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Running places repeated force through the feet and ankles, and several risk factors can lead to injury in these areas. Blisters form when the foot slides inside the shoe, and shin pain often develops when the muscles and tendons along the lower leg are strained. Hard surfaces, poor technique like running flat-footed, and wearing shoes with inadequate support can increase the chance of foot and ankle injury. Runners who push beyond their current fitness level may experience tendon irritation, stress fractures, or ligament strain. Uneven trails, loose sand, and wearing flip-flops before or after a run can also affect safety. A podiatrist can assess foot posture, examine worn shoe patterns, and recommend supportive gear. This foot doctor can also prescribe custom orthotics and guide recovery if surgery is necessary. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain after 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 doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. 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 Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, as the tip of the toe angles toward the second toe. Over time, bunions can become more noticeable, and the skin over the bump may appear red and inflamed. The area can be painful, especially when pressure is applied, making it difficult to wear certain shoes or walk comfortably. Bunions are common in individuals who wear tight or ill-fitting shoes, particularly women who wear high heels. However, they can also be caused by genetic factors, abnormal foot structure, or conditions like arthritis. The symptoms include pain, swelling, and the appearance of a hard bump at the joint of the big toe. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition and offering treatments such as custom orthotics, padding, or even surgery in severe cases. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in one of the bones of the foot caused by repeated pressure or impact over time. Common causes include overuse, repetitive high impact movements such as running or jumping, sudden changes in activity levels, or abnormal foot structure that places extra stress on certain bones. Risk factors include low levels of vitamin D and calcium, a history of previous stress fractures, and participating in sports or activities that strain the feet. Symptoms may include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose a stress fracture using imaging, provide treatment plans to allow proper healing, recommend protective footwear or orthotics, and guide safe return to activity. If you have signs of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and recovery guidance.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense movement and position, allowing the feet and ankles to adjust instantly to changes in terrain. Proprioception plays a key role in balance, coordination, and injury prevention. Nerve endings in the feet, tendons, and joints send signals to the brain that help control movement and stability, especially when walking or running on uneven ground. When proprioception is impaired by injury, aging, or disease, it can affect balance and agility, raising the risk of sprains or falls. Exercises that improve proprioception, such as balancing on one leg or standing on uneven surfaces, can help strengthen the muscles of the feet and enhance stability. A podiatrist can evaluate proprioceptive function and recommend strengthening routines to help restore control and balance. If you are experiencing balance or stability problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.