Fall is the start of the season for many sporting events. If you're trying a new physical activity or sport, it's important to practice injury prevention.

Have a foot or ankle injury? Don't wait to get treated.

Though foot care products and services are often marketed to women, having a good foot care routine is highly beneficial for everybody. Taking care of your feet improves their hygiene and overall well being. At home, you can soak your feet in a basin of warm water, exfoliate the heels and balls of your feet with a pumice stone to remove dry, dead skin, moisturize your feet with lotion, and clip your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. You may want to give yourself a foot massage, which can help alleviate aches and pains, stretch the feet, and aid in relaxation. Taking time to pay attention to your feet can also help you detect if there are any problems, such as athlete’s foot, heel pain, or an injury. If you notice a foot problem, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists 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 Weybridge, UK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care

Running is a great sport to get into for your overall physical fitness, but it can be tough on the feet and ankles if you don’t first take measures to prevent injuries. If you are new to running, or resuming running after a long break, you may be able to reduce the risk of injury by stretching for a week prior to beginning to run. This will help loosen stiff joints and tissues. You should also incorporate stretching into your warm-up before each run. Wear running shoes that fit properly and offer adequate support, and replace them when they become worn out. If you do find that you have experienced an injury, stop running and consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition, offer the right treatments, and help get you back on your feet. 

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 clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists 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 Weybridge, UK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries

Ankle pain can be caused by a variety of factors, with the most common one being a sprain—where the lateral (outside) ligaments of the ankle become overly stretched or torn. Sprains are classified as Grade 1 (ligament has be overly stretched, causing soreness and possibly inflammation), Grade 2 (ligament is partially torn, causing prolonged pain and swelling, and the ankle may be unable to sustain full weight), and Grade 3 (ligament is fully torn, an audible pop could have occurred, pain is severe with bruising and swelling, and the ankle is unable to sustain any weight and is unstable). Because ligaments don’t receive a lot of blood flow, it can take a while for them to heal, and people don’t always seek proper treatment for an ankle sprain. Improperly-healed ankle ligaments can lead to chronic ankle instability or even arthritis in the ankle joint over time. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, or are experiencing any type of ankle pain, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Weybridge, UK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.