Items filtered by date: December 2022

Preventing running injuries requires a combination of proper warm-up, focused training, and strength-building exercises. Starting each run with a warm-up is essential to prepare the muscles and joints for the physical demands of running. Dynamic stretches such as leg swings, high knees, and lunges help improve flexibility and activate key muscle groups. Running with purpose, by focusing on technique and form, is another critical step. This involves maintaining an upright posture, engaging the core, and avoiding overstriding to reduce unnecessary strain on the body. In addition to running, strength training exercises, such as calf raises, squats, and lunges, can help build stability and endurance. Incorporating drills like strides or short sprints at the end of easy runs can also improve speed and running efficiency. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and injury prevention techniques.

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 Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that results from the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, and while it is more commonly associated with adults, it can also occur in children. This condition can lead to sudden and intense episodes of pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joints, often starting in the big toe but potentially affecting other areas as well. Symptoms may include persistent joint discomfort, difficulty moving the affected joint, and inflammation that can last for days or weeks. In some cases, children may experience fever alongside these symptoms. Identifying gout in children is important for timely treatment and management, which often involves dietary changes and medication to control uric acid levels. If your child has symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management strategies.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

When a toe is broken, a podiatrist can offer several treatment options based on the severity of the injury. A physical examination and an X-ray are typically used to diagnose a broken toe accurately. For minor fractures, the common approach involves buddy taping, which keeps the injured toe stabilized by taping it to an adjacent toe. In more serious cases, where the bone is displaced, the podiatrist may realign the bone to promote proper healing. For more severe fractures, surgery could be necessary, involving the insertion of a pin to secure the bone. After surgery, a shoe or boot with a stiff sole may be needed to minimize pressure and protect the toe during recovery. Following your podiatrist’s instructions is essential for healing as well as a good way to avoid complications. If you believe you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Ankle sprains are caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the foot, leading to damage in one or more of the ankle ligaments. Most commonly, the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments are affected. These injuries occur during activities that involve rapid changes in direction, uneven surfaces, or sports that require jumping or running. Risk factors for ankle sprains include previous ankle injuries, wearing inadequate footwear, and poor muscle strength surrounding the ankle. Depending on the severity, an ankle sprain can involve stretching, partial tears, or complete ruptures of the ligaments. Symptoms of ankle sprains include swelling, pain, and limited movement in the ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate your ankle to assess the severity of the sprain. Treatment options include bracing, rehabilitation exercises, or further diagnostic imaging to ensure proper healing and prevent chronic instability. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow space in the ankle. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the foot and toes. Individuals may also experience sharp or shooting pain that radiates from the ankle to the toes, particularly during activities that involve prolonged standing or walking.The causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome can vary widely. Common factors include flat feet, which can increase pressure on the nerve, as well as injuries or trauma to the ankle that result in swelling. Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or cysts may also contribute to nerve compression. If you have pain on the inside of the ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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