Running can be an excellent way to stay active, but it places repetitive stress on the feet, ankles, and toes, often leading to injuries. Common foot-related injuries in runners include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the broad ligament on the bottom of the foot, leading to heel pain, especially during morning steps. Stress fractures, hairline cracks in bones like those in the foot or heel, can develop from overuse and require proper care to prevent worsening. Ankle sprains, caused by overstretching ligaments, result in swelling, pain, and reduced mobility. Ingrown toenails are also prevalent among runners, often from wearing improperly fitted footwear, causing discomfort and possible infection if untreated. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis of your foot condition and recommend tailored treatment, based on the type and severity of the injury. Early intervention helps prevent minor injuries from progressing to chronic issues. If you have sustained a foot injury related to running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a source of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It is particularly common among those involved in sports with a lot of running, like soccer, or basketball. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated or inflamed due to repetitive stress, often worsened by activities that involve running or jumping. The main symptoms of Sever's disease include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling at the back of the heel, especially after physical activity. Children may also limp or complain of discomfort when walking or standing for long periods. Treatment typically focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. This may include rest and stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon. Custom orthotics or heel pads can also help reduce pressure on the heel. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend a period of restricted activity. If your child is dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth of tissue that develops on the bottom of the foot, typically in the arch area. It is characterized by the formation of fibrous nodules or lumps in the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. The exact cause of a plantar fibroma is not always clear, but it may be linked to genetic factors, injury, or excessive stress on the feet. Symptoms of a plantar fibroma include the presence of a small, firm lump in the arch of the foot, which can cause pain or discomfort, especially while walking or standing for long periods. In some cases, the fibroma may not cause noticeable symptoms unless it grows large or presses on surrounding tissues. If you have a lump in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis, and offer the best treatment for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is a low-impact sport that is gaining popularity for its joint-friendly benefits. Low impact means less stress on weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and ankles, making it ideal for individuals with arthritis. The gentle, consistent movement during pickleball stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and reduces stiffness. Regular play also improves balance, agility, and joint flexibility, key factors in preventing falls, which is a common concern for those with arthritis. To maximize the benefits, proper preparation is essential. Warm up before playing to loosen joints, and use supportive footwear designed to accommodate arthritic feet. If you play pickleball and have persistent joint pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to help you stay active safely.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.