As a runner, foot problems like blisters or plantar fasciitis can be frustrating. Research shows many runners face foot injuries, which disrupt their training. Blisters are caused by friction, while bunions can develop from genetics or wearing tight shoes. Plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition, brings heel pain due to inflammation. Peroneal tendonitis and neuromas are also common, affecting foot tendons and nerves. Weakness and instability in foot muscles are main causes of foot pain. Overuse can lead to soreness or injury. Strengthening exercises, including toe yoga and arch lifts, can help to prevent issues. If you are a runner and are experiencing more than soreness from a good workout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation, as pushing through pain can worsen 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 Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. 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 New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A biomechanical assessment of the foot and ankle is a valuable way to understand how movement patterns may contribute to discomfort or injury. During this evaluation, a podiatrist studies how the joints and muscles work together while walking or standing. The structure of the arch, alignment of the heel, and flexibility of the ankle are carefully observed. Sometimes uneven weight distribution or muscle imbalances place extra stress on certain areas, leading to pain or reduced mobility. This type of assessment can help uncover underlying causes of conditions such as heel pain, shin splints, or recurrent ankle sprains. Once the source is identified, personalized treatment options such as orthotics, targeted exercises, or footwear recommendations can be provided. If you are experiencing ongoing foot or ankle concerns, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough biomechanical evaluation.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Stiffness in the big toe, often linked to a condition called hallux limitus, can greatly interfere with normal foot function. The big toe joint plays an important role in walking, balance, and push-off during each step. When motion at the joint is reduced, it can cause pain on the top of the toe and limit the ability to bend it properly. Over time, this stiffness may lead to bone spurs forming around the joint, further restricting movement and contributing to swelling or discomfort in shoes. In more advanced cases, the joint may become rigid, a condition known as hallux rigidus, which can cause ongoing pain and difficulty with everyday activities. A podiatrist can evaluate stiffness in the big toe and recommend treatment options to restore mobility, relieve pain, and protect long-term joint health. If you notice stiffness in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. 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 New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or genetic factors. It may throb or feel tender, and can appear inflamed or filled with pus, if infected. The condition, which most frequently affects the big toe, may worsen without proper care. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical examination and medical history. Depending on severity, treatment may include soaking instructions, lifting the nail edge, partial nail removal, or, in chronic cases, removing part of the nail root. Antibiotics might be prescribed if an infection is present. A podiatrist may also advise on proper foot hygiene and footwear to prevent recurrence. If you notice symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to avoid complications, ensuring proper care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often felt as a sharp, stabbing sensation, especially with the first steps in the morning. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed due to overuse, poor footwear, flat feet, or high arches. Patients may notice swelling, redness, or tightness in the arch or heel. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and imaging if needed. Traditional treatments include rest, stretching exercises, or orthotics. Each case is unique, and the right treatment plan can greatly improve comfort and mobility. If you are experiencing heel pain or suspect plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert evaluation and care.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM  from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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