Hammertoes

Have you noticed one of your toes bending upwards or becoming more difficult to move? If so, we hope you’ll schedule an appointment with Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain right away. Hammertoes, as toes with this sort of deformity are known, do not get better on their own. And if they are allowed to progress, they can result in permanent damage to the foot and seriously impact a patient’s quality of life.

A hammertoe is what we call it when the middle joint of a toe gets stuck in a bent position. (A mallet toe is a bend in the front-most joint, while the big toe only has two joints.) It usually develops slowly, and more than one toe may be affected. The bent toe will rub against a person’s shoe, causing it to chafe and develop a callus. The ball of the foot may also chafe, and the toe joint may become inflamed.

Hammertoes usually develop in women, and the first thing a person should do if they notice one developing is switch to shoes that have roomier toe boxes and won’t force their feet forward. They may also want to try stretching exercises, such as using their toes to pick up light objects. Podiatrists generally don’t recommend acidic corn-removers, as patients can injure themselves using these unsupervised. If a hammertoe continues to cause problems, we may be able to perform minor surgery to release the tendon keeping the toe bent. This would also give us an opportunity to remove any bunions that may have developed as a result of the toes being cramped and chafing against the shoe.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Plantar Fibromas

Do you suffer from soreness in the bottom of your foot? If so, it’s worth getting checked out. You may have heard of plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. But there is another, lesser known condition called a plantar fibroma. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we can assist patients suffering from this condition, but it might not get better on its own.

The plantar fascia is the connective tissue stretching from the heel to the beginning of the toes. It is unknown why thick nodules called fibromas sometimes develop in it, although it happens most frequently to middle-aged men. Although not all fibromas cause pain, they are sometimes responsible for soreness a person feels when they have been standing for a long time, and people who notice lumps developing in their feet may reasonably be concerned about them. Fibromas are not cancerous, but they can increase in size, and people with peripheral artery or nerve damage are always better off getting unusual changes in their feet examined.

If a patient is suffering from inflammation, we can inject them with a corticosteroid. We may also fit them for customized orthotics, which should allow them to stand more comfortably, and prescribe stretching exercises that will allow blood to circulate in their feet more freely. Surgical removal of the fibroma may be possible when more conservative interventions are unsuccessful. Recurrences of fibromas are rare, but can happen in people who had more than one fibroma at once.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Introduction to Foot Cramps

Foot cramps are terrible; there’s no doubt about it. But it may be within a person’s power to decrease their frequency. At the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, our podiatrists are specially trained in sports medicine, and foot cramps are the most common foot problem among athletes. Therefore, we wanted to pass along some guidance on getting through a cramp and what may cause one.

A foot cramp is a muscle spasm in which the muscle suddenly tightens. When one happens, a person may be able to relieve their pain by putting pressure on the foot and stretching it out, using their hands to massage the muscles, if necessary. The cramps may be occurring because a person is overexercising, in which case they would need to change to a more balanced work-out routine. Another common cause is overly tight shoes, which compress muscles and restrict circulation. Shoes shouldn’t chafe the heels or be too tight for someone to wiggle their toes.

Muscles are also prone to cramping when they aren’t getting enough nutrition. People who are dehydrated or lacking in potassium tend to get a lot of foot cramps, so they need to make sure they’re replenishing their electrolytes. It’s also important to keep in mind that some problems, such as nerve damage, may feel similar to foot cramps, so it may be necessary to seek a professional opinion if self-management of foot cramps is unsuccessful.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Skateboarding and Ankle Sprains

Sprained ankles are one of the most common sports injuries, and skateboarders are not exempt. Although they may take reasonable precautions by wearing safety equipment, they are still subjecting their ankles to repetitive force, and may develop chronic injuries as well as acute ones. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we specialize in sports injuries, so we wanted our readers to know a bit more about what a sprained ankle is and how it is treated.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament. The ligaments are the tissues that connect bones to each other. Rolling the foot inward may injure the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, which is the most common form of ankle sprain, but rolling the foot outward may harm the inward-facing side’s ligaments. A ligament may have been weakening for a long time before a particularly bad fall caused it to stretch too far or tear, and ligaments that have been injured in the past are more vulnerable. Without the stability provided by the ligament, the foot bones may rub against cartilage or each other, causing further damage.

