Some situations — such as recovering from an injury or being obese — can require that you avoid putting stress on your feet and ankles. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sit on the couch and avoid all physical activity. If you’re advised to avoid weight-bearing activities, we still...
More than 40 million Americans run on a regular basis. And it’s clear to see why, because it has numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, with running can come an increased risk for developing certain injuries. In fact, 80% of running injuries are due to the repetitive stress of the activity. Some...
The weather is starting to turn colder, and the days are getting shorter. We all know these signs mean winter will be here before we know it. If you’re a dedicated runner, you probably don’t let the weather stop you from your activity for several months of the year. However,...
Shin splints are a very common problem, especially among new runners and those who have been away from activity for a while. Even experienced runners can experience them if they overwork their muscles or rapidly increase the number of miles they run. The condition usually manifests as pain, soreness, or...
A broken toe isn’t usually the same kind of major emergency as, say, a broken wrist. But it can still cause a great deal of pain. Whether you got a broken toe as a result of running or stubbing your toe on the coffee table, it can cause pain and...
Overuse injuries happen more often than you might think. Perhaps you’ve experienced one yourself when you started training for your first marathon or got serious about fitness. Injuries to your ankles from overuse can feel a lot like a sprain, but the causes are different. Don’t let overuse injuries sideline...
If you live with lower back pain, you have a lot of company. Millions of Americans deal with acute lower back pain, and, unfortunately, this pain becomes chronic for 20% of sufferers. And when it comes to back pain, there’s one cause that’s often overlooked: your feet. The connection between...
Running barefoot brings up images of a carefree time, perhaps running in the backyard or down the beach to the ocean. However, it’s not just a fun thing to do here and there. It’s also a popular sport among serious athletes. “Barefoot” running often doesn’t mean running without footwear. It...
Heel spurs, which are bony growths on the heel, are a common foot condition experienced by many athletes. Heel spurs develop over time, and as they progress, you may notice redness and feel swelling or pain. You may also notice bony growths under the skin. However, many people don’t see...
Hammertoe is a painful condition that can sideline any runner. When you’d rather be out running, it’s a real bummer if you have to spend your time putting up your feet instead. Hammertoe, which is a condition that causes your toe to bend downward at the middle joint, typically affects...
Plantar fasciitis is the kind of condition that can keep runners sidelined on the couch. It’s a painful foot condition that’s often at its worst when walking after waking up or sitting for a while. If it gets bad enough, you may find it extremely painful just to move about,...
Pain in the feet and ankles is commonplace for arthritis sufferers, especially as aging causes a progression of the condition. The human foot has 30 joints, and each one can become a source of pain and stiffness. At Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine in Kirkland, Washington, our podiatrists work...
You probably never think much about the heel of your foot until you develop a problem. Then it seems like your heel is all you can think about! Because it’s the biggest bone in your foot, your heel can be the source of pain and mobility problems. At Washington Foot...
Biomechanics is the science of human movement. It takes mechanical principles and applies them to how the human body moves. In podiatric medicine, biomechanics focuses on the forces that affect your feet and ankles. It looks at how your biomechanics can cause foot and ankle problems. When applied to sports...
If you’ve sprained your ankle, you may think that you just need to walk it off or take it easy for a few days. But what you may not know is that, without proper treatment, your ankle could still be a problem after it heals. A sprain can weaken your...
The components in your foot, which include muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissue, give it the flexibility you need to walk, run, and jump. Your arch runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to the ball of your foot and helps bear some of the weight of...
It stands to reason that your feet are more likely to stay in good condition if they’re not stressed by the constant pressure of excess weight. The National Foot Health Assessment 2012 study performed for the Institute for Preventive Foot Health revealed that over half of survey takers who classified...
Bunions are fairly common: They’re reported in 23 percent of people 18 to 65, and in 36 percent of people older than 65. As such, many people might find them harmless and not needing to be addressed. However, in addition to pain and discomfort, bunions can cause long-term problems for...
Summer will soon be upon us. And this presents its own set of challenges for our feet. Whether you’re hiking, walking on the beach, or regularly wearing sandals, you’ll want to take some extra precautions to keep your feet happy and healthy during the upcoming season. At Run Doctor, Dr....
Are you struggling with foot pain but have no idea what might be causing it? If you’ve ditched the high heels, found some supportive shoes, and you’re still experiencing discomfort, it might not be what you’re wearing on your feet that’s the problem but how you’re using your feet. Everyday...
Running is a healthy pastime that can help you maintain an appropriate weight and improve your physical fitness. However, if you don't take the proper precautions, running can also lead to injuries. One of the most vulnerable parts of the body for runners is the ankle. Why are the ankles...
Heel pain is one of the more common types of foot pain, especially among athletes and very active people, as well as among older men and women. At Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine, we help men and women relieve heel pain and related symptoms with custom orthotics, which are...
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain, especially among athletes, older adults, and people who spend a lot of time on their feet. If you’re very overweight or if you have a certain type of foot shape or walking style (gait), you can also be...
Hallux Valgus, a.k.a. the bunion, is a very common foot deformity that involves the subluxation of the first metatarsal, the bone right behind your big toe. While genetics plays a huge role in the development of this condition, lifestyle choices like footwear preferences may either cause or worsen the existing condition. Women...
If you’re dealing with chronic foot pain, wearing specially-made orthotics to help reduce those symptoms makes sense. After all, orthotics are designed to provide the extra support and cushioning your feet need to compensate for foot-related problems like arthritis, bunions, corns, and hammertoes, and they can also help correct problems with...
Faced with the endless possibilities in sporting goods or athletic apparel stores, there are a few standard methods people use to choose a running shoe. Some opt for the best-looking shoe. Others search the clearance racks for the best possible price. Some meticulously try on style after style until they...
An injury to the largest tendon in your body, the Achilles tendon, can be devastating. This tendon helps your foot move in just about every direction and is essential to walking and jumping. When it’s torn, surgery is often recommended, especially if you’re young and active. In fact, surgery is...