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During the winter months, many people turn to treadmill running, but this sudden change can place added stress on the feet. Treadmills increase repetition, meaning the same movement is performed thousands of times in a short period. This can strain foot structures and aggravate existing issues. Incline settings may further increase tension through the heel and arch, raising the risk of heel pain, Achilles discomfort, or nerve irritation in the forefoot. Symptoms may include soreness along the bottom of the heel, stiffness when taking the first steps of the day, or burning or tingling between the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, assess treadmill habits, and identify contributing factors like tight calf muscles or altered gait patterns. If you have foot pain after treadmill running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

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 Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. 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 Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle impingement describes a problem where tissue or bone inside the ankle joint gets caught during movement. This pinching can develop after repeated ankle sprains, ongoing swelling, or years of stress on the joint. Pain is often felt at the front or back of the ankle, and may worsen when walking uphill, squatting, climbing stairs, or pushing off the foot. Some people notice stiffness, swelling, or a feeling that the ankle catches or blocks movement. Over time, extra tissue or small bone changes can form, making motion more limited and uncomfortable. These symptoms can interfere with exercise, work, and daily walking, if not addressed. Identifying the cause early helps prevent further joint irritation and long-term damage. If ankle pain, stiffness, or swelling continues or affects mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels are a common foot condition that develops when the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry and thickened, unable to stretch normally. A primary cause is a lack of moisture which leads to reduced skin flexibility. Repetitive pressure and friction from walking, standing, or wearing ill-fitting footwear place added stress on the heel, causing the skin to split. The buildup of dead skin cells can further harden the area making cracking more likely. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema, and poor circulation may also weaken the skin and delay healing. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying causes safely, remove hardened skin, recommend effective moisturizing treatments and manage related medical concerns. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet, also known as edema, occur when fluid accumulates in the tissues, causing puffiness and discomfort. Common causes include prolonged standing or sitting, high-sodium foods, processed meals, and certain medical conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease. Foods that contribute to water retention, including salty snacks, canned soups, and processed meats, can exacerbate swelling. Other factors such as pregnancy, medications, or circulation issues may also play a role. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause, recommend lifestyle adjustments, provide supportive footwear or compression therapy, and create a plan to reduce swelling while protecting foot health. If your feet have become swollen and are uncomfortable, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.