Strong ankles are vital for runners to maintain stability, prevent injuries, and enhance performance. Incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the ankles. Simple exercises like calf raises, where you lift your heels off the ground and lower them back down, target the calf muscles and improve ankle stability. Ankle circles are done by rotating your ankles in both directions, which can help to improve flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, balance exercises, such as single-leg stands or using a balance board, can enhance proprioception and strengthen the ankle-stabilizing muscles. Strengthening exercises, such as toe curls and marble pickups, focus on the muscles of the foot and can contribute to overall ankle strength and stability. By incorporating these exercises into your regular training regimen, you can help reduce the risk of ankle injuries while enjoying the benefits of running for improved health and fitness. If you have an ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition and offer you future running injury prevention tips.

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 Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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

• 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 offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A gait assessment is a valuable tool used to analyze how a person walks or runs. It is typically performed to identify biomechanical issues, musculoskeletal imbalances, or abnormalities that may contribute to pain, discomfort, or reduced mobility. During a gait assessment, a podiatrist observes various aspects of the individual's walking or running pattern, including stride length, foot placement, and overall body alignment. Common abnormalities that may be detected include overpronation or excessive inward rolling of the foot, supination or outward rolling of the foot, leg length discrepancies, and asymmetrical gait patterns. Identifying these abnormalities through a gait assessment allows podiatrists to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to address the specific needs of the individual. This may include recommendations for footwear, custom orthotic devices, and exercises to improve strength and flexibility. If you would like to understand how your walking or running can be improved to lessen discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and gait assessment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot, a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, is not exclusive to adults, as children can also fall prey to this uncomfortable condition. Commonly caused by the same fungi responsible for ringworm and jock itch, athlete's foot thrives in warm, moist environments, making children's sweaty feet particularly susceptible. Symptoms can include itching, burning, and redness, often between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Children can contract athlete's foot by walking barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or communal showers. Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with an infected individual can also facilitate transmission. Teaching children proper foot hygiene, such as keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding walking barefoot in public spaces, can help prevent athlete's foot and promote overall foot health. If your child has itchy feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat athlete’s foot, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right pair of running shoes is vital for runners of all levels, as it can impact performance and prevent injuries. Understanding the different categories of running shoes can help you find the perfect fit for your needs. First, there are neutral shoes, designed for runners with normal arches who require cushioning and support. Then, stability shoes are ideal for runners with mild to moderate overpronation, providing additional support to help stabilize the foot. For those with severe overpronation or flat feet, motion control shoes offer maximum stability and control to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. Additionally, minimalist shoes provide a barefoot-like experience, promoting a natural running gait and strengthening foot muscles. Finally, maximalist shoes feature extra cushioning to absorb impact, making them suitable for long distance runners or those prone to joint pain. By understanding these categories and considering factors, such as foot type and running style, you can find the perfect pair of running shoes to support your fitness goals. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing the wrong type of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat your specific foot ailment, and guide you on the right type of running shoes to purchase.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.