Running injuries in the foot and ankle often develop as repetitive stress is placed on muscles, tendons, and joints without proper preparation or recovery. These injuries can appear as pain in the heel, arch, Achilles tendon, or ankle, and may begin as mild discomfort before becoming more persistent. Common causes include sudden increases in mileage, poor running mechanics, weak supporting muscles, and inadequate footwear. Learning from experienced runners and training smarter by building endurance gradually can reduce the risk of injury. Strength and flexibility imbalances also play a role in how the body absorbs impact during running. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, analyze gait patterns, and identify early signs of strain before they become more serious problems. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss effective relief and prevention tips.

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 Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM of Madison Foot Clinic. 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 Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail pain can make it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. Several problems can cause this type of pain. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This leads to redness, swelling, and tenderness. Fungal infections can also cause discomfort and usually include thick, discolored, or brittle nails. Injuries from stubbing the toe or wearing tight shoes can cause bruising under the nail and sharp pain. In some cases, the toenail may loosen or lift from the skin beneath it. People with diabetes or poor circulation are at greater risk for toenail problems because small injuries can become serious more quickly. A podiatrist can examine the toenail, identify the cause of the pain, and provide proper treatment to help prevent infection or long-term damage. If you have ongoing toenail pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM of Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Acquired flat feet develop when the arch of the foot gradually lowers, and the foot rolls inward while walking. Several risk factors increase the chance of this happening. Aging is a common cause because the tendons and muscles that support the arch can weaken. Excess body weight also places added pressure on the feet and ankles. Diabetes and high blood pressure can affect blood flow and weaken soft tissue in the feet. Previous foot or ankle injuries raise the risk as well. Wearing shoes that lack proper support can place strain on the arch and tendons. People with arthritis may notice changes in foot shape that lead to flat feet. Common signs include swelling near the inside of the ankle, tired feet, and pain after standing for long periods. A podiatrist can examine the feet and provide custom orthotics, supportive footwear guidance, and other treatment options. If you have signs of flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. 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 Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds are a common and serious concern for people living with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce circulation, making it harder to feel injuries and slower for the body to heal. Small cuts or pressure spots may go unnoticed and develop into open sores, which can lead to soft tissue infections if not treated promptly. Risk factors include poor circulation, nerve damage, and wearing ill-fitting shoes. These wounds often appear on the bottom of the foot or around pressure points, and may worsen over time without proper care. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, check for infection, and provide advanced treatments to promote healing and prevent complications. Early care can reduce the risk of severe outcomes. If you have diabetes and have developed foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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