Oklahoma City Podiatrist Helps Runners Protect Their Feet From Heel Pain

    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, July 21, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Running for fitness is extremely important in maintaining proper health, but it is not always easy on a person's feet. Without proper precautions, foot and ankle injuries can occur, which is why Dr. Darren Elenburg, Oklahoma City podiatrist, offers patients helpful tips for protecting their feet this summer.

The combination of 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and a network of tendons, nerves, and blood vessels all work together to establish the graceful synergy involved in running. The balance, support and propulsion of a runner's body all depend on the foot, and Dr. Elenburg strives to help his patients protect their feet while running. Before entering a fitness regimen that includes running, Dr. Elenburg emphasizes the importance of making sure the body's connection with the ground is in proper working order to prevent heel pain in Oklahoma City.

"This is the season where a lot of people are running 5k races or training for marathons, which is wonderful. However, if proper precautions are not practiced, many of these people can experience foot pain, heel pain and other injuries. Before running a 5k or a marathon, I encourage all of my patients to visit my office for a checkup to ensure the health of their feet, as well as advice for running and how to protect their feet," said Dr. Darren Elenburg, podiatrist in Oklahoma City.

A common complaint from runners is heel pain, which is also known as plantar fasciitis. Heel pain is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. The fascia first becomes irritated followed by inflammation, which causes your heel pain. One of the most common causes of heel pain in Oklahoma City is faulty foot structure, such as flat feet or high arches. Heel pain can also develop when runners do not wear supportive footwear while running on hard, flat surfaces.

If you happen to develop heel pain, Dr. Elenburg can help. He has numerous noninvasive ways to get you better. He is the only foot doctor to offer in-office shockwave treatment. Don't worry, shockwave treatment does NOT refer to electricity! Rather it is a method of delivering energy to the foot to help it heal naturally. No injections, incisions or anesthesia is required. It is much less expensive to do shockwave treatment in the office rather than in the operating room which is what many other practitioners do. The machine Dr. Elenburg uses is the same one the Olympic Team for the USA uses. If you have had heel pain for more than a couple of months then ask us about shockwave treatment and how it can help you.

Dr. Darren Elenburg, Oklahoma City foot doctor, informs his patients to always stretch before they run. Properly warmed up muscles help to eliminate strain on muscles, tendons, and joints. Additionally, Dr. Elenburg may also recommend a more supportive shoe or the use of orthotics when running because they help to improve a runner's performance, and to reduce their pain.

Frequent runners should visit Dr. Darren Elenburg, foot doctor in Oklahoma City, regularly to check for potential stress on the lower extremities. During a 10-mile run, a person's feet make 15,000 strives at a force of three to four times the body's weight. Regardless of age, patients should visit Dr. Elenburg before starting any exercise routine in order to stay on top of good foot health to avoid pain or injury.

About Dr. Darren Elenburg: Dr. Darren Elenburg graduated from Podiatric medical school in Des Moines, IA and began practice in 2002 then opened his own practice in 2007 in Oklahoma City. His practice provides a wide scope of care for the foot and ankle. This includes shockwave therapy for chronic heel pain. Studies show 80% success in the 5 year studies. Dr. Elenburg participates in continuing education programs and seminars to ensure that he is able to provide the most up to date and effective care to his patients. Dr. Elenburg Board Certified and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Media Contact:
Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma
[email protected]
3705 NW 63rd, Suite 20
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 463-6700
http://www.footdoctorokc.com

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