by Pat Williams.

I have acquired a rather sadistic hobby for one who long ago surpassed middle-age: I run marathons.

by Robin LeRoy-Kyle.

Princess determination earns more than just Bling — So what's the next logical event after tackling 13.1 miles with 3 ½ weeks of no training? An injury, of course! After enjoying the elation that came with finishing my first-ever half marathon, it was only a matter of time before my body revolted. And revolt, it did! Within weeks of our Princess Party, on the cusp of spring break and all the running I could handle, I noticed a dark purple spot, about the size of a quarter, begin to appear on my left foot. Being diabetic, I watched it carefully for changes in size, pushed gently on it to elicit pain, took pictures of it to identify any sign of bigger problems. When nothing happened, cautious watching turned into great concern. An unexplained bruise on a diabetic foot can lead to horrible results. A trip to the podiatrist answered my questions. Read more....

Robin Le Roy-Kyle is a native Floridian, 16-year educator, creator of The Own Your Journey Project, and passionate writer and blogger, who chronicles the ups and downs of running as she continues her journey toward the finish line. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2006, Robin developed a relationship with running after transitioning from walking in late 2008, in an attempt to get healthy and find her potential. A self-described slow runner, she shares her experiences on the Turtles blog, writing about her discoveries, struggles, and triumphs as an over-40, newbie runner. Robin, who has completed eight 5Ks, two 10Ks, and her first half marathon in March, always looks for ways to make a difference in the world. She is currently hosting the Pay it Forward 500 Mile Club, volunteering with Girls on the Run, committed her pounds to the Pounds for Pounds Challenge that helps feed her local community through Second Harvest Food Bank, and is currently developing a project to help in the fight against childhood obesity. Robin can be reached at: RunningCirclesAroundTurtles.com.

Neglecting Immediate Treatment by a Podiatrist May Lead to Long-Term Foot Ailments 

Bethesda, MD – While foot problems such as bunions, corns and dry, cracked skin affect many Americans on a daily basis, one particular ailment—heel pain—stands out among foot disorders, according to a new survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).  

The 2009 APMA survey, which polled close to 420 Americans aged 18 and older, found that 39 percent of adults have experienced heel pain more than any other foot ailment within the last 12 months. Additionally, nearly 60 percent of respondents believed they suffered heel pain while wearing ill-fitting footwear. However, 64 percent of respondents said they had not yet visited a medical professional—such as a podiatrist—to diagnose and treat their heel pain. 
 

“Heel pain is a detrimental foot ailment that affects millions of Americans every day, and foot pain of any kind is not normal,” said Ronald D. Jensen, DPM, president of the APMA. “If detected early, most types of heel pain—including the most common, plantar fasciitis—can be treated with non-invasive treatment options. However, the longer one waits to have their heel pain evaluated, the more difficult it is to successfully treat.” 
 

Sixteen percent of Americans surveyed regularly experience heel pain. Wearing shoes that fit well, wearing the proper shoes for each activity, not wearing shoes with excessive or uneven worn heels or soles, and stretching foot and ankle muscles properly before exercising are several ways to avoid heel pain altogether. However, visiting a podiatric physician, also known as a podiatrist, as soon as foot pain is experienced drastically improves the chance of finding a solution for heel pain.  
 

To view a full summary of the results from the APMA’s 2009 foot ailments survey with a focus on heel pain, please visit www.apma.org/heelpain.  
 

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs).