Exercise and Your Feet

It sounds obvious, but the feet are the foundation of the body. Many people underestimate how quickly foot pain can impact a person's ability to exercise. According to a 2014 APMA survey, one in four adults feel unable to exercise due to foot pain, and 39 percent of adults said they would exercise more if their feet didn't hurt (APMA News, April 2015 edition, pg. 12). Exercise is a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the benefits of regular exercise cannot be over-told. Weight loss is only a small part of what exercise can do for you; it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, lead to better sleep and increased energy, and boost your mood.

What would you accomplish if your feet were pain free? If you experience foot pain and find yourself unable to exercise, make an appointment with a local podiatrist to be evaluated. You may think that nothing can be done, or may have gotten used to the nagging pain; however, a podiatrist can evaluate your specific problem and create a treatment plan specifically tailored to you. Check out the APMA's website for tips on maintaining healthy and active feet, and make an appointment with a podiatrist today!

If you are local to New Bern, please contact our office at 252-638-4700 to schedule an appointment.

A Parent's Guide to Foot Health for Athletic Kids

Millions of American children will participate in warm weather sports this year, from softball to soccer and swimming to cycling. No matter what their sport or whether they play competitively or just for fun, they will have one important thing in common: they'll need their feet to be pain-free if they're going to play their best and prevent injuries.

"Sports play a significant role in the lives of millions of young athletes," says Thomas Bobrowski, DPM, a podiatrist at Crystal Coast Podiatry, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). "Parents need to be aware that sports, which require a substantial amount of running, turning, and contact, can translate to injuries. Protecting children's feet from injuries, and bringing them to a podiatrist when problems occur, can help keep kids in the game and make the sport more enjoyable."

image source

APMA offers some tips for helping protect children's feet while playing warm-weather sports:

• Protective taping of the ankles is often necessary to help prevent sprains or fractures.
• Buying a shoe designed for the specific sport your child plays not only improves your child's performance in the sport, but it also can help protect him or her from serious foot and ankle injuries. APMA has given its Seal of Acceptance to select sports footwear, which offer quality materials and protective support.
• Without the right sock, even the best athletic shoe won't score points- on the field or off. Athletic socks should consist of a natural/synthetic blend, which is best at wicking away moisture and minimizing foot odor. Socks should not have large seams that might cause blisters or irritation. Commonly played warm-weather sports and the risks associated with them include:
• Basketball - Children playing basketball may be at risk for ankle sprains, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot). To minimize the risk of foot injury, choose a shoe with a thick, stiff sole, high ankle support, and shock absorption.
• Tennis - The rapid, repetitive lateral movements and shifting of weight required of tennis players can lead to injuries such as ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and corns or calluses. Tennis players will do best with a flexible-soled shoe that supports both sides of the foot.
• Running - Movements required of runners include leg extension and hitting the balls of the feet with a great deal of force. Running can lead to shin splints, heel pain, and blisters. A good running shoe should offer good support and shock absorption. In some cases, custom orthotics may be necessary to provide additional support and control of foot motion.
• Soccer - The running, jumping, and lateral movements required of soccer players can lead to many foot injuries, with heel pain and shin splints being among the most common. Soccer shoes should provide multiple cleats in the heel area and enough room for thicker socks.

"Sports-related foot and ankle injuries are on the rise as more children participate actively in sports," says Dr. Bobrowski. "Parents need to be vigilant to ensure children's feet remain healthy and safe. And remember- lack of complaint by a child is not a reliable sign that everything is fine. The bones of the growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it."

Ensuring your child's feet stay healthy could go a long way - your young athlete could one day be the next LeBron James or Brandi Chastain. If your child participates in strenuous sports, monitor his or her foot health closely. If you suspect a problem, take your child to a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Thomas Bobrowski, DPM is a podiatrist at Crystal Coast Podiatry in New Bern, NC. Call 252-638-4700 or visit www.crystalcoastpodiatry.com to make an appointment. Visit www.apma.org to learn more about foot health and care.

April is Foot Health Awareness Month!

April is Foot Health Awareness month! The American Podiatric Medical Association has introduced the "Play it Safe" campaign this month, focusing on "educating the public on podiatrists' expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries affecting the lower extremities, their ability to provide guidance on proper athletic footwear, prescribe custom orthotics, and evaluate individuals' biomechanics." Follow our social media channels using the hashtag #PlayItSafe all month long for updates and valuable information!

The APMA has put together a special edition of their newsletter, Footprints, for the Spring season. It focuses on facts and myths surrounding athletic injuries. Check it out here!