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Research has indicated there are three habits to develop that may be beneficial in preventing running injuries. Running and jogging may be easier to enjoy when the body is warmed up. An effective warm-up can increase the body’s range of motion and flexibility. The second habit consists of running with a goal in mind. It may be helpful to follow a program that can alternate running styles. People who enjoy the sport of running are aware of the third habit which consists of properly stretching and noticing if there are existing aches and pains. If you would like additional information about how to prevent running injuries, it is advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can provide you with the necessary knowledge.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and may feel aches and pains from performing daily activities. Many types of foot pain can be caused by poor foot structure, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. A common form of pain can be found in the heel, which may be indicative of plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. The condition that is referred to as flat feet may cause pain in the middle of the foot, where the arch would generally be found. Patients have found moderate relief when custom-made insoles are worn, which may provide the support that is needed. Bunions may cause pain as a result of inflammation, and can become irritated as the affected part of the foot rubs against the shoe. If you experience any discomfort in your feet, it is strongly advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease impacts the growth plate in the heel, and normally takes the form of irritation or swelling. The disease is most common among children, especially those from the ages of 9-14 years during their growth spurt. Sever’s disease is also more likely to occur among children who are active in sports, especially basketball, gymnastics, and track. Symptoms may include swelling or redness of the heel, limping, stiffness of the feet in the morning, and pain when the heel is squeezed on both sides. To relieve discomfort, it is recommended to ice the affected area, wear shoes that are open in the back, and use a boot that limits the movement of the heel. For a proper diagnosis and treatment regime, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist for professional assistance.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Anna Petrov at Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Living with foot pain is hard on your body.  Give us a call and let us find out what's wrong.