Tenex procedure for Chronic plantar fasciitis

The Tenex procedure is a new minimally invasive procedure for chronic ligament and tendon pathology. Our doctors at Carolina Foot Specialists are looking into this new technology as a surgical treatment option for chronic plantar fasciitis. Below is a link that shows the surgical technique involved. We will be blogging over the next month about this procedure and other treatment options for chronic heel pain.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2wonivlqsuekoq2/Procedure%20and%20Patient%20Education%20-%20Plantar%20Fasciitis.mp4?dl=0

The three most common foot injuries in athletes

Here are the top 3 foot injuries in athletes, so you’ll know what to look for.

1. Turf Toe

Does the joint of your big toe hurt when you push off to sprint or jump? This is commonly known as turf toe, a condition that results in painful running and activities. The good news? Ice and rest can remedy the condition. There’s also ways to tape your turf toe to reduce pain and protect yourself from further injury.

2. Bunions

Bunions aren’t just associated with high heels anymore. Tight athletic shoes can put pressure on the joint of the big toe, leading to painful bunions. Proper arch support can help you avoid this problem by making sure you aren’t pushing off using ligaments that can lead to flatfeet. If you push off using the ball of your foot instead of your big toe, it can lead to bunions.
If you suspect you have a bunion, seek treatment because once it is fully formed, only surgery can correct the problem.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain is nothing to joke around about. Athletes with plantar fasciitis will usually experience pain when they first wake up and take a few steps. Advanced plantar fasciitis can cause pain even when the athlete is not weight bearing on that foot.
Depending on the degree of degeneration of the plantar fascia, surgery may be required. Dr. Saffer and Dr. Brown are keep up with the latest minimally invasive state of the art treatment for chronic heel pain. The Doctor's utilize Topaz and the instep plantar fasciotomy as minimally invasive surgical techniques and are looking at treatment options with Biologics such as PRP, BioD restore (placental tissue allograft), and the Tenex procedure.
If you suspect you have a foot injury, get treatment immediately. Waiting can cause foot injuries in athletes to worsen due to the amount of activity and stress put on the injury. To schedule a consultation contact our offices for a consultation:
Charleston with Dr. Brown (843-225-5575)
Mount Pleasant with Dr. Saffer (843-654-8250)

What Holiday Weight?

Frustrated at those extra holiday pounds? Get on your feet!

"When women over age 40 increased their activity by an average of 3,520 steps (just over 1¾ miles) throughout the day, had a 5 pound weight loss in a year without changing their eating habits, reports a study in the journal Obesity. They also decreased dangerous belly fat by 12%."~ Prevention

Studies show that 30 minutes of brisk walking burns 150 calories (for the average person) and equals about 4,000 steps! Lace up those walking shoes and get moving! Those holiday pounds will be gone before you know it.

*To add steps to your day, try walking around the mall or grocery store before you begin shopping. At work, use a restroom on a different floor. When running errands, park in the furthest spot in the parking lot~ little changes can make a difference. You can also use a fitness tracker such as a fit bit or pedometer for better calculation and a little motivation too! 

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

Countdown is On- Cooper River Bridge Run 2015

Countdown Update... 70 days to go until the Cooper River Bridge Run!

Our beginner 10k training schedule suggests a solid 8 weeks of training. We are at a little shy of 10 weeks out from the March 28th event. What should you be doing before training begins? 

- If you are a true beginner and do not run routinely or on occasion at all we suggest you start walking once a day. Just take a stroll around the neighborhood, whatever you have time for. This will prepare your ligaments, muscles and lungs for your upcoming training. 

- Gather your gear. If you need new shoes, now is the time to get some (and make sure you get properly fitted!). The weather has been a bit chilly so make sure you have some good warm weather gear (we know thick socks are cozy, but make sure you are wearing moisture wicking material even when it is cold- you will thank us later!). If you will be doing most your runs at night grab a headlamp- safety always comes first, and it gets dark pretty early this time of year. 

- Find a training buddy. Ask on facebook, join a runners' club, visit the Bridge Run Page. The best way to train safely and to stay motivated is to have a partner (or 5!). Map your runs, know your routes and never run without an ID on you. 

Stay tuned for more tips on training, injury prevention and more with the Carolina Foot Specialists blog. Please visit here for our Cooper River Bridge Run Schedules and Training Page. 

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

Fixing Heel Fissures

Dry, cracked heels (known as heel fissures) can not only be unsightly, but can often be source of pain and embarrassment. Did you know a podiatrist can remove the dead skin from your feet leaving them soft, smooth and pain free?

While most cracking and splitting is ultimately caused by dry skin, there can be more to the problem than meets the eye. Most dry skin left untreated on the heels leads to thickening of the skin, also known as calluses, which crack and break under pressure. A podiatrist can safely remove the thickened skin, without risking infection, provide you with information on what sort of creams are best for your skin type as well as rule out more serious health conditions. While patients suffering from heel fissures are more comfortable in open backed shoes or flip flops this footwear actually tends to leave the feet exposed to dry air making the problem worse.

Genetics, skin conditions such as psoriasis, obesity, pregnancy, walking gait, ill fitted shoes, climate, diseases and hormone imbalances can all play a role in heel fissures. Some people also have a large fatty pad on the sole of their feet, which requires more elasticity in the skin to expand without cracking making their feet more susceptible to heel fissures.

At home treatments and DIY suggestions can be helpful, but once heel fissures become severe and include deep painful cracking and bleeding infection becomes a big risk. Heel fissures flare up with winter and cause many people pain. Erase your aches by seeing us.

Call for an appointment today! 
West Ashley: 843-225-5575
Mount pleasant: 843-654-8250