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.

Ingrown toenails are quite common and occur on the side of your toes and result in swelling and drainage which occurs in the toes. Ingrown toenails occur because of an indentation and slice in the toe which creates a pocket of drainage and many times causes an infection or what is called a paronychia. These painful problems can occur from trauma, shoegear which is tight or from improper nail cutting. Usually with some anesthesia we can remove the infection by removing the ingrown toenail. If infected we usually prescribe an antibiotic and soaking instructions. After the infection is healed we recommend a procedure where we remove the ingrown portion of the nail down to the root. This procedure will usually remove the painful ingrown nail and then the pain and the possibility of reinfection will probably not recur.