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Foot Pain in Runners and How to Find Relief

Foot pain is common in runners and can affect performance and daily comfort. Frequent causes include plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain from irritation of the plantar fascia, and metatarsalgia, a condition that leads to aching or burning in the ball of the foot. Injury stress fractures may also develop from repetitive impact and overuse. Simple stretches, such as the seated towel stretch, can help improve flexibility in the arch and calf, reducing strain during runs. A podiatrist can identify the source of pain, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and guide treatments that promote healthy movement. If foot pain is interrupting your training, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can restore comfort and prevent further injury with effective treatment solutions.

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 Chuc Dang, DPM of California . 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 Westminster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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What Causes Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels occur when the skin on the back of the heel becomes dry, thick, and unable to stretch properly, leading to splits that can be shallow or deep enough to cause bleeding and pain. This condition often develops from exposure to cold weather, vitamin deficiencies, or underlying health issues such as diabetes. When the skin loses moisture and flexibility, pressure from standing or walking can worsen the cracks. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition, remove thickened skin safely, recommend moisturizing routines, and address any medical causes. If cracked heels are causing discomfort or are slow to heal, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief techniques and prevention tips.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

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Do I Need Walking or Running Shoes?

Selecting proper footwear is essential because running places greater strain on the body than walking, making the right support critical for comfort and injury prevention. Walking shoes are designed for steady forward motion and usually offer flexible soles and cushioning for the heel and arch. Running shoes provide more shock absorption, stronger heel support, and added stability to handle the higher impact forces with each stride. Both types should fit well, offer good traction, and match your foot shape and activity level. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, foot structure, and any pain concerns to recommend the best footwear for your needs. If you have sustained a foot injury from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your desired activity.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

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Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Falls and How to Prevent Them

Slips, trips and falls are common accidents that happen when there is not enough friction between footwear and the surface, or when unexpected obstacles interfere with safe movement. Obstructions on the floor, poor lighting, and limited attention to surroundings can all increase the risk. Preventing these accidents begins with simple habits such as cleaning spills right away, keeping walkways clear, using handrails on stairs, and wearing shoes that provide extra traction. Wearing supportive footwear can greatly reduce instability and improve balance. A podiatrist can identify foot conditions that contribute to unsteady gait, recommend proper footwear, and create a plan to reduce your fall risk. If you have foot or ankle pain from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

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