Do You Overpronate? Check Your Shoes!

If you are a dedicated runner, you may very well be educated on overpronation. For the average person though, this common foot problem is often unheard of but may be the cause for present foot pain.

How do I know if I overpronate?

When patients come into our office at Capital District Podiatry, one of the tools we use when diagnosing foot pain is to look at their shoes. Noting where shoes get worn down can offer clues to why there may be foot pain or help in preventing problems from occurring in the future.

Overpronation happens when your foot rolls inward at each strike on the ground while walking. If this is occurring, your shoes will often show more wear on the inner side than the outer. If you were to put your shoes on a flat surface, they may even tilt inward. Many people have this common foot problem and don’t even realize it. This condition is very prominent in people with fallen arches, or flat feet.

What should I do?

If a quick diagnostic inquiry shows that this is happening and you have no foot pain or problems, it may be of benefit to make a few changes. Choosing shoes with a straighter sole and designed for stability and motion control will best support a foot that overpronates.

This abnormal leaning inward of the foot and ankle could pose a problem over time as the structure of the foot can become compromised. Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and metatarsalgia are common problems associated with this foot condition. If you have foot pain, it is best to seek an accurate diagnosis so your feet get the treatment they deserve. We find that our patients often benefit greatly from using a pair of custom orthotic inserts in their shoes.

We are available to help in any way that we can – call Dr. Tejas Pandya today if you are concerned about an overpronation problem. We have two convenient locations to serve you in Troy and Clifton Park, NY. Call us at (518) 273-0053 to get help today!

Diabetic Foot Pain

 There are many things to manage when living with diabetes. You have to be careful of what you eat and you need to monitor blood glucose levels meticulously. One problem that can arise from having diabetes that can seriously impact a diabetic’s quality of life involves feet.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, a foot specialist in New York, treats patients with diabetes on a weekly basis. High blood glucose levels can result in nerve damage in the feet, which is called neuropathy. Neuropathy can be painful as it causes numbness, tingling and burning, or shooting pain in the feet. It also causes a loss of sensation, which can make a person very vulnerable to serious injury.

High levels of glucose affect circulation in the legs and feet as well. Pain can result, as tissues in the feet are not properly nourished with blood and oxygen. Veins can become swollen, joints can stiffen and feet can turn cold and sensitive. The combination of poor circulation and neuropathy can cause a change in gait, or the way a person with diabetes walks. An abnormal walking pattern will put stress on different areas of the feet, which can lead to foot pain. Poor circulation also affects the functioning of the oil glands in feet. This can lead to dry, cracking skin that can be very painful to the touch and to walk on.

If you have diabetes, it is important to look at and listen to your feet. If you notice a small sore or injury or have foot pain, please contact our office as soon as possible. Dr. Tejas Pandya can stop a small injury from turning into a serious complication or identify potential problems to watch out for. Call Capital District Podiatry at (518) 273-0053 and make an appointment today.

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.

Manage Your Arthritis with the Food You Eat!

Arthritis affects 50 million adults and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Arthritis can destroy bones, joints, cartilage and muscles and is a disease for which there is no cure. It doesn’t just affect older people either. There are around 300,000 children with the disease as well. 

Foot specialist Dr. Tejas Pandya, has treated many patients who have arthritis and are living with the complications associated with having the disease. Gout is a painful type of arthritis that can attack the big toe joint. Physical limitations often hinder efforts to stay fit and healthy. Trying to manage a heart condition or obesity can be difficult due to the effects of arthritis, but controlling what you eat is one way to improve the symptoms of arthritis.

Studies show that there are certain foods that can trigger, relieve, or prevent pain altogether. If you suffer with episodes of gout, the chemicals in alcohol can trigger an attack as they stimulate the production of uric acid. Foods rich in purines can also worsen the symptoms of gout. The food additive MSG, wheat and nightshade vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes and eggplant can each trigger joint pain as well.

There are some foods known to be helpful for the pain associated with arthritis. To help with pain and inflammation, choose foods made with whole grains and with omega-3 fatty acids. These would include whole oats, brown rice, popcorn, flaxseed, walnuts, tuna and salmon. Fruits and vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, squash, grapes, kiwi and berries are high in antioxidants and also help with pain and inflammation.