Sprained ankles will be swollen and tender, but will only be substantially unstable in the most severe cases. Usually, sprains don’t require surgical repair. Instead, the patient should rest, ice, compress, and elevate their ankle until a doctor can examine it, after which it will be immobilized by a brace. The patient will then gradually build up their strength, agility, balance, and flexibility through physical therapy. But to prevent the sprain from returning, a skater will have to remember to warm-up before exercising, do stretches regularly, and to stop skating if they’re in pain and switch to a different activity that doesn’t put as much lateral force on their ankle.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Bones of the Foot

We talk a lot about the bones of the foot at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain. As podiatrists, we often perform surgeries and help people to recover from broken bones and other problems in their foot structure. We recognize that patients are more confident making decisions about their care when they feel comfortable with the language used in the office, so we wanted to briefly describe where each bone of the foot is and what they’re called.

The talus is the bone at the top of the ankle that the leg bones, the tibia and fibula, connect to. Below it is the calcaneus, or heel bone. In between the back of the foot and the mid-section are the tarsals, which form the curved ramp that is the foot’s arch. They are the navicular, which is in front of the talus, the cuboid, which is in front of the calcaneus on the outer side of the foot, and the three cuneiforms, which are in front of the navicular and, along with the cuboid, form a crescent-shape when seen from above.

The middle of the foot is made up of the five metatarsal bones. They are long and thin, with one connecting to each cuneiform and leading to the first three toes, and the remaining two connecting with the cuboid and leading to the outer two toes. The toes themselves are made up of bones called phalanges, with the big toe having two and the others each having three. The phalanges furthest back toward the metatarsals are called “proximal,” and the ones at the tips of the toes are called “distal.” The ball of the foot is where the proximal phalanges and metatarsals connect.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Juvenile Arthritis

Could arthritis be the cause of your child’s swollen feet? It’s possible. Recently, we of the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain discussed Sever’s disease, a common cause of foot pain in children. Since then we've felt it would be helpful to discuss another potential cause of ankle swelling in pediatric patients, and describe how it’s recognized and treated.

Juvenile arthritis is poorly understood, but we know it's an autoimmune condition. That means the body’s immune system is attacking healthy tissues, causing swelling, hot spots, and stiffness. Most cases of juvenile arthritis are oligoarticular, meaning that they only directly affect a small number of joints. However, the joint that is affected is often the ankle or knee. It is more common in girls and tends to strike during the first few years of a child’s life.

Oligoarticular arthritis is generally considered to be the most mild form of juvenile arthritis. The diagnostic process includes x-rays and blood tests for antibodies associated with autoimmune disorders. Treatment is conservative, usually consisting of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles, allowing them to better support the joints. We especially encourage low-impact exercises that will also stretch the ankle without jostling it.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Caring for Toenails

If you’re thinking of wearing open-toed shoes or going barefoot in the summer, you’re probably paying more attention to the shape of your toenails. But if you aren’t caring for them, correctly, you’re increasing your risk of developing a hangnail. At the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we can assist people who have conditions such as neuropathy that make it dangerous for them to cut their nails themselves. But for everyone else, we have some tips on good nail care.

Generally, it’s safer to cut your nails when they’re dry. This makes them less likely to bend and tear under the pressure of the clippers. They should be cut frequently enough to not grow beyond the edge of the toes, but they shouldn’t be cut extremely close to the nail plate. This will mean cutting them about every six weeks, for most people. Each nail should be cut straight across. Cutting them in a rounded shape increases the risk they’ll grow into the sides of the toe, especially if a person wears tight shoes or hose. Once the nail has been cut, the jagged edges can be filed down a little.

It’s common to have separate clippers for the fingernails and toenails, since toenails are thicker and keeping clippers separate limits the spread of bacteria. A person who has very thick toenails may need to wet them before cutting, in which case they should be patted dry afterward. The cuticle should not be cut; it may be pushed back, but cutting it could result in an infection.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Causes of Fallen Arches

If you’ve recently felt pain in the sides of your ankles or a bump developing on the bottom of your foot, you may be in the process of developing a flat foot. While that’s hardly good news, we at the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates of Lorain are experts at treating this condition. But flat feet can be caused by several things and treatment may vary depending on which of them is responsible, so let’s take a closer look at the causes of ankle degeneration and arch collapse.

