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Preventing running injuries requires focusing on the health of your feet, toes, and ankles. New runners or those without prior sports experience should start with walking or partial weight-bearing activities to prepare their bodies for running. Gradually increasing training intensity can reduce stress on the feet, particularly for those recovering from past injuries. Experts recommend running no more than 40 miles per week and suggest balancing training frequency with adequate rest to prevent overuse injuries. Opting for soft running surfaces can decrease the negative impact on the feet and ankles. Stretching may improve flexibility, but consistency is important if included. Transitioning to a forefoot strike or minimalist shoes should be done gradually, paired with strengthening exercises for the foot muscles to avoid added strain. Regularly check the wear pattern of your shoes and consider replacing them if they are older than six months. Alternating between multiple pairs of shoes can also be beneficial. If you have sustained a running injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury that severely affects mobility. Treatment options include surgical repair or immobilization. Achilles tendon surgery reattaches the torn ends of the tendon and can be performed as an open procedure, which involves a larger incision, or as a percutaneous procedure. Percutaneous procedures use small punctures in the skin to insert tools for repairing the tendon, offering a less invasive approach that may result in reduced scarring and faster recovery. Surgery is often recommended for younger or more active patients because it lowers the risk of another rupture. Immobilization uses devices like casts, splints, or walking boots to keep the lower leg and ankle stationary while the tendon heals naturally. This method is commonly chosen for older or less active patients due to fewer associated risks. A podiatrist can assess your Achilles tendon injury and determine the best treatment based on the extent of the rupture and your activity level. If you have torn your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and suggested treatment options.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. This condition is often triggered by a high intake of purine-rich foods, alcohol consumption, dehydration, or certain medications. Gout most commonly affects the feet, particularly the big toe, causing sudden and intense pain, redness, and swelling. The affected joint may become hot to the touch, and movement may be severely limited. The pain from gout attacks can be debilitating, often occurring at night and lasting for several days. While the big toe is most commonly affected, other joints such as the ankles and knees can also be involved. Managing gout typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as lifestyle changes like diet modifications and staying hydrated to prevent future flare-ups. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment tips.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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
Risk Factors
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 Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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