If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

3885 S. Decatur Blvd Suite #1080
Las Vegas, NV 89103

August 2021

Tuesday, 31 August 2021 00:00

Running and Increasing Mileage

Research has shown there are simple methods  that may help to prevent running injuries. Many runners do not implement stretching techniques into their running routine, despite the fact that it can help avoid an injury from occurring. Another common error many runners can make is increasing speed and mileage too soon. Running experts advise to increase running mileage by ten percent each week, as this can help to adequately prepare the body for maximum performance. It is important to stretch properly, followed by cooling down after running is completed. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet, and how to prevent them, please consult with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor 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

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:00

Heel Pain Fast Facts

Heel pain is extremely common and is typically caused by small, repetitive injuries to the heel over time. Most heel pain is localized under and in front of the heel, although pain can also affect the back of the heel and can sometimes radiate to, or from, the arch of the foot or the ankle. Heel pain typically starts gradually and may worsen over time when left untreated. Potential causes of heel pain can include plantar fasciitis, heel bursitis, heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, heel pad inflammation, Sever’s disease, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Fortunately, conservative treatment methods such as resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, as well as wearing supportive shoes and taking over-the-counter pain medications can help with pain and swelling, but may not be a permanent solution. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis with a corresponding treatment plan. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes the feet to sweat excessively. Having wet, sweaty feet most of the time is not only annoying, but can ruin your shoes, increase your risk of slipping and falling, and break down the skin on the feet, leading to athlete’s foot and other skin infections. The first line of treatment for this condition is usually topical medications, which are applied directly to the skin’s surface. Your podiatrist may prescribe an antiperspirant cream or powder. If these fail, your doctor may suggest iontophoresis, a procedure that uses electrical currents to reduce sweating. Botox injections into the feet are another potential solution. To learn more about treatments for plantar hyperhidrosis, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Read more about Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Saturday, 14 August 2021 00:00

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!

It might be difficult to know when your child has developed a foot or ankle issue. Because they may not be able to verbalize what’s wrong, or their symptoms may be hard to spot, you should keep an eye out for other warning signs. If your child struggles to keep up physically with their friends or their legs or feet get tired, this may be an indication of flat feet. Between the ages of 8 and 14 children may experience sever’s disease, where the Achilles tendon pulls on the growth plate at the back of the heel. This causes heel pain which may cause your child to shy away from physical activities. If your child is hiding their feet from you, they may have noticed some change and want to avoid going to the doctor. If your child seems clumsy or frequently trips or falls it may indicate a balance or neuromuscular issue, or that their feet point inward when they walk or run. Of course if they complain of any pain or discomfort in their feet, or you notice any of these warning signs, make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist for a full examination.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:00

Flip Flops Are Not Friendly to Your Feet

Flip flops may be an easy, breezy accessory for warm weather, but there are many reasons why they are not good for your feet. They offer little to no support or cushioning which can lead to heel pain and problems with your Achilles tendons. You are more likely to trip wearing flip flops, and they can lead to tired, achy feet. They offer no protection from injuries or sun exposure. The worst part is that they can change your foot biomechanics and posture. Your toe muscles need to continuously grip them to keep them on, and they shorten your gait and turn your ankles inward. Contact a podiatrist if you have any pain, instability, or other problems in your feet or ankles caused by flip flops.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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

Read more about Flip Flops and Your Feet
Connect With Us

Ankle & Foot Medical Center on Facebook Ankle & Foot Medical Center on Twitter Ankle and Foot Medical Center Podiatry Blog
 
Leave Google Review for Ankle & Foot Medical Center
Ankle and Foot Medical Center Podiatry Articles