find the best shoes for your feet and offer some great tips to keep your feet healthy during exercise. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit us online at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.  

Friday, June 21, 2013

Barefoot Running & Shin Splints


Photo by: Sura Nualpradid, freedigitalphotos.net
Whether you are a regular barefoot runner or a contemplating future participant to this very popular trend, it is important to be educated on how this style of running could affect your foot health. Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY has treated many runners over the years with a variety of foot and ankle problems. A very painful but common problem runners often face is shin splints.

Shin splints are associated with pain alongside your shinbone, or tibia. This is the large bone in the front of your lower leg. Injury can occur in this part of the leg with too much stress, overtraining and poor footwear. For a runner, the repetitive impact on hard surfaces can cause stress on the tibia and result in swelling, pain and tenderness.

While there has been much controversy about the safety and effectiveness of barefoot running, there are supporters who claim that regular running shoes are the problem. Certain studies have shown that the extra support in running shoes alters the way our feet should strike the ground and causes our heels to absorb the bulk of the force. This, in turn, can cause injury over time such as shin splints.

Going barefoot causes a runner to land on the balls of the feet instead of the heel, which allows the calf muscle and Achilles tendon to take the bulk of the stress rather than the shin. There are many things to consider, however, before jumping into barefoot running. Without the proper knowledge and training, this activity can lead to serious injury. There are certain foot structures and deformities that may prevent a runner from safely running barefoot.

If you are interested in barefoot running, we suggest coming in to see Dr. Pandya beforehand. He can evaluate the health and structure of your feet, identify any potential problems and offer his expert advice. Call our podiatric office today at (518) 273-0053 or visit us online at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Down on Dry Feet?




Have you ever wondered what is causing your dry feet?

Having dry feet is more often an annoyance than anything, but they can get to the point of being unsightly and painful. Dry skin is just one of the many foot conditions that foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya treats at his Troy, NY podiatric office. Some patients need minor care while others have cracked heels and are prone to serious complications.

The skin on your feet has no oil glands making it naturally dry. It’s the sweat from your feet that helps keep the skin soft and moisturized. Dry skin can occur from a variety of causes and be mild to severe. Some of the common factors that can lead to dry skin include:


·         Aging
·         Low humidity level in your house or at work
·         Cold weather
·         Harsh soaps that dry out skin
·         Smoking and excessive alcohol use
·         Frequent bathing in very hot water
·         Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
·         Medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism


There are many ways to help your dry feet at home with some extra attention to your foot care and lifestyle changes. If your skin ever gets to the point of cracking and becomes painful, please come and see Dr. Pandya for help. He can help diagnose the underlying reason for your excessive dry feet and provide treatment before an infection sets in. This is especially important if you have diabetes or a condition that affects your circulation as an infection in a small crack in the skin could lead to serious complications.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and get your feet looking healthy and beautiful again. Call (518) 273-0053 or request an appointment online at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Learn more about keeping your feet healthy by ordering Dr. Pandya’s book, Tiptoe Your Way to Happy Feet.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Running Gear to Help You Stay Cool





Summer is fast approaching and as the weather warms up, running can become difficult. Our body temperature rises when we run which can make a hot day that much warmer. When the temperatures rise, you don’t have to resign to running on the treadmill in the air-conditioned gym or your basement. The right gear will help you stay cool outside during your workout.

To stay cool, upgrade your running wardrobe

The old t-shirt of your favorite 80s band is not going to cut it during a run on a hot day. You want to find the lightest, moisture-wicking and most breathable option in a good sports store. Women, start with a supportive sports bra made of moisture-wicking material with mesh areas designed for ventilation. Wear a lightweight, sleeveless tank over top if you want to be covered up. Men, look for a lightweight singlet, or tank top with stitch-free seams for comfort. For both men and women, wear short shorts with mesh vents for comfort and breathability.

There are materials today with cooling technology built into the fabric. Remember that dark colors are going to absorb the sun’s rays and raise your body temperature while running. Loose clothes will also provide better ventilation. Just because you are covered also doesn’t mean your skin isn’t exposed. Be safe and wear clothes with SPF in the fabric.

Sweaty feet that slip and slide around in your shoes are no fun either. Don’t forget about your feet. Wear proper socks made of a moisture-wicking material and choose a lightweight, cushioned shoe with mesh sides for ventilation.

Dr. Tejas Pandya is a foot specialist in Troy, NY with years of experience helping athletes stay on course. If you are a runner slowed down with foot pain, call our podiatric office today for diagnosis and treatment. We can get you back on track in no time! Call (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.