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Dr. Kennan T. Runte, DPM, FACFAS

(530) 477-7200

152 Catherine Lane, Suite F
Grass Valley, CA 95945

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October 2020

Monday, 26 October 2020 00:00

Solutions to Standing All Day

Do you work on your feet and find yourself in pain by the end of the day? If so, this is not surprising. Standing all day can lead to many complications, including foot pain, plantar fasciitis, muscle fatigue, bunions, swollen feet and ankles, and Achilles tendonitis. While you may not be able to avoid frequent standing completely, there are some steps that you can take to give your feet a break. If possible, try to alternate standing with sitting throughout the day. Walk around, sit in different positions, and move regularly to help disperse your weight more evenly. Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, special shoe inserts, or compression hose and socks may also help. Finally, performing foot and leg stretches regularly can strengthen your lower limbs and reduce your risk of developing various foot and ankle problems. For more advice on mitigating the foot and ankle complications from working on your feet, consult with a podiatrist today. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet
Thursday, 22 October 2020 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

The medical procedure that is known as shockwave therapy may be helpful in monitoring chronic foot pain. Shockwave therapy is a type of non-invasive therapy which may accelerate the healing process. It is administered by a machine that delivers high-energy sound waves. This procedure generally causes little or no pain, in addition to minimal time missed from work and other activities. The conditions that are commonly treated with shockwave therapy can include plantar fasciitis, ankle discomfort, and general foot pain. If you are suffering with chronic foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of shockwave therapy with you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Read more about Treating Heel Pain with Shockwave Therapy
Monday, 12 October 2020 00:00

Lack of Feeling in the Feet

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can cause weakness and a lack of feeling in the feet and lower extremity regions. There are different factors that can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, a vitamin deficiency, and hormonal imbalances. Indicators that you may have developed this condition can include tingling or numbness, muscle weakness or twitching, and an inability to feel pain, touch, or temperature. To help treat neuropathy, some have found it helpful to partake in physical therapy, adopting a healthier lifestyle, and practicing better eating habits. For a proper diagnosis and suggested treatment plan, please consult with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about Neuropathy
Monday, 05 October 2020 00:00

Basics to Prevent Falling

Research has indicated that falling is a leading cause of injury in older people. Many patients can experience a fear of falling, and this can lead to the inability to perform daily activities. Falling may be caused by several factors, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, having poor vision, taking multiple medications, or rushing and walking too quickly. There are effective prevention methods that can be implemented, which may help to prevent  falling episodes. These can consist of removing worn rugs from the living environment, and improving lighting in the household. Additionally, it is beneficial to engage in a routine exercise program as this can be helpful in improving overall strength. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet, please confer 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 one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors 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 Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Falls Prevention
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