Years ago a chiropodist would only treat the foot, corns, and calluses. Today, a podiatrist, or a foot specialist, treats a wide array of foot and ankle problems.

Commonly seen in a foot doctor’s office are ingrown toenails, heel and ankle pain, ankle sprains, fractures, and wounds. Surgery of the foot and/or ankle is also provided by a foot doctor. Surgically we treat an assortment of foot ailments, including bunions, ingrown nails, fungal nails, heel surgery, impinged nerve surgery, which is also known as a neuroma, hammertoe surgery, and bone spur removal.

We can treat a variety of fractures in the foot with either below knee casting, surgical shoes, or below the knee walkers. There are times when fractures of the foot need fixation through means of screws or pins. Other forms of treatments are prescribing medication, whether it’s antibiotics, antifungal medications, and medications after surgery.

Podiatry is not just about cutting toenails, there are so many other problems that we can treat to get you back on your feet in no time at all.

Does stretching help older people become better runners? Absolutely! It is incredibly important to stretch before running for many different reasons. Most runners are able to run for longer distances if they have done a good stretch before. You always hear about how you should stretch before a good workout, but do you know why? Proper stretching preceding a workout will decrease lactic acid buildup. Cramps and leg or foot pain are caused by a decrease in oxygen to the muscles, which then causes a lactic acid build up. When lactic acid builds up it causes a cramp. So if you stretch before you run, pain in your muscles legs and feet will be decreased.

Do runners lose flexibility as they age? Not necessarily. The more you exercise the more flexible your muscles are. The more flexible your muscles are the longer you can run. Stretching routinely will provide you the ability to continue running with minimal cramping and discomfort. Normal aging probably won't decrease flexibility. However, if a person decreases their exercise regiment their ability to run will decrease from loss of muscle tone.

Routine stretching before and after running are important for the ability to run. As we age muscle atrophy, or muscle break down, occurs if we stop using certain muscles. Stretching exercises to prevent muscle breakdown is very important.

Flexibility and ability to run is not truly age dependent, but dependent on several factors: muscle tone, muscle use, and proper stretching both before and after exercise. If possible never lead a sedentary life and always develop a plan to stretch and strengthen your muscles.

Toenails protect the ends of your toes from atypical pressure and/or rubbing. A toenail consists of the part you see, the nail plate, and a portion beneath the skin called the growth plate. Nails are made of the protein keratin, which helps to make the nail strong. It is very common for even the healthiest feet to develop nail problems. Ingrown toenails are a common problem. Incorrect trimming, ill-fitting shoes, or genetics can cause your nails to grow into the surrounding skin, causing serious pain and inflammation. As your nails grow in age they can get thin and brittle, sometimes caused by poor circulation, poor diet, or diabetes. They can crack, split, or allow a fungal infection to occur.

If you have thick nails it may be caused by a fungal infection or an injury. The nail may become thick, yellowish, ridged, or brittle, and it can be very painful to wear footwear. In some cases the nail may completely fall off.

Nails are the protector of our skin on both our hands and feet causing them to endure a lot of abuse. Sometimes we are the cause of this abuse by doing things such as biting. Broken nails are very common also by catching them on something or exposing them to chemicals.

Minor nail problems will typically heal as the nail grows out and usually require little treatment. Sometimes a covering is necessary for proper healing. Here are a few of the most common nail problems.

Fungal infections: The nail plate can have a thickened, yellow, or cloudy appearance. The nails can become rough and crumbly, or can separate from the nail bed. We suggest that if you are suffering from this to come into the office. We typically recommend a product called Formula 3 to treat fungus which is a clear nail polish. It is a FDA approved medicine to treat toenail fungus. Formula 3 is made with Tolnafate, a synthetic topical thiocarbamate antifungal agent. Formula 3 is an oil and requires no drying time. It is odorless and does not stain.

It absorbs in seconds. It is residue free and will not blacken the nail. Formula 3 has a unconditional patient-direct money back guarantee. We have these in all of our offices for you convenience.

Color changes: Nails may change in color as a result of injury, medications, nutritional imbalances and skin conditions. If the color of your nails has noticeably changed, it is a good idea to check with a podiatrist.

Hangnails: The skin around your nails can become irritated and infected from biting or chewing, minor injuries, or exposure to water and chemicals. We have all endured the nagging pain of a hangnail. It is often sore and can develop into an infection. If this occurs we recommend you see a podiatrist immediately.

Ingrown nails: This is one of the most common complaints brought into our office simply because they are so painful. They are often caused by improper cutting of the nail or wearing footwear that is too tight. If you have an ingrown toenail, do not try to treat it yourself as you can make matters much worse. We are able to quickly treat and you will be pain free. We have an on site shoe store of shoes that will fit your foot properly as to not cause an ingrown again.

If you have something going on with your nail that is painful or that you are unfamiliar with it is usually a good idea to contact a podiatrist so you can be back to normal in no time.

How To Give Foot Troubles The Boot By Peter Wishnie

(NAPSI)-While many boots today may win high fashion awards, they can be less than kind to your feet. According to a survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), 27 percent of women who experienced heel pain reported their footwear as the chief cause.

"Whether you're wearing them for protection from rain or snow or for style, it is vastly important to pay attention to how a boot fits," said Dr. Ronald Jensen, APMA president.
These tips from podiatrists may help you pull on your most stylish boots without harming your tootsies:

• Have feet measured, as foot size can change throughout life. Keep in mind, too, that your boot size may not be the same in all styles and brands.
• Try boots on in the afternoon--feet tend to swell during the day.
• Most people's feet are not the exact same size. Get boots that fit your larger foot.
• Carry an insole for arch support when boot shopping. Insert when trying on.
• Boots should feel comfortable when tried on in the store; there shouldn't be a "break-in" period.
• Different styles and materials can affect how your feet feel. Synthetic materials trap in heat and moisture, causing odor. A boot constructed of natural materials, such as leather, will keep feet dry and comfortable.
• Choose a boot with plenty of toe room, a firm heel counter, and traction to ensure stability.
• Snow boots can become slick in inclement weather. Select a pair with rubber soles and deep grooves for proper traction.
• Trendy ankle boots often lack enough ankle support. Coupled with a high heel, this can cause an imbalance. Select a heel no more than two inches high and avoid walking long distances in them.
• Narrow and very high heels on boots transfer your weight onto the ball of your foot and can cause pain and numbness. Select a lower heel or stacked style of heel for additional support.

Get more shoe or boot buying advice and foot care tips by visiting the American Podiatric Medical Association's Web site at www.apma.org.

Killer Heels Could Cause Arthritis
By: Peter Wishnie

Your slippers may be comfortable at the end of a hard day but according to new research, wearing them too regularly could cause joint problems in later life.

Sandals and high-heels were also found to be the biggest causers of future joint problems, whereas trainers were least likely to cause any conditions.

The research, carried out on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology, examined the link between joint problems and footwear. Amongst women, scientists could pinpoint a correlation between 'poor shoe choices' - such as high heels - and arthritis.

But with men, who tend to wear more comfortable shoes, there was no such link. Less than two per cent of men wear 'unhealthy' shoes.

The researchers estimate that foot and toe conditions are among the top 20 reasons patients aged 65 to 74 visit their GP in the States. And improper footwear could be one of the causes, they warn.

In total, more than 1,400 men and 1,900 women were questioned about feet problems and footwear.

Quoted in The Telegraph, the authors said: 'While more research is needed, young women should make careful choices regarding their shoe type to avoid hindfoot pain later in life, or perform stretching exercises to alleviate the effect of high heels on foot pain.'