Throughout the day and certainly throughout your lifetime, your feet will take you where you need to go; however, it is easy to take for granted the support your feet provide and many people wait until their feet hurt before paying appropriate attention to them. Chronic foot injuries such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and Achilles tendonitis, as well as acute injuries such as fractures and sprains of the bones and soft tissues of the foot and ankle, keep you from engaging in the type of activities you enjoy in the short term, and in the long term, if the injury isn’t properly healed. This can contribute to generalized postural imbalances that may affect other parts of the body. Prevention is the best policy, so it is helpful to get a baseline measure of how your feet function when they are healthy so that you may compare this baseline to future measures and make appropriate changes if needed. In Portland, there are a variety of the choices available to you to gain information about the health of your feet, and your best option will depend upon your current foot health, lifestyle choices, financial ability and personal preferences.
Foot and Ankle Clinic Center: With two locations in SW and downtown Portland, you’ll receive comprehensive foot care and a focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle disorders. Dr. Tillett is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and commonly treats fractures, bunions, heel pain, diabetes-related foot injury, and other acute and chronic injuries, and is the only Podiatric physician on the Oregon Health Sciences University Health Plan. For further information, call 503-246-2212.
Good Form Running Clinic, Fit Right NW: If you are a runner and want to make sure you stay that way, a good place to start is a Good Form Running clinic, based out of the running store Fit Right NW, in NW Portland. Learn four simple steps to improve your running or walking form, learn basic drills and receive a video analysis of your running style. Online pre-registration is required and the only cost is a small charitable donation fee.
NW Foot and Ankle: Under the care of Dr. Ray McClanahan, specialists at NW Foot and Ankle, which is located in NW Portland, provide conservative/preventive options, footwear education, and injury rehabilitation. Dr. Ray specializes in sports medicine and as an active runner and athlete, believes that most foot problems can be solved by restoring natural foot function. Call 503-243-2699 for more information.
The Barefoot Sage: If your feet are just in need of a little pampering, visit the Barefoot Sage for a variety of unique and holistic treatment options, including foot soak, lower leg and foot massage, paraffin dip, and hot rock massage. Located in SE Portland, the Barefoot Sage offers the full spa experience to get you off your feet. If you are currently experiencing foot problems related to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, skin conditions or any other foot issues that may interfere with sensation and circulation, you may need a physician’s clearance before experiencing certain spa treatments. Call 503-239-7116 for an appointment.
If you are looking for treatment options outside of Portland, a good place to start is your local running or walking store, where employees may refer you to specialists in your area. Also, most medical insurance companies require a referral from a primary care physician before covering treatment at a foot clinic, so understanding your coverage options may help you in choosing the type of preventative treatment that works best for you.
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