AF&A Blog

Cycling is a great way to get some cardiovascular exercise and stay fit! Riding a bicycle is an especially good choice for individuals with knee or feet problems. There is a wealth of studies indicating the benefits of daily exercise as well as the benefits of ‘non-weight bearing’ in cases of healing injury or pathology to the lower extremity. While there are many positives to using cycling in your workouts, there are a number of problems that can arise.

Stress fractures are one type of problem that can be caused by any type of overuse or increase in activity. Other types of injuries can occur by not having the proper fit. Just as improper shoe size can complicate or cause injury, a bicycle that is not adjusted to your limb length, height, etc can cause a number of problems. Sore ‘calves’, pain between your toes, or pain in your feet are all problems that can be associated with improper foot/pedal placement. Pain or discomfort in your knee (‘cyclists knee’), ‘hamstrings’, side of your leg, or hip can all result from a seat that is placed too high or too low. It is a good idea to have a professional help you achieve the proper fit to your bicycle in order to repair or prevent cycle associated injuries.

Remember your local podiatrist, Dr. Thomajan, is trained in all aspects of medicine. A specialist of the foot must still be aware of the individuals overall heath and receives training accordingly. If any of the problems mentioned are afflicting your cycling routine, make an appointment to come by AFAS. Until next time, stay active, and stay healthy Austin!

Hopefully, we have caught your attention with this familiar phrase synonymous with having calm and steady emotions. If your nerves are functioning, you can remain calm and collected as they allow you to perform any and all tasks to go about your day. It is our nerves let us know if something is too hot, too cold, or painful. This ‘gift’, or ability to feel, may not be a problem for you. It is our goal here at AFAS to keep you from becoming one of individuals living with neuropathy, or damage to their nerves. Damage to your nerves can come in many ways and living with diabetes is one source.

Often a complication of diabetes, you may know someone or experience firsthand the complications and diligence that is needed to maintain your health when your nerves can no longer allow you to feel. When your nerves can not send the proper signal to your brain, you may not notice you stepped on a nail or burned your hand. There is good evidence that the earliest stages of neuropathy occur in the smallest nerves.1,2 If you experience any type of tingling or pain in your toes, you should make an appointment with Dr. Thomajan. There is a simple skin test that can be used to measure the density of the nerve fiber and is quite sensitive to detection of problem areas.3 Staying healthy involves due diligence. If you experience any type of tingling, burning, or numbness in your toes, it is time to visit AFAS. Once the problem is identified, there are steps you and your physician can take limit and correct the damage. Until next time, Austin, stay healthy!

1. Sommer, Claudia, Skin Biopsy as a Diagnostic Tool, Current Opinion in Neurology 2008; 21.562-568

2. Smith, A.G., Singleton, JR. Impaired glucose intolerance and neuropathy. The Neurologist 2008;14;23-29.

3. Devigili et. al, Brain 2008; 131:1912-25

Hopefully, everyone had a great, injury free holiday weekend. With the weather being great here in Austin, we are sure everyone is spending more time outdoors and more time on their feet. It is always good to get more physical activity, but this time a year is often more injury prone. Why, you may ask? Well, chances are you were a little less than your active normal self over the winter months and through the holidays. Anytime there is a change in your activity level, your muscles, bones, and tendons are at increased risk for injury. A sedentary week followed a weekend softball game or 5 mile run is a good way to open the door to injury. Try taking a short walk on your lunch break or after dinner. Even a few simple stretching or strengthening exercises before you start your day can go a long way in injury prevention.

This is a great time, while you’re feeling well, to visit Dr. Thomajan at AFAS. A custom running or gait analysis can identify any problem areas in your feet that can easily be addressed with either a custom or over the counter orthotic. This is also a good step to finding the ‘proper’ shoe for your ‘foot type’. Taking the time to find out where those problem areas are now can keep you on your feet and help you avoid having to visit us due to an injury. Just a few sentences ago I mentioned simple exercises, well Dr. Thomajan and all of us here at AFAS can help you find the right exercise program for your foot type and specific concerns for avoiding injury. These are just a few of the things we can do to keep you pain free and active. Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomajan. Until next time, stay healthy Austin!