Cross Training- Friend or Foe?

Whether you're recovering from the Charleston Marathon/Half, preparing for the Cooper River Bridge Run or just simply a routine runner you should ALWAYS make sure you are Cross Training (yes, even if you aren't preparing for an event).

"Cross Training builds strength and flexibility in muscles that running doesn't utilize. It prevents injury by correcting muscular imbalances. Runners have their obvious strengths: power, endurance, tenacity. But within those strengths lies the potential for weakness: quads that overpower our hamstrings, neglected upper bodies, and poor flexibility—qualities that could lead to problems and/or injuries." ~ Runners World

Cross-Training could be swimming, biking, yoga, pilates, weight lifting, walking or other forms of aerobic training. Cross-training days should be considered easy days that allow you to recover from the running you do the rest of the week.

If you are suffering from shin splints, heel pain, achey ankles or feet it may be due to a lack of cross training. By seeing us we can evaluate your problem and have you back on your feet in no time!


Charleston Office~Dr. Adam Brown
615 Wesley Dr. Ste 340 Charleston, SC 29407 (843)-225-5575

Mt. Pleasant Office~Dr. Andrew Saffer
501 Bramson Ct. Ste 301 Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 (843)-654-8250

2015 Has Started On the Right Foot

2015 has gotten off to a great start for Carolina Foot Specialists! Since the first of the year we have launched a new & improved website, added three digital scanners for our custom orthotics AND have added an online appointment booking system through our website and Facebook page.

We are very excited about the things to come in 2015 and are looking forward to another year of giving BEST treatment options to our patients throughout Charleston and beyond.

Visit our new website and tell us what you think~
http://www.carolinafootspecialists.net/

Check out the new options on Facebook such as Appointments & Locations ~
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carolina-Foot-Specialists/

Our goal is to make seeing us a simple part of your day, from scheduling straight through your visit, we want all our patients to know we put them first. Whatever your aches, pains, injuries or concerns visit Carolina Foot Specialists for all your foot & ankle problems.

Charleston Office~Dr. Adam Brown, 
615 Wesley Dr. Ste 340 Charleston, SC 29407 (843)-225-5575

Mt. Pleasant Office~Dr. Andrew Saffer
501 Bramson Ct. Ste 301 Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 (843)-654-8250

Fear The Yoga Mat

Being barefoot when practicing yoga is not only good etiquette to the practice, but also better for your body. Much like with running being barefoot during yoga allows your body to engage in it’s natural stance. However there are precautions...

As with other types of exercise done indoors in groups, yoga has the potential to create a germ-filled environment.  Yoga mats can contract and contain infections from toenail fungus to the common cold. To be safe we suggest you always use your own yoga mat, and clean it properly after each use (whether you felt sweaty or not). Don't go barefoot if you have open sores on your feet, and wash your feet after class to avoid any contamination.

If you are prone to picking up fungus, viruses or bacteria we also suggest looking into Yoga socks. They come in a variety of types and colors and actually enhance performance with no-slip grips.

Treating Calcaneal Apophysitis with Dr. Saffer- Say goodbye to Heel Pain

Last week we spent some time with College of Charleston alumni and former basketball star, Jermel President filming a spot for his streamed broadcast, DAE TV. Jermel approached us to discuss some common issues in student athletes (of all ages and abilities), as well as learn more about sports podiatry in general.

One of our case discussions focused on one of Dr. Saffer's former patients, Aaron Thornton, an active teenager, that was suffering from chronic heel pain. Aaron was diagnosed with Calcaneal Apophysitis (inflammation of the growth plate in the heel) a common issue in kids and young teens, especially those active in athletics.

We most often see this in patients 8 to 14 years old. The growth plate in the heel is not fully developed until the average age of 14, and most high impact athletic habits begin around the age of 8; but this is not to say it doesn't happen in younger or older cases- every one grows at a different rate.

The heel’s growth plate is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, resulting in muscle strain and inflamed tissue. If a child is very active in sports before his/her growth plate has fully developed Calcaneal Apophysitis is a risk. While some may be prone to this issue due to their foot structure you can minimize the risk by helping your child or teen maintain a healthy weight, wear only properly fitted, supportive shoes that are appropriate for the chosen activity, limit the use of cleated athletic shoes until age 14 and by ensuring they don't endure activity, training or practice above their ability and age.

We are happy to say that after proper evaluation Aaron's case was treated with custom made sports orthotics and he is now back to being a kid and pain free!

If you know a youth suffering with heel pain, let us help. Call to schedule an appointment today
West Ashley: 843-225-5575
Mount pleasant: 843-654-8250

*Catch Dr. Saffer's full interview streaming on November 9th at 7:20pm via DAE-TV.