If arthritis in your feet or ankles is diminishing your quality of life, let us help. We can provide the treatment you need to get back into the activities that you love. Make an appointment with our Troy, NY podiatric office today. Call (518) 273-0053 or visit us online www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Plantar Fasciitis

Do you have pain running across the bottom of your foot?

Anyone who has stepped out of bed in the morning and felt a surge of pain in their foot knows the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a tough band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It stretches from your toes and inserts into your heel bone. Plantar fasciitis develops when this band of tissue gets inflamed is one of the most common causes of heel pain.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY treats patients on a regular basis who are afflicted with plantar fasciitis. Stabbing pain, pain in the morning or that develops gradually over the course of the day are common complaints.

Am I at risk for developing plantar fasciitis?

Knowing if you are at risk is the first step in implementing ways to prevent this painful condition. Plantar fasciitis often occurs in people over 40 yrs of age and is more likely in women or people involved in activities that put a great amount of stress on feet. Wearing poor shoes, having a job that keeps you on your feet, being obese and having flat feet or high arches are all risk factors for plantar fasciitis.

What can be done to alleviate the pain from plantar fasciitis?

The good news is that we can help! Dr. Pandya can provide a number of treatment options including: physical therapy, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications and stretching exercises. Our Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) can help even more advanced situations.

Don’t live one more day with foot pain. Call our podiatric office today to make an appointment at (518) 273-0053 or request a convenient time online.

Where to Start on Getting in Shape for Summer

Spring is here – Summer is coming!

What does the thought of warm summer weather bring to mind? Lazy days, family fun and beach vacations may be at the top of your list. For many, the thought of summer brings up the need to get in shape!

Summer is a time to be active and if the winter doldrums have had you cooped inside living a sedentary lifestyle, it may be time to kick things into gear. But where does one start? The experts at www.livestrong.com have been helping beginners and pros alike in getting and staying fit and healthy.

One of the first things to do is take a true assessment of your habits. Old habits die hard and it may take some new goals and scheduling to turn things around. Start small and evaluate the best ways to ensure you are eating a well-balanced diet. You need food for the energy you are going to burn working out but it needs to be the right food. There are many online tools that will give you a quick refresher course on how you can change your diet in a way that suits you and your lifestyle.

Second, team up your new diet plan with a well-rounded exercise plan. Find some activities you love to do and strive for 60-90 minutes of aerobic exercise every single day. You may need to get creative if you lead a busy life but regular exercise is going to help you burn calories, release stress and build up your cardiovascular health just to name a few of the benefits!

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY needs to be part of your team as well. Nothing will be more frustrating in your endeavors than foot or ankle pain. Catch problems before they arise and get help finding the best athletic footwear for your feet. Make an appointment today so we can help you stay on track! Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Tingling Feet

Are Pins and Needles in Your Feet Bothering You?

Experiencing tingling in feet is a common sensation and there are several reasons why it may be happening. Understanding what may be going on is important because although fairly common, the underlying reason could be cause for concern.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot and ankle specialist in Troy and Clifton Park, NY finds those who complain of tingling in their feet are most often his patients with diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, which often accompanies diabetes, often leaves feet with a loss of feeling and tingling. The pins and needles feeling can be intermittent or last for long periods of time depending on the underlying cause. Other reasons your feet may be tingling are:

• Alcoholism

• Poor circulation 

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Hypothyroidism

• HIV

• Multiple sclerosis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• A compressed nerve in your lower back

• Tight shoes

• Bone spur that pinches a nerve

• Side effect of medication

• Trauma or injury to a nerve

The treatment for your tingling feet will ultimately depend on what the underlying cause is. If you need treatment for tingling feet, take some notes before you call Dr. Pandya. Try to decipher when triggers it, how long it lasts and if you are able to find anything that helps relieve your symptoms. This will help Dr. Pandya do a thorough exam to get a complete diagnosis of your symptoms and set up a successful treatment plan.

Please do not ignore tingling feet. They could be a sign of something much more serious going on. Identifying problems and beginning treatment early can make a huge difference in your health long term. Contact our podiatric office to make an appointment with Dr. Pandya. Call (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com for more information.

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Best Ways to Care for Your Feet After Exercise

If you are active on a regular basis, you may not be able to escape the aches and pains that often accompany your body being put to the test. Due to the stresses involved in most sports and exercise activity, feet often take the brunt of the impact and can leave you limping.

