Who is excited for the Baltimore Running Festival coming up this weekend? We sure are, at Frederick Foot and Ankle; this weekend we have a few people in our crew that are set to participate. In these final days before the race we are tapering our training regiment, at 368 Athletics Performance gym and are eating a balanced diet in preparation. But before we head on down we need to do a thorough gear check, especially evaluating our shoes.

No matter if you are participating in the 5k or the Full Marathon, as an athlete you need to be weary of the shoe gear you will be donning on race day. The idea of shopping for the perfect running shoes may seem daunting to many, but with some shoe shopping tips it’s a breeze for anyone.

Most of the time we are buying the wrong size shoe. It is essential that we have our feet measured each time that we are on the search for new pair of running shoes. It is common for our feet to change over the years. From a podiatrist’s point of view wearing the wrong size shoe can be the culprit for many injuries, such as plantar fasciitis.

Another rule of thumb is less is better. You should choose a shoe that doesn’t have as many bells and whistles. Much of the focus needs to be shifted away from the shoe gear and towards the runners form.

If you or someone you know has had problems in the past or is currently suffering from foot or ankle pain from wearing the wrong kind of running shoes it is time to see your podiatrist and be evaluated today. Our team is now an official Brooks shoes provider. Frederick Foot & Ankle would be more than happy to schedule an appointment, at either of our locations in Frederick, MD and Urbana, MD. We will be able access your walking style, and recommend the best kind of shoe for you; who knows next year you might join us at the Baltimore Running Festival!

By: Dr. Coralia Terol

With Fall right around the corner and summer winding down, the scramble to get the latest and greatest school gear is in session. Back to school shopping can present a problem to both parent and child. Whether it's choosing the latest look in clothes or a new backpack, parents should not forget about the importance of choosing the right shoes.

Finally when the perfect pair shoes are chosen, they like the style, size, and choice of materials, the important stuff can happen, getting your custom orthotics from your local podiatrist. Orthotics is a custom foot support, which you place in your shoes for your pain free style. Custom orthotics are designed specifically for you, it gives a better arch support then the regular over the counter (OTC) kind. It does this by correcting the biomechanics of your walking style, to overall help support your feet, knees and legs.

Custom orthotics are useful for people: who are overweight; obligated to be on their feet for extended periods of time; or have a previous foot or ankle issues. Even athletes use them to optimize performance and enhance comfort while either in training session or on game days. Patients with arthritis or diabetic foot conditions use them for comfort and protection. Orthotics helps prevent injury or hinder the progression of existing problems, thus allowing healing to take place. On the other hand, even if no major conditions or symptoms exist, orthotics provides protection and comfort for your feet.

If you or someone you know hasn’t had a chance to get their custom orthotics this year it is time to see your podiatrist and be evaluated and casted today. Whether it’s your first or third pair, Frederick Foot & Ankle Specialists would be more than happy to schedule an appointment, at either of our locations in Frederick, MD and Urbana, MD. We will be able access your walking style, and design and create a perfect custom orthotic for your pain free style.

By: Dr. Nikki ‘Nga’ Ho

Despite injuries, U.S. track star Tyson Gay qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team this week.  Gay has battled through a pulled hamstring and a torn labrum in his hip, which caused him to resign as a competitor in 2011 races. However, despite his injuries, he is back in the game and ready to represent the United States in the 2012 London Olympics.

Olympians are not the only people who deal with hip pain. Arthritis, trauma, or simply overuse can cause the hip joint to become irritated and painful. The joints of the lower extremity work in unison. If one joint is not aligned properly, another joint must pick up the slack and compensate. The hips, knees, ankles, feet, and back are somewhat dependent on each other in order to perform daily activities. Variations in foot type, limb length, bone structure, and joint function play a role in determining one’s gait. Conservative treatment, such as orthotics, help provide pain relief not only in the feet but the knees, hips, and back as well. Providing support and stabilizing the foot in proper position and alignment, orthotics aid the foot and lower extremity in maintaining a normal gait pattern.  Maintaining a normal gait, in many cases, is the solution to lower extremity pain.

If you are experiencing joint pain of the lower extremity, your podiatrist at Frederick Foot & Ankle Specialists can help determine which treatment options will be best in order to provide pain relief and correction of any problems or deformities.  In addition to a gait analysis, it may be necessary to have imaging studies performed, such as X-Ray or MRI. These modalities will help your physician determine whether or not the source of pain is a bony deformity or a soft tissue deformity.  There is no need to struggle with lower extremity pain, which may be hindering your daily activities. From conservative treatment such as orthotics to more invasive surgical options, your podiatrist at Frederick Foot & Ankle Specialists, located in Frederick, MD and Urbana, MD can perform a gait analysis in the office and jump start a treatment program designed for each individual’s needs.

By: Nikki Ho, DPM

Have you been experiencing pain right under that big toe after some physical activity or from wearing shoes/heels all day? Well that pain may be coming from two common conditions: sesamoiditis or Gout. Let’s start by giving a little background of each condition. First, sesamoids are the two circular small bones that are located right underneath the big toe. Their main purpose is to assist with weight-bearing and help elevate the rest of the bones in the big toe. With so much weight and so much biomechanical involvement the tendons surrounding the sesamoids can become inflamed or irritated.

Gout is a condition that is caused by a build up of uric acid in the joints. The big toe joint is the most common affected area. The noticeable different between gout and sesamoiditis is amount and timing of pain. Gout is normally accompanied with extremely painful attacks (mainly in men) and a classic symptom of waking up in the middle of the night with sharp throbbing pain in the big toe.

At Frederick’s Foot and Ankle Specialists we can help determine which condition you may have. Most importantly, we can help alleviate and treat the symptoms that arise from having either condition.

Usually dancers, runners and baseball catchers are more prone to getting sesamoiditis. While, eating too much red meat, shellfish and brandy, being a man over 40 yrs and genetics makes you more gout-prone. Did you know that historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and King Henry VII of England had gout conditions? Gout has been around for a long time, unfortunately for Mr. Franklin and King Henry VIIIthey didn’t have Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Yanes, or Dr. Ho to treat them with today’s prescribed gout medication. So stop by our offices in Frederick or Urbana, MD!

Treatment for sesamoiditis is more up to the patient. Usually stoppage of the activity causing the inflammation is requested. Ibuprofen and aspirin may be prescribed and some more cushioned shoes may be ordered. In severe cases, we would administer steroid injections.

These are two drastically different conditions. One that you are more genetically-disposed (Gout) and the other that is caused mainly by physical activity without rest (Sesamoiditis). Come see us to help determine the proper diagnosis.

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!