Prevent Running Injuries

When one is an avid runner, there are a variety of injuries that can occur throughout their training. They range from mildly annoying to something requiring physical therapy or even surgery. Most common running injuries are due to overuse, overtraining, improper shoes, or a biomechanical flaw in body structure and motion. At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, our podiatrists can treat you if you get injured, however, we would rather you take precaution to prevent running injuries instead.

To ensure that you take proper care of your body, make sure that you stretch properly, wear appropriate footwear, and listen to your body when it’s telling you to rest. If you don’t stretch before a run, you could strain your muscles and it might even slow you down. If you wear the wrong shoe it can actually aggravate existing problems, causing pain in your feet, legs, knees, or hips. In addition, never push your body to its limit if it’s telling you to slow down and take it easy. If you follow these tips, you should be able to run without risking injury.

To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Types of Foot Orthotics We Offer

The mechanical properties of foot orthotics help to ensure the correct positioning of the bones in the feet, ankles, and knees. At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, we offer a variety of foot orthotics to the patient, but all of them have one common goal, to prevent injuries and reduce muscle fatigue, in addition to promoting more efficient muscle performance. Our orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into these three categories.

• Rigid Orthotics – Often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber, rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function in the foot and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, arches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.


• Soft Orthotics – These types of orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn on the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes.


• Semi-Rigid Orthotics – The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with rigid materials and provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. In addition, semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders.

If you think you may benefit from foot orthotics, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Consequences of Claw Toe

Claw foot, also known as claw toes, is a condition where your toes bend into a claw-like position. When you have claw foot or claw toes, the bottom half of your toe points up while the top half bends down. They are uncomfortable, but usually not a serious problem unless they are caused by an underlying disorder like stroke or diabetes. They also might hurt, and you may develop corns or calluses on the part that sticks up from rubbing against your shoes. If you suspect you have claw foot or claw toes, make an appointment with one of our doctors at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center right away.

People often blame this common foot deformity on wearing shoes that squeeze your toes. However, claw toe is often the result of nerve damage caused by diseases like diabetes or alcoholism, which can weaken the muscles in your foot. Having claw toe means your toes “claw,” digging down into the soles of your shoes and creating painful calluses. The condition can only get worse without treatment and risks becoming a permanent deformity over time.

To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.