Runners push their feet through repetitive impact, quick transitions, and changing terrains, which makes certain running injuries more likely to develop. Sore arches, tight calves, and aching heels are common early signs that the tissues are working harder than they should. Over time, this strain can lead to plantar fasciitis, stress reactions in the bones, tendon irritation, or painful blisters that make every step feel more demanding. Some runners also notice numbness, burning, or tingling when shoes are too tight or if the foot structure needs more support. These issues often start small, but can quickly disrupt training if ignored. Paying attention to shoe fit, gradually increasing mileage, and allowing proper recovery between runs can make a significant difference. Listening to early symptoms helps prevent long-term injury and keeps running enjoyable. If discomfort persists, interferes with your stride, or continues after rest, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

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 our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors 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 offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls prevention begins with simple habits that help strengthen the body and create safer movement. Staying aware of your surroundings, keeping pathways clear, and choosing supportive footwear can greatly reduce your chances of slipping. Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that promotes better balance, coordination, and stability through slow and controlled movements. It helps improve muscle strength and body awareness, both of which are important for preventing falls. A podiatrist can identify foot or ankle issues that may affect balance, recommend proper footwear, and create a personalized plan to support safer mobility. If you have injured your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on additional falls prevention techniques.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with our doctors from Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Proper footwear plays an essential role in healthy foot development for children. A child’s foot contains 26 bones and 35 joints, supported by soft tissues that are still developing strength and stability. When toddlers first begin walking, many appear flat-footed or may turn their feet inward, which usually improves as the arches and muscles strengthen. Shoes should provide protection without restricting natural movement, allowing the toes to spread and the foot to flex. Properly fitted footwear should include a wide toe box, flexible sole that bends near the front, and a secure heel counter to support alignment. Shoes that lack adequate support or are too tight can interfere with walking, and contribute to ingrown toenails or abnormal gait. A podiatrist can assess the structure and function of a child’s feet, monitor growth, and recommend footwear that reduces the risk of long-term complications. If your child is experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters are fluid-filled pockets that develop when friction, heat, and moisture cause the skin to rub repeatedly against shoes or socks. During hiking, this often happens from wearing ill-fitting footwear, sweaty feet, or long periods of walking on uneven terrain. Preventing blisters starts with wearing properly fitted hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, and keeping feet dry. Taking breaks to air out shoes and addressing any discomfort early can also help. A podiatrist can safely treat painful or infected blisters, recommend custom insoles for better support, and offer tips to prevent future irritation. If blisters or foot pain are affecting your hikes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and guidance to keep your hiking adventures comfortable and blister-free.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact our doctors of Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Oklahoma City and Yukon, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.