Our feet are largely shaped by the posterior tibial tendon, so it’s one of the first things we look at when a person’s foot is getting flatter. The posterior tibial tendon stretches from the thigh to the inside of the foot, and when it frays, the arch of the foot may sag. Fraying is usually due to wear-and-tear, but it could have been the result of an acute injury. It’s also possible that a ligament that is more centrally located or in the back of the foot has frayed. Degeneration is more likely to occur when a person is suffering from diabetes, which damages the nerves and makes it difficult for someone to feel pain from injured tissues. Another potential complicating factor is arthritis, in which the cartilage supporting the ankle joints would be worn away, causing the bones to develop spurs that might also compress nerves.

It might not be possible to determine whether you have a serious structural problem with your foot just by looking at it. Some people have more flexible arches than others. But if you are in pain, or you know diabetes might prevent you from feeling pain and you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. We can devise a minimally invasive plan to restore your foot’s function, but the earlier you get treatment, the easier it will be.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

What are Corns?

Like a callus, a corn is a bit of hardened skin. But it is common for corns to be painful, and many people dislike their appearance. Although corns may not cause serious problems, it may be dangerous for patients to remove them on their own. We can provide safe treatment for them at the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain and help patients to prevent them from recurring.

Corns and calluses develop in places where the skin is subjected to a lot of friction. What makes them different is that corns have hard centers and tend to be smaller, which is why they are said to resemble kernels of corn. They usually develop in locations that are often damp but don’t have to bear weight, such as in between toes. Corns can sometimes be reduced by rubbing them with a pumice stone, but attempting to cut them away is dangerous, particularly for people whose neuropathy may prevent them from feeling if they have cut too far or rubbed too much.

A person should seek medical help for a corn when it is painful or inflamed. Corns are particularly likely to develop when someone has an underlying problem such as a hammertoe or a bunion, which would cause their skin to chafe against their shoes as they walk. We can provide orthotics and corrections for these conditions, as well as instructions for using prescription-strength corn-dissolving liquids safely.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Chronic Sprianed Ankle

Usually, sprained ankles are able to heal after a few weeks with physical therapy and the use of anti-inflammatory medication and bracing. But when ankle instability persists or a patient frequently suffers from new injuries, some additional attention is necessary. At the Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, our podiatrists are experts in care for sprained ankles, and will work with patients to help them return to activity and prevent relapses.

The ankle is a complex joint. The bones of the tibia and fibula connect to the talus bone in the foot, but many tendons and ligaments, including the Achilles tendon, stretch past the talus. When the ankle is twisted, the tendons and ligaments may not heal completely, causing the ankle to remain unstable and at risk for future injuries. Soft tissue injuries are not always apparent through x-rays, but may be detected through range of motion tests and with the aid of an arthroscope.

After each ankle injury, a patient should engage in RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and will need to do therapeutic stretches to rebuild their strength and flexibility. But when conservative treatments are insufficient, it may be necessary to surgically debride damaged cartilage and scar tissue. Patients may also be prescribed steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to prevent the development of new scar tissue, and we may surgically reconstruct tendons and ligaments that have been damaged too severely to heal on their own. Bone fractures may require the placement of a screw and the use of casting to heal fully.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Friction Blisters

Blisters, pockets of pus that form on the skin, can be caused by all sorts of things. But the ones on the feet are most often caused by chafing. As specialists in sports medicine, the podiatrists at the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates of Lorain are familiar with friction blisters and their treatment, and will work to help patients start moving again comfortably as soon as possible. But blisters are preventable, so it’s helpful to understand more about them.

When the skin is being chafed, it turns red and swells. As the chafing continues to break the skin, a bubble of liquid will form to protect the deeper tissues from mechanical damage and the spread of pathogens. Since the blister is helping the skin to heal, a patient should avoid bursting it unless it is extremely large and debilitating, and even then the skin should not be removed. Instead, patients may try padding the irritated area, which may include cutting a hole in the pad so it can fit around the blister. Usually, a blister will heal within a few weeks.

