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.

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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Dealing With Diabetic Neuropathy

It is estimated that around 15.7 million people in the U.S have diabetes. This is a staggering number making it that much more important to provide the necessary education about staying safe and healthy.

Feet are not usually something most people pay any attention to. That is, unless they are in pain, injured or you have diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a major complication of having diabetes and results in feet needing to be monitored closely.

Why do you need to be so careful with diabetic neuropathy? 

Neuropathy causes a loss of feeling in your feet. Nerves become damaged and impair your ability to feel heat, cold or pain. This means you may not feel the heat of sand or a sidewalk and burn your feet or sustain a blister from your shoes and not even realize it. A small cut from stepping on a rock while barefoot can go completely unnoticed due to neuropathy.

There is a lack of good circulation in your feet when you have diabetes so any of the injuries mentioned above can turn into serious problems. Wounds take longer to heal and even minor injuries can turn into ulcers. A lack of diligent foot care or leaving these types of injuries could ultimately lead to amputation.

It may sound alarming but Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy and Clifton Park, NY treats patients with diabetes on a regular basis dealing with the effects of neuropathy. It is imperative if you have diabetes, to follow good foot care habits and make an appointment as soon as you notice anything on your feet. Contact our podiatric office today if you need help or treatment. Call (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Foot Odor

Are you suffering from an embarrassing case of stinky feet? It is a common foot problem so no fear, you are not alone! Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY treats patients on a regular basis who are tired of dealing with their foot odor problem. The good news is that once you discover what may be causing it, there are many treatment options out there to get it under control.

If you have a foot odor problem, there are many reasons for why it may be there in the first place. Common reasons for foot odor include the type of footwear you are wearing on a daily basis and having feet that tend to sweat

Bacteria love to live and thrive in dark, moist areas and your shoes are prime real estate. When it meets with the perspiration of the feet, the result can be odor that is not only uncomfortable but can be embarrassing as well. Hyperhidrosis is an inherited condition that involves excessive sweating. Other factors that influence sweating include medications, fluid intake, stress and hormonal changes.

Now that you have been educated a bit, you are probably wondering what you can do to help your smelly feet, right? Dr. Pandya encourages patients to follow some simple tips:

    •    Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and water.
    •    Always wear socks in shoes and avoid shoes made of plastic.
    •    Take care of any fungal infections promptly and thoroughly.
    •    Rotate your shoes each day and wear thick socks that draw moisture away from your feet.

If these steps do not improve your condition, we are here to help! Make an appointment with Dr. Pandya by calling our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Dealing with Dry Skin?

Did you know that your skin is actually your body’s largest organ? It is made up of three layers and serves to protect and regulate temperature. There are a lot of factors that can make skin change from soft and supple to dry and cracked. When dry skin occurs on the feet, it can not only be unsightly but become painful as well.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY treats many patients with dry feet. There are several factors that can cause dry feet, some of which you may not be aware of:

• Psoriasis
• Vitamin deficiency
• Age 
• Diabetes 
• Excess weight
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease

To help dry skin, there are a few tips that will make a difference. First off, drink plenty of water.  After bathing or showering when skin is soft, remove build up of dry skin with a pumice stone. Then apply a lotion rich in emollients but avoid between your toes as this increases the risk for fungal infections.

If following these tips doesn’t help to improve your dry skin after several days, it would be advised to make an appointment with Dr. Pandya. Something else may be the underlying cause and since dry, cracking skin can be a small sign of something more serious such as diabetes, it is important to get it treated. Make an appointment with Dr. Pandya and keep your foot health a priority. Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit us online at 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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The A, B, C’s of Children’s Foot Care

Taking care of your body when you are young often pays off in many ways as you get older. Wearing sunscreen and limiting exposure keeps your skin youthful and lessens risks of skin cancer. Avoiding smoking keeps lungs clear and healthy and eating well maintains healthy weight and provides the necessary nutrients your body needs.

The same is true for foot health and it often starts in childhood. Since children aren’t always aware, it is important for parents to know how to keep their children’s feet healthy and help them avoid problems later in life.

Walking on toes or having feet turned in (in-toeing) are common in children but if these symptoms persist, it is important to seek treatment. Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY has treated many children and often something as simple as orthotics can help correct these problems. 

The growth plates in children’s bones actually don’t finish closing until between the ages of 13-17. Because of this, children’s feet are more at risk for injury if there is too much stress put on them. Dr. Pandya advises parents to closely monitor their children’s feet if they are in sports and to limit how many sports are played at one time. Children may not complain of pain if they are really competitive and others may mention the slightest of symptoms. In either case, take note of your children’s activities and seek treatment as soon as anything is noticed.

A couple other important tips are to make sure your children are clipping toenails in a way to avoid ingrown toenails and help them choose good footwear. Their feet are constantly growing so check their foot size often and provide them with supportive shoes for school and for sport.

Contact Dr. Pandya at Capital District Podiatry if your child has any foot needs. Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit our website at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com to schedule an appointment.

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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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Is Running in the Cold Safe for Feet?

