Foot and heel pain is a common challenge for runners, impacting both beginners and seasoned athletes. The discomfort, often described as walking on glass, can be attributed to various causes, with plantar fasciitis at the top of the list. Identifying the root cause of foot pain is vital. While plantar fasciitis is a common diagnosis, other factors may contribute to discomfort. For runners coping with plantar fasciitis, early intervention and targeted exercises may offer hope for relief and continued running. Wearing proper footwear selection is essential in preventing foot pain, including well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Addressing gait issues, correcting running techniques, and incorporating flexibility and strength training are essential measures. Gradually increasing training intensity can help to avoid overuse injuries. If you are a runner and are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

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 Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot corn, medically known as a heloma, is a common foot condition characterized by a localized thickening of the skin that usually occurs on the feet or toes. These corns are typically small, circular, or conical in shape, and may have a central core of hard, dense material. The two primary types of foot corns are hard corns and soft corns. Hard corns often form on the tops or sides of toes and the balls of the feet, appearing as yellow or gray, dense patches of skin. Soft corns tend to develop between the toes in moist, sweaty areas, having a softer, more rubbery texture. The main cause of foot corns is persistent friction and pressure on the skin, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, toe deformities, walking abnormalities, or excessive moisture exposure. If corns develop on your feet and become painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend appropriate treatments and measures for relief. These may include wearing protective pads, cushioning, orthotics, or, in some cases, professional corn removal.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Flat feet, or fallen arches, are a common condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. Recognizing the symptoms of flat feet is essential for understanding and addressing this condition. One prevalent sign is pain or discomfort along the inner side of the ankle and arch. Individuals with flat feet may also experience swelling along the inside of the ankle. The lack of a visible arch when standing or walking is a visual indicator of flat feet. Overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively, can contribute to this condition and lead to related issues, including shin splints or knee pain. Fatigue and aching in the feet and legs can occur, especially after prolonged standing. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with effective relief options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

A sports podiatrist is a healthcare specialist focused on treating and preventing foot and lower limb issues in athletes and other active individuals. They have a deep understanding of how the feet and legs function during physical activities and the specific stresses different sports place on these body parts. The role of a sports podiatrist is vital in enhancing athletic performance and preventing injuries. Sports podiatrists conduct thorough assessments, including gait analysis and biomechanical evaluations, to understand an athlete's foot structure and movement patterns. They offer expert advice on appropriate footwear and can design custom orthotic devices to correct biomechanical imbalances, enhance performance, or prevent injuries. They also treat a range of sports-related foot and ankle problems, ranging from overuse injuries to acute traumas. While all podiatrists can treat sports injuries to some degree, a sports podiatrist offers a more focused expertise in managing and preventing injuries specifically in athletes and those engaged in regular physical activities. If you are an athlete and are experiencing foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who has experience with sports injuries for an evaluation.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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