Do you have tired, sore and achy feet after exercise?

There could be several reasons for having sore feet after exercise but let’s start with some easy ways you can care for your feet. Dr. Tejas Pandya, a foot specialist in Troy, NY treats athletes and sports enthusiasts on a regular basis and consistently encourages them to treat their feet well to stay in the game. Prevention can keep injuries away!

Here are some easy but worthy tips for caring for your feet after exercising:

• Get off of your feet and rest. Simply bearing the weight of your body can make feet tired and sore even without the extra impact during exercise.

• Put your feet up. Sore feet are often accompanied by swelling and elevating your feet after exercise will help to reduce any swelling that may occur. Take off your shoes and socks as well.

• Ease soreness with ice. Grab an ice pack or bag of frozen peas and put it on your foot to ease discomfort and help reduce any swelling.

• Relax in a footbath. A footbath with warm water or cold water can relax muscles or help with soreness. Adding some oils or Epsom salts can soothe feet as well. Just a note, if you have diabetes, it is advised to stay away from warm footbaths altogether.

It is normal for your feet to need time to adjust to a new workout routine or exercise activity but any lingering pain should never be ignored. A small problem could turn much more serious without proper treatment. For treatment or other foot health information, call our podiatric office today for an appointment. You can reach Dr. Pandya at (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Do Flatfeet Affect Running?

The average runner takes 200 steps a minute. You may be too focused on your breathing or making it through a run to even count how many steps you take. Each stride you take while running can put a lot of stress and shock on your feet, ankles, shins and knees. If you have flatfeet, the stress on your feet can be multiplied.

Are flatfeet causing you pain while you run?

Flatfeet are when you do not have an arch on the bottom of your foot. If you stood up on the floor, the entire sole of your foot would touch the ground. Having flatfeet affects the structure of your foot and causes your feet to behave differently than someone who would have an arch.

Flatfeet often cause your feet to roll inward when they strike the ground. This is called overpronation and could be what is causing the discomfort while you run. It changes the normal biomechanics of your foot, which increases the stress on your foot. When your foot rolls inward too severely, the weight of your body is not distributed properly, Normally, it would be distributed evenly to the ball of your foot whereas with overpronation, the inside of your foot takes the brunt of the force.

Unfortunately, the overpronation from flatfeet can also lead to other problems such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints and Achilles tendonitis.

If you need help with alleviating the pain from flatfeet or if you are curious about whether you overpronate or not, contact our Troy, NY podiatric office for help. Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya can examine your feet, diagnose any cause of pain and find any potential problems that could arise in your future. Call (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Pregnancy and Feet

Pregnancy could be described using the words of Winnie the Pooh, “A grand adventure is about to begin.” For many pregnant women though, the grand adventure can include some not so fun parts of the journey. One bump along the road is dealing with problems with your feet and ankles.

I am pregnant, what will happen to my feet?

Unfortunately, your feet may not be exempt from the stresses that come along with being pregnant. The natural weight gain during pregnancy can lead to foot, ankle and leg problems. It can make existing problems worse and cause pain and inflammation. While you are pregnant, hormones are released that help loosen ligaments but this can also lead to foot strain.

The last thing you need to be worrying about when pregnant is foot pain, so here are some common problems and what you can do to help each situation:

Flat feet – The hormones that help relax ligaments for birth can also lead to fallen arches. The extra weight adds stress on your arches and your feet may even increase a half or whole size. Wear supportive shoes and try to avoid walking barefoot or standing for long periods of time. Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya can also provide custom orthotics to give extra support for your feet.

Ankle swelling – Hormonal changes and your body retaining more fluid during pregnancy can lead to swelling of your feet, ankles and legs. Avoid long periods of standing, drink plenty of fluids, wear compression stockings and elevate your legs when you can.

You don’t have to allow foot pain to complicate your pregnancy. Contact our podiatric offices in Troy or Clifton Park, NY for diagnosis and treatment of your foot pain and let Dr. Pandya help you back in your adventure pain free! Call (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Corns on Your Feet?

