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By drsaffer@carolinafootspecialists.net
April 01, 2013
Category: Running
Tags: Bridge Run  

Here are some tips on getting ready for the upcoming Cooper River Bridge Run 2013.

  • Stretching is key for runners, who are naturally prone to developing tight hamstrings and Achilles tendons.  Performing sustained stretching before, and after the bridge run will keep the lower extremity muscles and tendons flexible and prevents injury.
  • If you have a current injury don't  push it to much. Seeking proper evaluation and treatment is essential for healing an injured foot. Even though you’ve finished your run without increasing your time, you can cause major long term damage to the ligaments, tendons or bones in the foot continuing to run with an injury.
  • Proper running shoes and custom orthotics 
  • Wearing the correct running shoe for your foot type is key to keeping your foot healthy.  However, sometimes a good shoe is not enough for patients that do not have a normal foot type.  Flat feet, high arches, and tendinitis can all cause different types of pain in the feet and ankles.  In those cases custom orthotic are made to provide additional stability and arch support for those that need it.
  • Remember that concrete and asphalt are less desirable surfaces to run on compared to dirt or traditional tracks.  Concrete and asphalt do not have the shock absorption that dirt trails and tracks have.  If you are running on harder surfaces, expect increased stress on the lower extremities and be aware of how your body is responding to it.  Try to get in a few long runs of the Bridge this week so that your body is used to the steep inclines of the bridge.
  • Choose a moisture wicking sock made of acrylic to help prevent blisters during the run. Specialty running stores have these specialized types of running socks. They may cost a little more than a cotton style sock but it is well worth it.

These are a few suggestions to help prepare you for the upcoming Cooper River Bridge Run 2013. If you are preparing for the race and have a current nagging foot injury, don't hesitate to see us at Carolina Foot Specialists so that we can help you with all of your foot and ankle concerns. 

Good luck this Saturday on your run!

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By drsaffer
January 31, 2011
Category: Running
Tags: Bridge Run  

Look for The Cooper River Bridge run Training schedule and running tips at carolinafootspecialists.net

 

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By drsaffer
January 20, 2011
Category: Running

As you train for the upcoming bridge run it is essential to know what foot type that you have and how to choose the proper running shoe. Classification of arch types generally fall into three categories. 1) Normal arch 2) High arch 3) Low arch. Advances in running shoe technology allows matching your specific foot type with the proper running shoe.
(Overpronators) foot types leave a flat foot impression on wet sand. Common injuries for flattened arches from improperly fitted running shoes are heel pain, arch pain, and knee pain. Overpronators need motion control running shoes.
At the other extreme are people with "high arch feet". These feet are very tight-jointed and do not yield enough upon impact. Rigid feet leave only the toes, balls of the feet, and heel impression in wet sand. Improperly fitted running shoes for rigid feet tend to wear unevenly on the outside of the shoe. Common rigid foot running injuries are stress fractures, ball of the foot pain, and shin splints. To help avoid these injuries, these people need cushioned control running shoes.
Laslty, the third type, or normal foot, falls somewhere between the overpronator and rigid foot type. This type of foot can use any running shoe that is stable and properly cushioned.
Visit your local specialty running shoes to get you ready for the upcoming Cooper River Bridge Run.

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By drsaffer
January 09, 2011
Category: Running

Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot injury that we see in our practice. 95% of the time we can resolve plantar fasciitis with conservative treatment. We will be reviewing various running injuries and treatments over the next several months as you prepare for the Cooper River Bridge run. We would like to focus this blog on two minimally invasive state of the art procedures that have quicker recovery times and excellent results. These produres are excellent options if you have suffered with plantar fasciitis that hasn't improved with various conservative treatments
1) Extra Corporeal Sound Wave Treatment (ESWT): This procedure can be performed in the offfice under local anesthesia and takes 20 minutes. This technology originally known as Lithotripsy, was used to break up kidney stones. Sound waves utilize a high intensity sonic pulse which is focused on the heel. It is believed that micro-trauma will repair and increase blood supply to the plantar fascia. ESWT is thought to break up scarring and allow the body to regenerate new and improved tissue to the area.The procedure is noninvasive with no cutting of the skin, patients can walk home in sneakers after the procedure. The day after the procedure patients are able to resume normal activities.
2) Topaz Procedure: This procedure uses Bipolar radiofrequency which is quick, simple, and minimally invavsive. Numerous small 5mm punture holes are placed in the area of maximal tenderness in the heel in a grid like fashion. Microtenotomy of the plantar fascia is performed by placing a Topaz wand through the small puncture holes and radiofrequency is applied. No sutures are needed. Steri strips (medical band-aids) are placed on the puncture sites with a small dressing. Patients wear a boot for two weeks and then transition back into a sneaker. Patients are typically back to full activities at 4-6 weeks.
For more information on plantar fasciits please refer to our website:
carolinafootspecialists.net

 

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By drsaffer
January 03, 2011
Category: Running

Happy New Year!
If you are training for the upcoming brige run 2011 in Charleston, SC please look out for our foot injury prevention series blogs over the next couple of months. We will be reviewing common foot injuries relating to running and offer suggestions to keep you on your feet so you can reach the finish line in April. We have had lots of positive feedback with our foot injury prevention series last year in preparation for the Bridge run 2010.
Carolinafootspecialists.net

 

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Podiatrists, Foot Surgeons in Charleston, SC and Mount Plesant, SC - Carolina Foot Specialists, specializing in heel pain in Charleston and Mount Pleasant South Carolina. We provide a wide array of services and treatments to foot and ankle ailments including heel pain in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC. Our professionals are licensed in the state of South Carolina.