Tuesday, 18 February 2025 00:00

Feet can hurt while ice skating for several reasons, with the most common being improper fitting skates. If the skates are too tight or too loose, they can cause discomfort and pain by pressing on certain areas of the foot or not providing enough support. Poorly fitted skates may lead to blisters, pinched nerves, or restricted circulation, making skating a painful experience. Another factor is the lack of cushioning or support within the skate itself. Ice skating places a lot of pressure on the feet, especially during sharp turns or jumps. Inadequate arch support or lack of padding can result in soreness or fatigue. Additionally, the stiff structure of ice skates can sometimes cause muscles and tendons in the feet to tense up, leading to discomfort. Overuse or skating for long periods without taking breaks can also contribute to foot pain. If you enjoy ice skating and have foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief methods, in addition to tips on how to protect your feet while skating.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM of Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

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Tuesday, 11 February 2025 00:00

Selecting the right running shoes for various distances is vital to ensure comfort, prevent injury, and improve performance. For shorter distances, such as sprints or 5Ks, lightweight shoes with more flexibility are ideal. These shoes offer quick responsiveness, allowing for fast foot turnover. For longer distances, like half-marathons or marathons, shoes with more cushioning provide extra support and shock absorption to reduce the impact on joints. Support is also essential, particularly for runners who experience overpronation or underpronation. Stability shoes help correct these issues, offering a more controlled stride and reducing the risk of injury. Cushioning should be balanced with support, ensuring that the shoe does not feel too soft or too firm, which can lead to discomfort. Additionally, flexibility plays a role in ensuring natural movement, especially for long-distance runners, as it helps maintain proper form and minimizes fatigue. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury from wearing the wrong running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on what type of shoes to wear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

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Tuesday, 04 February 2025 00:00

Hiking blisters are an issue for outdoor enthusiasts, often developing on the feet due to friction and pressure. These blisters occur when repeated rubbing or tight footwear causes damage to the skin, leading to the formation of a fluid-filled pocket. The causes of hiking blisters are mainly improper footwear, such as shoes that are too tight or too loose, and wearing socks that do not wick moisture away effectively. Wet feet from sweat or rain can also increase the likelihood of blisters forming. The symptoms of hiking blisters include pain, swelling, and the appearance of a raised, fluid-filled bump. To prevent blisters, it is essential to choose well-fitting shoes that provide proper support, along with moisture-wicking socks that reduce friction. Additionally, applying blister prevention tape or using lubricants can help protect the skin, while keeping feet dry and comfortable is key to avoiding blisters during long hikes. Foot blisters that developed from hiking can cause avid hikers to temporarily stop this activity. If you have developed a problematic foot blister from hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM of Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Wearing high heels can lead to a variety of foot problems due to the unnatural positioning and pressure they place on the feet. High heels force the toes into a confined space and push the body’s weight forward, increasing pressure on the toes and the ball of the foot. This can lead to painful conditions such as bunions, corns, and calluses. Over time, wearing high heels can also cause shortening and tightening of the Achilles tendon, leading to Achilles tendinitis or heel pain. Additionally, the elevated heel alters the natural alignment of the spine and joints, potentially causing back and knee pain. High heels can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis due to the strain they place on the bottom of the foot. While wearing high heels occasionally may not cause immediate harm, frequent use can lead to long-term foot and joint problems. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on more appropriate  shoes to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

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