Playing sports is a great way to stay active and physically fit. However, it is important to practice a few precautionary methods to keep yourself safe and injury free. Take the extra time to stretch, warm up, and cool down properly. This alone will help you avoid many injuries. Staying hydrated will keep muscles from getting cramped and tense, which can lead to strains and tears. Learning the proper form and technique necessary to perform your sport will reduce the risk of fractures and other injuries. You can help avoid Achilles tendon injuries by strengthening your calves and cross-training. Another important prevention method is to wear the right athletic shoe for the sport you are playing, and make sure the shoe matches your foot type and that it fits properly. Always replace shoes that become worn down at the heel and tread. Make an appointment with a podiatrist for more advice on footwear, stretches and other preventative tips to avoid sports injuries.

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 Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. 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 Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon is a strong band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of your lower legs, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. When this tendon is injured, typically as a result of overuse, wearing the wrong shoes, or having another foot problem, it can become inflamed. A mild Achilles tendon injury is characterized by pain during or shortly after physical activity. A moderate injury may cause swelling in the tendon, and a hard lump called a nodule may form. A severe injury is characterized by pain while bearing weight. In some cases, the tendon can rupture, which is said to feel like a hard whack on the heel. If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

When it comes to falling and the many foot and ankle injuries associated with it, the elderly are not the only group at risk. Young children fall frequently as they learn to walk, climb, run, and explore the world around them. While you may not be able to prevent every fall, you can take steps to prevent any major injuries. Around the home, lock doors that lead to dangerous areas and use sliding gates on stairways. Ensure that all carpets and rugs are held securely in place to prevent tripping or slipping. Keep hallways, stairs, and walking areas around the house free of clutter. Keep an eye on your child while they play and don’t allow them to climb high furniture. For more information about preventing falls for your loved ones of all ages, please consult with a podiatrist.  

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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