Let’s get real. Feet are not a favorite subject to talk about and most of the time they are not paid much attention until they hurt. Do you agree? At our podiatric offices, we see many foot conditions on a daily basis and corns are a very common problem treated by foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya. They can be irritating and painful but the good news is that you don’t have to live with them!

What exactly is a corn?

Corns are actually calluses that form, usually on the tops of your toes. When your toes rub against the inside of your shoes, the surface of your skin thickens into a small callus to protect itself from the friction.

Wearing shoes that do not fit properly or that squish your toes such as with high heels most commonly cause corns. Conditions such as hammertoe or claw toe also cause corns since toes are deformed and bent which puts pressure on them when wearing shoes.

Do you need to treat a corn?

The answer is yes and no. If you are healthy and your corn is not painful or bothering you, then it will usually go away if you remove what was causing friction in the first place. Dr. Pandya often recommends the use of foam pads to protect the corn or soaking it regularly and using a pumice stone to reduce the size of it.

If your corns are being persistent and painful or if you have a secondary condition such as diabetes, please contact our office for help. Your foot health needs to be a priority and a small callus could lead to more serious complications. Call our office in Troy, NY or Clifton Park, NY for an appointment at (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Surgery for Bunions – The Bunionectomy

Some people suffer for a long time with their bunion problem due to fear of surgery or misinformed rumors from other people’s experiences. Bunions can typically be treated without surgery but when more conservative measures fail to help the problem and alleviate symptoms, surgical intervention is often necessary.

The goal of bunion surgery, called a bunionectomy, is to relieve your pain and correct as much of the foot deformity as possible. With bunions being such a progressive bone deformity, Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY has helped many patients over the years through surgery.

There are actually two types of bunion removal surgery. The first type, called a head procedure, treats the big toe joint. The bone is cut, moved and fixed in place with a screw. A base procedure deals with the bone near or behind the toe joint and can involve different kinds of cuts and movements of the bone. Ligaments may also be treated in this type of procedure.

The degree of bunion deformity will dictate what type of surgery is best. Dr. Pandya will be able to do a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide all of the necessary pre and postoperative information. Each case is different so recovery time varies as well. When patients strictly follow proper postoperative guidelines, recovery goes much smoother and quicker. Dr. Pandya follows his patients from beginning to end in the case of a bunion surgery. Once healing has taken place, exercises and physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen and feet and improve range of motion.

If you are done with foot pain and ready for a bunionectomy, trust your feet in the capable hands of Dr. Pandya. Contact our podiatric office today to make an appointment at (518) 273-0053 or find more information at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Extra Weight Can Affect Your Feet

Your feet are the foundation for your body and they often take a beating! On average, feet take 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day and just walking puts the pressure of one and a half times your body weight on your feet. It is even more when running and if you are overweight, your feet are under some serious strain.

The American Podiatric Medical Association warns that our feet are the most vulnerable part of our body for injury. Being overweight increases the risk for injury even further. Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot and ankle specialist in Troy, NY encourages patients if they are gearing up to lose some weight, to keep feet as an important reason to do so.

How can weight hurt your feet?

Adding weights to a workout routine can help build and strengthen muscle but added weight can be detrimental to feet. Muscles, tendons and ligaments can become stretched and weaker. There are many ways that extra weight affects foot and ankle health. Arches can collapse and feet can flatten from the pressure of added weight. This can cause the plantar fascia to be strained. This tendon runs from your heel to your toes and the strain can result in plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

Tendonitis, ankle pain, arthritis and gout are additional foot conditions seen at Dr. Pandya’s podiatric office with patients who are overweight.

What can be done?

For the majority, weight loss is not solved overnight. If you are in the process of losing weight, you can help keep your feet healthy and pain free by selecting supportive footwear. If you have a pronation problem where your ankles lean inward, it can be more severe when overweight. Custom orthotics made for your foot structure can help support your feet and keep them better aligned.

If you have foot or ankle pain due to being overweight, see Dr. Pandya for treatment. Call us today at ((518) 273-0053 or visit our website at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Gout: An Unwanted Gift During the Holidays

It is a terrible way to end a great day. After a holiday feast with friends and family, you find yourself suddenly awake in the middle of the night with excruciating pain in your feet. The visitor? Gout.

The basics.

Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid in your body builds up and causes joints to become inflamed. The big toe, knee and ankle joints are commonly affected. Warmth, redness and throbbing pain will arise and the affected joint will be extremely sensitive to any kind of pressure. There are acute and chronic cases of gout as well. Some may have one attack and be safe from another. Others can have further attacks that take even longer to resolve.

Can I take measures to avoid this problem?

The answer is “Maybe.” Gout can run in families so you may be predisposed and unable to escape an attack at some point. It is more common in men and typically affects women after menopause. People with diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, anemia and leukemia are at a higher risk of experiencing this condition.

Diet is definitely an important factor in regards to prevention. Since the holidays typically offer a buffet of foods, it is important to remind you of the triggers for gout, especially if you suffer with a lack of self-control when it comes to holiday food! Foods rich in purines should be avoided. Sardines, oils, liver, peas, gravies, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus and cauliflower are just a few examples. If you aren’t the cook, ask the host if any of these are in the foods being offered.

Alcohol is another trigger to be aware of. Many holiday parties are flowing with alcoholic beverages but overindulgence in alcohol affects how your body is able to eliminate uric acid. Beer in particular has been found to trigger a gout attack. One or two small servings should be safe but if having an attack, alcohol should be completely avoided.

Dr. Tejas Pandya has helped many patients in the Clifton Park and Troy areas of New York. He can suggest appropriate anti-inflammatory medications, cooling lotions and custom made shoes that can help alleviate symptoms. Visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com for further information.

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3 Easy Steps to Improving Your Flexibility

It is important to keep your muscles loose and your body flexible in order to maintain your health. Increasing your flexibility can help lower your risk for developing an injury.

Follow these helpful steps to improve your flexibility and the health of your feet and ankles:

• Stretch throughout the day. You should stretch when you wake up in the morning, midday, before and after any instances of physical activity, and prior to tucking yourself in at night. Remember to stretch your entire body, including your smaller limbs like your feet, ankles and toes.

• Be conscious of your posture. Good posture is extremely important in preventing aches and pains throughout your entire body. Remember to maintain good posture throughout the day whether you are sitting or standing. Maintaining proper posture can keep your muscles from tightening and help improve flexibility.

• Add a little yoga. Yoga is a workout because it combines stretching and specific exercises that will help to improve your balance, flexibility and endurance. Yoga can even help to reduce your stress. You should conduct a yoga routine at least a couple times every week.

Increasing the flexibility of your muscles can help to increase your range of motion and improve your physical abilities. In order to promote your best physical performance and maintain the health of your entire body follow our helpful guidelines.

If you develop a foot or ankle related injury contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exbeginners/a/begflexibility.htm

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Simple Shoe Tricks for Healthy Feet

Maintaining your health can be a tricky job. Your feet need care and attention just like the rest of your body. Footwear is made specifically to protect the health of your feet, but your shoes can’t do all the work - they need your help!

Follow these simple tips to helping your shoes protect your feet, ankles and all 10 toes:

• Get the right fit. The most important aspect of your shoes is the fit. Shoes need to fit correctly to the length, width and height of your feet. Your footwear should big long enough that your toes have about a thumb’s width before the end of your shoe, but not so big that your heel slides out the back. Shoes should also be wide enough that you have room to wiggle your toes and tall enough that they do not press down on your toes.

• Be specific to your exercise. Your shoes should be specific to your activities. If you are involved in different sports you need different shoes for each exercise. Physical activities put pressure on your feet, and soccer will affect your feet differently than running, yoga or football. Therefore each sport or exercise will require specific protection from your footwear so you will need different shoes for each of your activities.

• Alternate between shoes. While you should alternate different shoes for each of your exercises, you should also alternate your daily walking shoes. Your shoes need their days off just like you. This will not only help your shoes last longer, but also maintains the health of your feet.

• Cushion your feet. While your shoes should provide you an appropriate amount of cushioning, you should always pair your footwear with a comfortable pair of socks. Socks give your feet greater cushioning and reduce irritation between your feet and your shoes. This will help prevent painful ailments like blisters.

• Add an orthotic. Purchasing custom molded orthotics can be one of the best investments you will ever make. An orthotic adds support, comfort and cushioning to your footwear. It can relieve pain and reduce your risk for an injury.

