While running is a popular fitness exercise, it places repeated stress on the feet and ankles that can lead to pain. Common reasons for running pain include overuse, weak or tight muscles, and wearing shoes that no longer provide enough support. Previous injuries, such as ankle sprains, can also cause lasting weakness and make new injuries more likely. Running pain also may develop from Achilles tendon problems, plantar fasciitis, or stress fractures. Some runners feel pain in the heel, while others notice it in the arch, ankle, or along the side of the foot. A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle to find the source of the pain. Treatment includes custom orthotics, bracing, and guidance on better running shoes. Surgery may be needed if the injury is severe. If you have foot or ankle pain while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

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 one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot care while working is important because many jobs require long hours of standing, walking, or lifting, which can place stress on the feet. Wearing the right shoes is essential, since proper support helps reduce pressure on the heels, arches, and toes. Stretching the feet when possible can also help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness during the day. At home, basic care like resting the feet and monitoring discomfort can help prevent problems from getting worse. Without proper care, people may develop pain, swelling, or fatigue that affects daily movement. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment plans tailored to work-related strain. If foot discomfort continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle popping can happen while walking, exercising, or rotating the foot. The sound is sometimes caused by tendons sliding across the ankle bones or small gas bubbles releasing inside the joint. Tight muscles, weak ankle support, and previous ankle sprains can also lead to popping sensations. In some cases, the tendons on the outer side of the ankle move out of place and create a snapping sound. Exercises that improve ankle strength and flexibility can help reduce stress on the joint. Helpful exercises include ankle circles, calf raises, and balancing on one foot. These movements strengthen the muscles that support the ankle and improve stability. Stretching the calf muscles can also help the ankle move more smoothly while walking and being active. If ankle popping is accompanied by pain, swelling, or stiffness, a podiatrist can examine the ankle and recommend proper treatment. If your ankle frequently makes a popping sound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel fat pad syndrome develops when the thick cushion under the heel becomes thinner or damaged. This padding normally absorbs shock and helps protect the heel bone while walking and standing. When the fat pad loses support, the heel becomes more sensitive to pressure and impact. People with heel fat pad syndrome usually feel a deep, dull ache in the center of the heel. This becomes worse after long periods of standing or walking. The heel can also feel tender, swollen, or warm to the touch. Risk factors include aging, excess body weight, and wearing shoes that lack proper cushioning and support.  Diabetes and inflammatory joint disease may also be factors. A podiatrist can examine the heel, identify the cause of the pain, and rule out other conditions. Treatment includes custom orthotics, supportive padding, and footwear guidance. If you have symptoms of heel fat pad syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.