Common running injuries such as Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures can sideline runners and hinder training progress. Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse, improper footwear, or inadequate stretching. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, typically arises from excessive running, poor foot mechanics, or inadequate support. Stress fractures, tiny cracks in bones resulting from repetitive impact, often occur in the feet or lower legs due to sudden increases in training intensity or duration. To prevent these injuries, runners should gradually increase mileage, wear appropriate footwear, incorporate strength and flexibility exercises, and listen to their bodies for signs of overtraining. A podiatrist can provide valuable assistance by assessing foot biomechanics and recommending proper footwear or orthotics. Additionally, these types of doctors can prescribe tailored rehabilitation exercises, and offer guidance on training modifications to prevent recurrence and promote optimal foot health for runners. If you have sustained an injury while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet in response to pressure or friction. They typically form on the toes or soles of the feet and can be caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear, repetitive motion, or abnormalities in foot structure. Symptoms of corns include pain, tenderness, and the presence of a raised, hardened bump on the skin's surface. Prevention strategies include wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective padding or inserts, and practicing good foot hygiene. Podiatric treatment for corns may involve debridement to remove the thickened skin, trimming to reduce pressure, and recommending cushioning products or custom orthotic devices to redistribute weight and alleviate discomfort. In some cases, addressing underlying foot deformities or gait abnormalities may be necessary to prevent recurrence. If you have a corn on your foot and it is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for care.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones making up the ankle joint break. This injury often happens due to trauma, such as twisting the ankle during a fall, sports injury, or car accident. Symptoms of a broken ankle include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and deformity of the ankle joint. Early intervention by a podiatrist is essential to properly diagnose and treat the fracture. Treatment typically involves immobilization of the ankle with a cast or brace to allow the bones to heal properly. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones or stabilize the fracture with hardware. While recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury, rehabilitation is often recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the ankle joint. If you have sustained an ankle fracture, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment and rehabilitation, for the best possible outcome with minimal complications.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens, leading to compression and irritation. High-heeled shoes, tight footwear, repetitive stress, and foot deformities can contribute to its development. Conservative approaches include wearing supportive shoes, using custom-made orthotic inserts, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may provide relief by reducing inflammation and pain. However, if conservative methods fail, surgical removal of the neuroma may be necessary. The outlook for Morton's neuroma is generally positive with appropriate treatment, although recovery times may vary. Prevention strategies involve wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate toe room, maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the feet, and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the forefoot. If you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Maintaining balance and stability is essential for daily activities and overall well-being. Incorporating specific foot stretches into your routine can help strengthen muscles, improve proprioception, and enhance stability. One effective exercise is toe-tapping, where you alternate tapping your toes on the ground while keeping your heels stationary. This movement engages the muscles in your feet and ankles, promoting better balance. Another beneficial exercise is heel-to-toe walking, also known as tandem walking, where you walk in a straight line placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the opposite foot. This exercise challenges your balance and awareness of your body movement, helping to improve coordination and stability. Practicing single-leg balance exercises, such as standing on one foot for increasing durations, can further enhance stability. By incorporating these foot exercises into your daily routine, you can strengthen your foundation, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls and injuries, ultimately supporting your overall health and mobility. If you are seeking additional foot stretches to perform, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are looking for.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.