Taking proper care of your feet can be a big job, but making foot care a part of your regular routine can help you prevent foot ailments throughout your lifetime. If you are experiencing pain in your feet or would like to come in for a check-up and proper foot examination contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20120912/LIFESTYLE/309120007/Tips-happy-feet?odyssey=nav%7Chead&nclick_check=1
http://runnersfeed.com/rotate-your-running-shoes/

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A Football Players Nightmare - the Terror of Turf Toe!

The school year is in full swing and it’s finally time for those boys of fall to return to the Friday night lights. Football can be a great way to stay active and build sportsmanship, but players should remember that they are always at high risk for an injury while out on the field. Football remains the number one sport for injuries, actually resulting in more injuries annually than the world’s most popular sports combined.

One of the most common injuries among football is turf toe. It is named due to its correlation with football. Turf toe is an injury referring to a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the joint of your big toe. Turf toe occurs when your big toe becomes jammed or you excessively push off from your big toe while running, jumping or participating in physical activity. The ligaments surrounding your big toe allow you to move up and down.

You are more likely to experience turf toe when playing on an artificial surface because turf is much harder than natural grass. Therefore your cleats are more likely to stick into an artificial surface, but it can occur on both surfaces. You can take a precautionary step by purchasing cleats that provide your feet with proper support. Stronger footwear, rather than flexible cleats, can prevent your feet from bending too far forward and putting greater pressure on your big toes.

Turf toe is associated with severe pain, swelling and limited mobility at the base of the joint of your big toe. If your injury is not treated properly, or turf toe becomes a repetitive injury, your condition may become serious and require surgical correction. If you have turf toe you will want to give your foot proper rest and time away from the football field. You should keep your injured foot elevated and apply ice in order to relieve pain and reduce swelling. The injury should be taped or wrapped by a medical professional in order to heal properly and add support.

If you experience turf toe this season contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya. Dr. Pandya will give you a proper examination and develop a treatment plan to get you back to your best health and out on the football field as soon as possible.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/turf-toe-symptoms-causes-and-treatments
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/footandankleinjuries/a/TurfToe.htm
http://www.coreperformance.com/knowledge/injury-pain/turf-toe.html

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8 Easy Steps to Preventing Overuse Injuries

Staying active is important in maintaining a healthy weight, building strong bones, muscles, and joints, and keeping your ligaments limber. Too much of a good thing can be bad - even when it comes to exercise. There are more than five-million sports related injuries happening every year. With that, almost half of all sports injuries are because of overuse.

In order to prevent overuse injuries, please follow our helpful tips:

• Create warm-up and cool-down routines. Stretching out your muscles and tendons keeps them strong and prevents stiffening, which can easily result in an injury. Create a 10-15 minute warm up routine and with the same routine to cool you down and relax your body.

• Know the correct techniques. Every sport and exercise comes with its own physical demands, but knowing the right techniques can protect your body from injuries. If you are unaware of the proper techniques, ask a coach or trainer for a proper evaluation and lesson.

• Do not over train. Of course, practice makes perfect, but too much training can take you out of the game. It’s important to train for all aspects of the game, so don’t focus on one specific area. Remember to give yourself a break and of course have days to rest.

• Get a physical. Before sports season begins, you should receive a proper physical. It’s important to determine that you are in good health before you begin extensive training. Contact our office to schedule a foot and ankle examination before you begin your training routine.

• Increase your workout routine gradually. When you sign up for a sport it’s typical to jump right into intense practices every day, but this can be dangerous. Ease into physical activity and increase your time on a weekly basis.

• Vary your sports. Sticking to one sport can easily lead to overuse injuries. If you vary your sporting activity, it provides different motions so your feet and ankles are not forced into the same positions year round.

• Give it a rest. Staying physical is important to your overall health, but so is allowing your body time to rest. If you are active in sports, you should give yourself time to rest after every season. Playing year round is an easy way to gain an overuse injury.

• Treat your injuries. If you do experience an injury, don’t think that playing through the pain makes you a better and more dedicated player. Playing through an injury is dangerous to your health, and the health of your body should always come before the game.

You can reduce your risk for an overuse injury by following our helpful tips. Overuse injuries, like all injuries, should be taken seriously and treated immediately. If you don’t treat overuse injuries in a timely matter, they can result in permanent damage. If you develop an overuse injury, contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120421-OPINION-204210304

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