January 2021

Healthy feet are key to having successful runs, which is why taking care of them is very important. It is important to make sure that your shoes fit properly and are not too tight or too loose. Your socks should be lightweight and water resistant. Moisturizing the feet is also key to preventing fissures and cracks from forming in the skin. In order to prevent athlete’s foot and other fungal infections, keeping the feet as dry and clean as possible is essential. Having properly trimmed toenails can be key to preventing ingrown toenails. If you are a runner who is struggling with foot related issues, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for suggestions on keeping your feet healthy.    

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 Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. 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 Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people enjoy running and jogging, and they are aware of the importance of choosing the right running shoe. There are many styles and options available on the market that can make it overwhelming to decide which shoe is right for you.  However, there are basic considerations that can help to make it easier to choose which can be determined by what kind of running you enjoy. Patients who prefer fast running may benefit from wearing a lightweight shoe. Average running on pavements and roads may be accomplished with a normal running shoe. It is also beneficial to have more than one pair of shoes because this may help extend the life of the shoe. If you would like additional information about what style running shoes you should purchase, please consult with a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

When buying new running shoes, it is important to consider the distance you plan to run. For shorter distances, you may want to opt for lightweight shoes. For longer distances, your foot may require a shoe with more support and extra cushioning in the sole. The type of surface that you run on should also be considered. As your stride along the grip may change depending on the terrain. For this reason it is said not to wear the same running shoes on the road as you would for trail running. When you are ready to purchase running shoes, it is a good idea to go shopping in the late afternoon. Your feet naturally swell throughout the day. By shopping later in the day when your feet are at their largest, you can ensure that the shoes will not be too small or tight when you run. For more tips and tricks about finding the right running shoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Gout can be painful and disruptive to your daily activities. If you are an avid exerciser, you may worry if gout will get in the way. However, unless you are in the middle of an active flare up, you should still be able to exercise. Generally, regular exercise can mitigate the symptoms of gout by helping you maintain a healthy weight, which reduces pressure on the joints, and by lowering the levels of uric acid in your blood. However, during a gout flare up, it is best to rest, as gout flare ups tend to be extremely painful. Resting keeps excess pressure off of the joints in your feet, which can reduce inflammation and pain. After a gout flare up, it is suggested that you ease back into exercising slowly by doing aquatic or low impact exercises and stretching. For more information about managing gout, please consult with a podiatrist.  

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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