Fitness facilities encourage strength, balance, and overall well-being, but they can also be a common setting for lower extremity injuries. Ankles, feet, and knees are especially vulnerable during weight training, running, or high-intensity classes. Poor footwear, uneven surfaces, and improper form can all contribute to strains, sprains, or stress fractures. Even overuse from repetitive motion can cause discomfort that worsens over time. Listening to your body and using proper support are key to avoiding injury and maintaining long-term mobility. Early evaluation helps prevent small problems from becoming major setbacks. If you experience pain, swelling, or instability after exercising, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can assess the cause and provide effective treatment to help you return to your fitness routine safely and with confidence.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM of Arkansas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels may enhance height and appearance, but frequent use can lead to significant foot problems. The unnatural position of the foot places pressure on the toes and forefoot, often causing bunions and hammertoes. The elevated heel strains the Achilles tendon, leading to Achilles tendonitis, and increases tension on the plantar fascia, resulting in plantar fasciitis. Over time, these conditions can cause chronic pain and limit mobility. A podiatrist can assess the damage, relieve discomfort, and recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics. If you have pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to choose heels that are better for your feet.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM from Arkansas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Ankle pain while running can affect performance and increase the risk of injury, if not properly addressed. Choosing the right running shoes with good support and cushioning can help reduce stress on the joints. Learning proper running techniques, such as landing softly and maintaining good posture, helps prevent unnecessary strain. Additionally, stretching before and after running improves flexibility and reduces tightness in the muscles and tendons surrounding the ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, gait, and footwear to identify the source of pain and create a personalized treatment or prevention plan. If you have ankle pain and enjoy running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, enabling you to return to running comfortably and safely.

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 Joseph M. LaCava, DPM of Arkansas. 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 Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.