The shoes worn for running play a large role in how the feet handle repeated force. Because every step places pressure through the heels, arches, and toes, cushioned running shoes can help absorb shock and protect the joints. When shoes lack adequate support, the arches can collapse or roll inward, which may lead to heel pain, shin pain, or irritation of the Achilles tendon. A well-built running shoe keeps the foot aligned, improves ankle stability, and lessens stress on the bones during long distances. People with flat feet, high arches, or neutral arches often benefit from different shoe designs that match their structure. A podiatrist can examine the feet, assess gait, and recommend shoe features that reduce injury risk and keep runners active. If you are experiencing foot pain from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Susan Yeager, DPM of Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Redding, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. The pain may be so debilitating that even the weight of a sheet can cause discomfort. Several factors increase the risk of developing gout, including family history, male gender, older age, obesity, and frequent alcohol consumption. These elements can raise uric acid levels and trigger sudden attacks of severe redness, swelling, and intense joint pain. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and testing, provide treatment to reduce inflammation, and offer long-term strategies to prevent future flare ups. Managing foot function and joint health is also essential for comfort and mobility. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes, caused by irritation, compression, or thickening of the tissue around the nerves. It may look like a swelling or simply appear as a normal foot, making visual diagnosis difficult, but many individuals report a feeling of a small pebble under the foot or the sensation of walking on a folded sock. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, tingling, numbness, or a stabbing sensation in the affected toes, often worsening with tight shoes or prolonged activity. Women are more likely to develop Morton’s neuroma, partly due to wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes that compress the forefoot. A podiatrist can perform a thorough examination, order imaging if needed, and recommend treatments such as custom orthotics, footwear modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroid injections. In severe or persistent cases, minor surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve. Early intervention reduces pain and prevents progression. If you experience persistent forefoot pain or tingling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Susan Yeager, DPM of Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Resistance bands are elastic tools that can be used to strengthen the muscles of the feet and ankles. These bands come in varying levels of resistance, allowing for gradual strengthening of the smaller stabilizing muscles that support balance, arch structure, and gait control. Exercises using resistance bands, such as foot flexes, toe curls, and ankle rotations, help improve flexibility, coordination, and joint stability. They are also useful for those recovering from foot injuries or seeking to prevent strain from repetitive movements. By maintaining proper form during each exercise, the muscles of the feet can become stronger, which supports better movement and reduces the risk of overuse injuries. A podiatrist can assess foot mechanics, identify muscle weakness, and recommend the most effective exercises for specific needs. For guidance on resistance band exercises for the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Susan Yeager, DPM from Yeager Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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