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Running is a wonderful sport for maintaining your cardiovascular health and overall fitness, however, it can increase your risk of getting a foot or ankle injury. Two of the most common running injuries are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis often presents itself as a stabbing pain in the heel, or pain in the arch of the foot. This is an overuse injury that is the result of repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, a fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is caused by small tears in the tendon due to overuse. Many running injuries can be prevented by regularly warming up, doing strengthening exercises, resting, and wearing the right shoes. However, if you find yourself with a persistent foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley 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 one of our offices located in Uniontown, and Connellsville, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain and discomfort often accompanies the foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis. It can occur as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is located on the bottom of the foot. The Plantar fascia is a portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes and is crucial in completing basic foot movements. Plantar fasciitis can develop from standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time throughout the day, overuse, or from a sudden weight gain. Common symptoms can include heel pain after arising in the morning and difficulty walking. It is beneficial to properly stretch the feet before and after exercising, as this may be helpful in preventing plantar fasciitis. If you are afflicted with this condition, please consult with a podiatrist to learn about treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr.  from Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Uniontown, and Connellsville, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot blister is a common condition typically caused by excess friction on the skin of the foot.  This friction is usually due to shoes or socks rubbing against the skin. Blisters occur when the top layer of skin separates from the lower layers of skin, forming a fluid-filled bubble on the surface of the foot. These bubbles can become painful, especially if they continue to experience friction. The first symptom of a developing blister may be a “hot spot,” an area on your foot that begins to feel hot and irritated as you walk or run. If this early sign is ignored, a blister will then form in the “hot spot” area and may cause discomfort and pain. If the blistered area continues to endure too much friction, the blister will pop, which can increase the risk of infection. For more information about foot blisters, please speak with a podiatrist today.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.