Are you a die-hard runner? Rain or shine, sun or moon, alone or with friends – none of these matter for many serious runners. As long as feet are hitting the pavement, trail or track many runners stick with their routines without concern. What about running in the dead of winter though? When the skies are darker and the roads are icy and wet? Even for the experienced, running in the winter does come with risks, especially when it comes to feet.

Preparation is key!

Nothing is more miserable for a runner than to be trudging along with cold, wet feet in squishing socks. This can be avoided by investing in appropriate gear for your feet. Set your feet up for success in waterproof running shoes. Choose shoes with little or no mesh. Brooks offers a collection of running shoes made with Gore-Tex® that keep feet dry and comfortable.

Avoid cotton socks and choose brands that help wick away wetness. SmartWool is a favorite among outdoor athletes. It is suggested that winter runners layer a thicker sock over a wicking pair for extra warmth. This might require shoes to be a half-size larger. Some runners put their stocking feet into little plastic baggies before putting running shoes on – whatever it takes to keep feet dry! SealSkinz is a great company that offers a huge variety of waterproof products for outdoor sports. They have socks, gloves and hats specifically for runners.

Ice puts runners at risk for falling so shoes need to have proper soles for outdoor running. Look for products such as Yaktrax that can be put on the bottom of shoes to run safely in snow and ice. Cold feet can be uncomfortable and distracting. Extreme cold also puts feet at risk for frostbite. When frostbite occurs, there is often little or no pain so runners need to be keenly aware of running conditions and the state of their feet while running.

Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya helps runners take care of their feet on a regular basis. Call him for help with any foot problems to keep feet healthy for the long run at (518) 273-0053 or visit our website at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Tips to Avoid Fungal Infections

Your feet can be easily exposed to so many forms of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Fungal infections can spread into small breakages of the skin on your feet or into your toenails. Fungal infections can cause embarrassing thickening or discoloration of your toenails and can become painful. We want to help you keep your feet healthy and looking their best, so we’ve have some helpful tips to help you avoid fungal infections.

• Look out for public places. If you are a frequent visitor to public gym or pool, you may be putting yourself at risk for fungal infections. Hot moist areas, like gyms, locker rooms, pools, and showers are the best environments for fungi to thrive. When visiting a public place, make sure to always wear some form of protective footwear to avoid fungal infections.

• Beware of nail polish. Nail polish can be a great way to make your toes look their best! Yet we feel that healthy toenails are the best looking. If you are experiencing toenails with discoloration, thickening, cracks, or decays, do not attempt to hide the imperfections with toenail polish. These unfortunate toenail irregularities could be a sign of fungal toenails. Toenail polish can lead to a more serious infection, and will make the problem worse. Treating the nail rather than covering it is healthier and much better in the long run.

• Keep your shoes to yourself! Sharing shoes or any product that comes into direct contact with your feet like socks, towels, or orthotics is an easy way to spread fungal infections. You shouldn’t share any of these items with anyone, even close friends and family.

If you do develop a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot, call our office at (518)273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

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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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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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Lower Limb Surgery

Prevention, proper care, and time for injuries to heal are all important aspects in protecting your feet and ankles. Improper care can lead to more serious injuries, which can result in surgery. That word can sound scary, but surgery is sometimes your best option in keeping your feet and ankles safe and healthy.

Dr. Tejas Pandya has broken down a few foot and ankle surgeries so that you can know the facts and understand how to prevent injuries from becoming severe. They include:

• Heel Spur Surgery: Heel spurs most commonly arise from wearing improper shoes, repetitive stress upon your feet, or as an overuse injury. Heel spurs deserve proper care, but sometimes surgery is necessary as a last resort. Heel spurs can be severely painful to the point where it may affect your daily activities, but surgery can help relieve the pain. Like with most surgeries, the heel will need time to rest and recover. During this time period you should refrain from bearing weight upon your heal in order for the tissue to heal properly.

• Bunion Surgery: Bunions refer to growths that occur on the base of your big toe. Bunions often occur due to ill-fitting shoes, and that is why it is always important to try on shoes before every purchase and never wear shoes that are too small. Most bunions are painless and can be treated without surgery, but in extreme cases it can be necessary. Surgery can help relieve pain and restore mobility in rare cases so that you can resume your typical routine. After surgery your toe should remain wrapped and you should avoid bearing weight on your foot for several days.

• Ankle Fracture Surgery: If you severely fracture your ankle to the point where the ankle joint has become displaced and unstable. Ankle fracture surgery corrects the alignment of either the medial malleolus, which is the bone located on the inside of your ankle, or the outer bone known as the fibula. Your ankle is sensitive and damage to it can lead to uneven weight distribution, the loss of mobility, and even arthritis. It is always important to treat ankle injuries immediately and allow the injury proper time to heal and rest before becoming physically active once again. You want to make sure to prevent further injury and permanent damage.

In order to reduce your risk for surgery it’s important to take precautionary methods to prevent injuries from occurring. If an injury does occur proper care and time to heal is necessary to prevent surgery. If you have suffered an injury to your foot or ankle contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.heel-that-pain.com/heel_spur/surgery/heel_spurs_surgery.php
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00140
http://www.footeducation.com/ankle-fracture-surgery

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