Many people who enjoy running can experience a small amount of normal discomfort. This may be from strengthening the heart and leg muscles. Additionally, there are people who have persistent pain, and this is something that requires immediate attention. An improper running form or increasing distance and intensity too soon could result in injury. A common foot injury that affects the heel is known as plantar fasciitis, and this can cause difficulty in walking. There are simple methods that can help prevent running injuries. These methods consist of wearing shoes that fit correctly, in addition to avoiding running on uneven surfaces. Many runners can experience a stress fracture which is a hairline fracture. This type of injury is often ignored and can lead to severe pain and discomfort. This condition may be prevented by properly warming up and cooling down before running. An ankle sprain generally requires running to be stopped temporarily so an effective healing process can take place. If you would like more information about how to prevent running injuries, please confer with a podiatrist.
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 Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. 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 York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are many people who choose to wear orthotics. These are inserts that are constructed of different materials and can consist of rigid, flexible, or plastic, and are used to treat various foot conditions. They can help to improve foot structure, and patients who have flat feet may benefit by wearing orthotics. Research has indicated orthotics may lift the natural arch and can possibly help to prevent invasive surgery. Some orthotics are made with added cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot, and this can help with pain and discomfort from plantar fasciitis. Some orthotics are full insoles, and will fill the entire shoe. Additionally, there are small heel orthotics that are made, which fit into the back cup of the shoe. Some patients will use an ankle-foot orthotic, and this extends from the calf to the heel. Orthotics can be a successful option to treat different foot conditions, and it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the best option for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Peripheral artery disease involves impairment of the blood flow through the arteries to upper and lower extremities, like the feet. With this condition, the peripheral blood vessels narrow which decreases blood supply and oxygen to tissues within the legs and feet. Without proper blood flow, cells in your legs and feet cannot perform their functions well and may die. This, in turn, can lead to symptoms ranging from pain to gangrene, and the latter if left untreated could result in amputation. This condition affects both genders and is more common in older people. The main symptom of this disease, if there are any symptoms at all, is pain. An examination will involve looking for signs of trauma, muscle wasting, swelling, redness, absent hair patches, shin abnormalities such as staining, inflammation, or shininess, and ulcers on the foot or leg. Given the severity of complications arising from peripheral artery disease, regular visits to a podiatrist, especially as one ages, are recommended to diagnose and properly treat this disease before it becomes life-threatening.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Having an ingrown toenail is annoying and painful, but it can be preventable. When the side of a toenail becomes engulfed by the skin around it, pressure can build up and cause pain. Typical signs of an ingrown toenail include redness and swelling, pain when touched, or hardened skin next to the nail. If the area gets infected, it may become filled with pus and cause bleeding. Causes of ingrown toenails include tight fitting shoes, toenails cut incorrectly or not at all, and poor foot hygiene. Home prevention techniques include cutting toenails straight across, keeping your feet clean and dried, and wearing shoes that fit properly. Anyone who has diabetes, poor peripheral circulation, or other systemic conditions that affect the feet should seek the care of a podiatrist regularly. In cases of a badly ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist. Possible treatment may call for partial or complete removal of the nail to prevent further complications.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you experience a burning sensation or sharp pain on the bottom of the foot, just under the toes, you may have developed a Morton’s neuroma. This condition, which many believe is caused by wearing shoes that are too tight, is the result of an inflamed nerve. Morton’s neuroma is usually located between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones at the ball of the foot and has been described as having a stone or pebble in your shoe. Pain caused by compression of the nerves can get worse when you walk or if your toes are squeezed too tightly within the shoe. An MRI or ultrasound can be used to diagnose the condition. Several ways to ease the pain of Morton’s neuroma include resting the foot, wearing better fitting shoes with a wider toe box and lower heel, taking anti-inflammatory medicine, and icing the foot. If pain is persistent, despite these measures, you may wish to consult a podiatrist for a full examination and diagnosis. In more severe cases a podiatrist may recommend cortisone injections, and in even worse cases surgery to remove damaged nerve tissue may be an option.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot cramps are a common and painful complaint that often interrupts an otherwise peaceful night’s sleep. In and of themselves, cramps are simply the result of a muscle flexing and staying flexed for a period of time. This is very common when sleeping, because the feet are usually pointing downward and the leg muscles contract, causing a spasm. The easiest cure is to stretch or massage the tightened muscle. Other symptoms that may appear with cramps are muscle weakness, redness or changes in color to the skin, extremely severe pain, and swelling. These may indicate a need for medical attention. Cramping can also be the result of several underlying conditions, including magnesium or potassium deficiency, dehydration, dialysis, muscle overuse, pregnancy, improper footwear, and side effects from medications. If you experience extreme or frequent foot cramps, it may be a good idea to discuss the condition with a podiatrist who can give you guidance and treatment options.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
An effective form of foot therapy is known as foot reflexology. There are many patients who enjoy the benefits of this type of therapy, including a general feeling of well being and even stress reduction. Zone therapy is another name for reflexology, and it is practiced by applying pressure to the feet with the hands. Additional benefits include improved blood circulation, balanced energy, and nerve responses may increase. There are zones in the feet that correspond to different organs in the body and can be stimulated when pressure is applied. Research has shown that there are certain ailments that may be helped while practicing foot reflexology, such as migraine headaches and digestion problems. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of foot reflexology and how it is performed, please consult a podiatrist.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A common form of inflammatory arthritis is known as gout. It can be extremely uncomfortable and can cause severe pain. It frequently affects the joints in the big toe, and may make walking difficult. Gout develops as a result of a buildup of uric acid, which may come from specific foods, including red meat and shellfish, as well as drinking alcoholic beverages. In addition to pain in the big toe, common symptoms can consist of swelling, redness, and lumps that are painless under the skin. Prevention methods include losing excess weight, avoiding foods that can trigger gout attacks, and eating foods high in vitamin C. Additionally, implementing a gentle exercise routine may help to manage gout. If you have this type of pain in your big toe, please speak with a podiatrist who can discuss prevention techniques and offer treatment solutions.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Richard DiMario, DPM - Default