People are at increased risk of developing friction blisters when there is excessive moisture in their shoes. Runners may be able to prevent them by applying foot powder and by wearing moisture-wicking socks. People with recurring blisters may want to try applying adhesive bandages and checking whether their shoes need to be replaced or their orthotics have slipped out of position. If a blister shows signs of infection or the patient suffers from neuropathy, we can provide antibacterial treatments in our office.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Foot Safety at Home

Although most of us are spending more time at home, that does not mean our feet are completely safe from harm. One in four seniors suffers a serious fall every year, and since accidents are often related to their footwear or walkways, we at the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain wanted to say a bit about fall-proofing houses.

When at home, it’s a good idea to wear shoes or slippers with slip-resistant soles. Footwear needs to be replaced when it becomes too loose or otherwise changes shape, which often happens after a few years of use. Although some people may choose to go barefoot, the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that people never walk while only wearing stockings, and people with neuropathy need to be especially attentive to always wearing shoes with arch and ankle support.

Even a partial trip could result in a twisted ankle, so it’s important to keep walkways clear and brightly lit. Motion-activated lights can be a great help, as can double-sided carpet tape on throw rugs. It’s also important to consume adequate calcium and Vitamin D to limit the progression of osteoporosis and to maintain a workout routine that keeps the lower limbs as well as the core muscles strong and flexible.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

As podiatrists who specialize in sports medicine, we at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain want all our patients to continue leading active lifestyles. Keeping the lower limbs strong and flexible will prevent problems later in life, but athletes are at greater risk for overuse injuries. Heel pain is a common problem that can usually be traced to biomechanical defects that worsen over time, so this week’s blog post is about recognizing why they develop.

Most heel pain is caused by a problem with the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon. The plantar fascia is what connects the heel to the ball of the foot. It can suffer wear when a person has fallen arches or they develop a bone spur on the back of their heel. The Achilles tendon travels down the back of the ankle to the heel and may be inflamed when a person’s shoes are rubbing against it. Inflammation here can also result in the growth of a bone spur.

Although these problems are usually treatable with rest, they are worth examining in case the heel pain is actually being caused by an infection or fracture. People with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis may benefit from supportive shoe inserts and from doing stretching exercises to loosen up their tissues. We can provide patients with anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, can discuss surgical options such as bone spur removal.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Introduction to Gout

Among the many forms of arthritis, one of the most painful is gout. This condition can affect any joint, but is usually seen in the first joint of a big toe. An attack may only last for twelve hours, but they often recur. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we can help people control their symptoms, but they’ll need to make some lifestyle changes to lower their risk of future attacks.

The body contains substances called purines that, when broken down, produce uric acid. Normally, uric acid is filtered through the kidneys, but when the kidneys are overwhelmed or underperforming, uric acid will form sharp crystals. Those crystals tend to accumulate in the lower parts of the body and can cause gouty inflammation.

Gout can be controlled with injectible or orally consumed anti-inflammatory medications. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. If a person has chronic gout attacks, they may also be prescribed drugs that affect uric acid levels. The people most at risk for gout are middle-aged men who smoke or are overweight. People may reduce their risk of gout by avoiding red meat and seafood, which are high in purines, as well as sugary drinks, which increase uric acid.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Morton's Neuroma

If you have pain in the front of your foot, you may have a condition called Morton’s neuroma. This ailment is usually responsive to conservative treatment, but it can get worse without intervention and needs to be properly identified, so we at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain thought it would be a good idea to teach our patients more about it.

A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue. It creates pressure on the surrounding tissues and causes numbness or a sharp pain. Morton’s neuroma is the name of a neuroma that develops between the third and fourth toe. It is often described as feeling like a person has a stone in their shoe and tends to develop in people who wear shoes that slide their feet forward into narrow toe boxes. Partly for this reason, it is more common in women, but it also occurs frequently in runners of both sexes.

Morton’s neuroma is identified through imaging, tactile, and range of motion examinations. To treat it, podiatrists recommend roomier, more supportive shoes with customized orthotics. Patients may also receive anti-inflammatory injections. Most people find this sufficient, but in advanced cases, surgical reduction of the neuroma is an option. We will also treat co-occurring disorders such as bunions.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Earlier this year, Cleveland Cavaliers center Ante Zizic’s season debut was delayed for a few weeks due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot. This kind of injury is common in older people as well as athletes, and can cause a person a lot of pain and difficulty moving. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain frequently treat it, so we want patients to understand what they can expect when they seek help.

