March 2021

Monday, 29 March 2021 00:00

Running, Warming Up And Cooling Down

The benefits of exercising generally affects the overall body. Preventing running injuries is important in keeping the body strong, and can be accomplished in several ways. These can include properly stretching and warming up before any running activity begins, and cooling down when it is completed. It is beneficial to practice running that coincides with your fitness level, and wearing shoes that fit correctly may help to prevent painful running injuries. Many people who enjoy running often find it is helpful to gradually increase the time, mileage, and type of running that is pursued. If you would like more information about how running injuries can affect the feet, and how to prevent them, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

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 John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 22 March 2021 00:00

How Podiatrists Treat Broken Ankles

The ankle is the joint where the tibia (shin bone), the fibia (back bone on the lower leg), and the tallus (which connects to the heel bone) all come together.  A broken bone in this area can range from a hairline fracture to a shattering of the bone, and the symptoms may vary depending on the type of break.  Common symptoms are pain, swelling, and the inability to put weight on the ankle.  Because broken ankles are very serious and can be easily mistaken for an ankle sprain, patients who are experiencing severe ankle pain should visit a podiatrist.  A podiatrist will examine the ankle and use diagnostic imaging to determine what bones may be out of place.  Severe fractures will usually require a cast or brace in order to allow the ankle to heel.  However, some severe breaks with bones out of alignment will require surgery.  After the initial treatment, your podiatrist will be able to guide you in your recovery.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

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Wednesday, 17 March 2021 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 15 March 2021 00:00

Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries that can occur to the ankle. Sprains typically result from the ankle being twisted (usually due to trauma) in a way that causes the ligaments to become over stretched and even torn. While pain and swelling are the main symptoms of ankle sprains, they can also be indicated by bruising, hearing a “popping” sound at the time of injury, tenderness, inability to hold weight, and an unstable joint. While mild sprains will result in minor symptoms, severe sprains can lead to significant pain and swelling. Since the ligaments connect the bones together, it is important to visit a podiatrist who can check the ankle in its entirety. A podiatrist will also be able to inspect range of motion as well as diagnose and treat any broken bones.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

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Monday, 08 March 2021 00:00

Signs and Causes of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, mainly in between the toes. The infection usually causes a rash that becomes red, itchy, scaly, and dry. Other signs of athlete’s foot can include a foul odor, cracked skin, peeling of the skin, and a burning sensation. While anyone can get athlete’s foot, the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is usually spread in warm and moist environments such as communal showers or public pools. Athlete’s foot can also spread from sharing items that touch the feet. Patients who believe they have developed this condition should visit a podiatrist for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

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Monday, 01 March 2021 00:00

Types of Corns on the Feet

A corn on the foot is a small area of hardened skin that typically develops as a result of excess friction. They can develop from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Soft corns can form between the toes and can remain moist as they rub against the neighboring toes. This type of corn can cause severe pain and can alter the gait to compensate for the discomfort. Hard corns can form on the outside of the pinky toe, or on the sole of the foot. These can develop from standing for the majority of the day, in addition to having aging feet. One potential treatment option is wearing the correct shoes in order to eliminate a portion of the friction on the corn. Corns can be quite painful, and it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist about how to prevent and treat corns on the feet.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them

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