Thursday, March 22, 2012

Plantar Fasciitis Stretches

Colorado Springs plantar fasciitis stretches: The Plantar Fascia is a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. It forms the arch of the foot and connects the toes to the heel bone. Inflammation or irritation of this tissue is called Plantar Fascitis. The pain can be either sharp, dull, aching or burning.

Colorado Springs Plantar Fasciitis - Anatomy of FootPlantar Fascitis occurs most frequently in men between the ages of 40 and 70 who are physically active. When the Plantar Fascia is stretched too far or too infrequently, it can cause inflammation of the tissue in addition to tiny tears in the plantar Fascia. The most common risk factors are:


  • • Obesity

  • • A sudden weight gain

  • • Flat feet, high arches and other problems with the arch of the foot

  • • Tight Achilles tendon

  • • Shoes with soft soles or bad arch support

  • • Long-distance running, running over uneven terrain or running downhill


There are several methods of treatment for Plantar Fascitis depending on the severity of the symptoms. Aspirin for pain relief and reduction of swelling combined with Plantar Fascitis stretches is the most conservative approach to treat this injury, according to WebMD.com.

The seated foot stretch is the most basic of the plantar fascitis stretches and should be the starting point for any healing program. The person sits on a floor with their legs stretched out in front. Place a strap around the ball of the problem foot and gently pull on the strap until a stretching sensation is noticed. Hold this position for 30 seconds then release the strap. Relax and breathe easily for 30 more seconds then repeat the exercise. Do this for three to five times.

The wall calf stretch should be the next exercise. Face a wall and place your hands on the wall at your head's height. Move one leg backwards while bending the knee. Keep both feet flat on the ground. Lean towards the wall. When a stretch is felt in the back of the leg, hold this position for 30 seconds then repeat the exercise with the other leg. Wait for 30 seconds then repeat the procedure for three to five times.

Always consult with a physician about any medical condition.

If you have questions about receiving Colorado Springs plantar fasciitis care, contact podiatrist, Kerry E. Berg, DPM, at Intermountain Foot & Ankle at 719-594-9920 or visit the website:

» Go to: Colorado Springs Podiatry

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Barefoot Running and Bunions

running barefoot with bunionsA bunion is a deformity of the foot where the big toe points in towards the second toe and causes a bump on the inside edge of the toe. Bunions are painful and uncomfortable for anyone; however, this is especially true for very active people like runners. Research conducted at Harvard University suggests positive and beneficial outcomes for running barefoot based on the biomechanics of the foot. However, bunions and barefoot running do have pros and cons. As well, it is a technique which must be done properly.

Advantages

Running with shoes is a fairly new concept. Before the mid-1970s, humans ran in either minimal or no footwear. Studies suggest that an average of 30 percent of runners sustain injury to their feet; consequently leading to much debate on the subject among researchers. Because a bunion is extremely painful with shoes, many sufferers opt to go without. This leads to a few noted benefits:


  • It strengthens the feet and legs, making injury less likely.

  • Barefoot running uses about 5 percent less energy when done correctly. Using a forefoot strike allows the body to use its own natural spring and store and release energy more effectively.

  • Running without shoes feels good for bunion sufferers and non-sufferers alike. As well, it doesn’t cost a thing.


Disadvantages

While minimal, barefoot running is not without a few cons:


  • Wearing shoes protects the bottoms of feet from sharp objects and shields them from snow and ice.

  • While learning the style of running best suited for bare feet, it is possible to develop Achilles tendonitis until the feet become stronger and proper technique is learned.


People who decide to take the plunge and go with naked feet need to take it slow at first. The stride is a bit different from wearing shoes. As well, listening to what the body is saying is crucial. Tells Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton, who has run 76 marathons barefoot and holds technique workshops for runners, “The big difference, between shod runner's stride and barefoot runner's stride, is awareness.” A forefoot strike causes the least impact, but may need to be learned. Bunions and barefoot running can go hand in hand and may offer much needed relief.

What to do if you have bunions?

If you have questions about running barefoot with bunions or you're looking to get relief from bunions, consult a board-certified foot doctor such as Colorado Springs podiatrist, Kerry E. Berg, DPM. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Berg by calling 719-594-9920.

 

Thursday, March 8, 2012

What Do You Call A Foot Doctor?

What Do You Call a Foot Doctor?What do you call a foot doctor? You call him/her a podiatrist or chiropodist. The word “podiatrist” comes from the Greek “pod” meaning foot, “iatreia” meaning healing, and “ist” meaning someone who practices or is concerned with something. Thus, a podiatrist is someone who practices healing feet. The word “chiropodist” comes from the Greek “cheiro” meaning hand, “pod” meaning foot, and “ist” meaning someone who practices or is concerned with something. A chiropodist, then, is someone who is concerned with hands and feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a podiatrist or chiropodist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats disorders and infections of the foot, ankle, and related parts of the leg.

In most states, podiatrists must complete four years of undergraduate education and four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric college. As other physicians do, podiatrists must complete two to three years of residency training at a hospital.

There is evidence of the practice of podiatry as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Ancient papyri document treatment of corns and calluses. In the United States, chiropody (the term preferred by early Americans) was practiced since foundation of the country. Abraham Lincoln employed a chiropodist to care for his feet. The first American Association of Podiatrists was formed in 1895, the same year that podiatrists/chiropodists were first licensed in the United States. 1912 brought the formation of the American Podiatric Medical Association. The first medical residency program for podiatry opened at Philadelphia’s St. Luke’s and Children’s Medical Center in 1958. In that same year, the United States officially changed the name of the medical treatment of feet to “podiatry” rather than the previously used term “chiropody.”

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (US BLS) reports that in 2008 approximately 12,200 podiatrists practiced in the United states. They predict that this number will increase to 13,300 by the year 2018. The US BLS projects that the rising number of diabetics and an increasingly active older generation of Americans will increase the need for podiatric help.

Colorado Springs Foot Doctor
Contact Colorado Springs foot doctor, Kerry E. Berg, DPM, if you're looking for relief from foot and ankle pain. 719-594-9920.