The plantar fascia is a shock-absorbing band of connective tissue that runs the length of the bottom of the foot, right under the skin. It stretches tightly under the heel bone, and when it becomes inflamed due to wear-and-tear or an acute injury, a sharp pain in the heel is a common result. The pain is usually worse after the foot has been at rest. It is most common in people between forty and sixty, and people are at particularly high risk if they have tight calf muscles, heel spurs, or are overweight. The impacts from running can also contribute to it.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis starts off converativeley, with therapeutic exercises to loosen the calves and toes. Patients may be given injections of anti-inflammatory medications and shoe orthotics to compensate for their heel’s loss of cushioning. Surgical options to release the fascia may be considered if the patient shows no improvement after several months, and the bone spur may also be removed.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Jumper’s Knee

Patellar tendonitis, also known as “Jumper’s Knee,” is often suffered by volleyball or tennis players. As the nickname suggests, sports that involve a lot of jumping can cause microscopic tears and degeneration of a player’s knees. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates take pride in educating our athletic patients about the many ways they can prevent injury. Your Lorain Podiatrist can help if you suffer from Jumper’s Knee by assessing the severity and starting you on an effective treatment plan. It’s best, however, to practice prevention now so that you can keep playing the sport you love!

An athlete can prevent Jumper’s Knee by wearing a knee brace during practices and games. A knee brace assists in stabilizing the joint, supporting the kneecap, and offers the knee added strength. This all decreases the amount of strain the knee goes through to withstand a player’s weight as they land on their feet from a serving position.

You can also prevent Jumper’s Knee by:

- Taking breaks

- Practicing and improving your technique

- Making sure you have all the right gear

- Warming up your body with stretches

- Incorporating strength-building exercises in your routine

- Not playing through the pain, as this will only worsen your condition

Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd, #B, in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

 

Stress Fractures

Are you a soccer or basketball player? Did you know that stress fractures are common in sports with constant running? The repetitive activity can cause a small crack or bruise on the bone. Stress fractures can also occur when someone changes their activity, such as running on a treadmill to running outdoors. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates realize that things happen, no matter how much you prepare your body for physical activity. We are dedicated to treating your sports injury as quickly as we can, so that you can get back on the court. 

The sudden increase or change in physical activity are causes of stress fractures and include poor conditioning, improper technique, change in surface, and using improper equipment. Certain medications and pre-existing conditions can make individuals more susceptible to stress fractures, such as the bone insufficiency that comes with osteoporosis. Stress fractures are also more common during the winter, since the body is deprived of the sun’s vitamin D. 

Prevention is key. You can help prevent the development of stress fractures by:

- Cross-training in different types of exercise

- Adding strength training to your workout routine

- Gradually increasing the time and intensity of a new activity

- Using the proper equipment

- Stopping all activity if a recently healed injury flares up

- Eating a balanced and healthy diet

Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd, #B, in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

 

Prevent Running Injuries

Prevent any possibility of injuring yourself during training, so that you can still run that marathon you’ve been planning! We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates understand that even with efficient training, accidents happen. We are here for you when or if those accidents do happen, so that we can get you back to doing what you love. 

One way to prevent running injuries is to train smarter. You need to prioritize safety over anything else, which includes proper equipment utilization and performing exercises correctly. Before any major physical activity, you need to also warm-up your muscles and ligaments. It’s important to prepare your body for physical activity, as this is a proven way to limit your chances of injury. Improving your strength can also decrease the risk of running injuries. Many runners lack the skills for basic movement and functional strength. Working on core exercises, such as the plank, can significantly help with this!

Some common running injuries include:

- Arch pain: Inflammation and a burning sensation under the arch of the foot.

- Shin splints: Associated with any pain in the bone between the knee and ankle.

- Pulled hamstring: An injury to the hamstring muscle that causes mild to severe pain.

- Hip stress fracture: Common in long-distance runners because of repetitive motion in the hips. 

- Plantar fasciitis: Pain in the heel caused by inflammation of the ligament in the base of the foot.

- Achilles tendonitis: Pain in the back of the ankle that left untreated can rupture.

Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd, #B, in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.