Edward A Filcheck - Prevent Running Injuries, Stretch

Many podiatrists such as Edward A Filcheck try to educate their patients about preventative foot medicine. That is because preventing foot ailments and pain can be more effective and easier than treating it afterwards. One common way that people develop chronic foot pain or injuries is from running. This is especially true for people who run frequently and for large distances. Marathon runners in particular can be very susceptible to running injuries and foot pain. Thankfully, there are many tips, tricks, and techniques that exist out there to help mitigate and even prevent foot problems such as this in the future.

One easy way to prevent running injuries is to simply stretch before a run. According to Aapsm.org’s Tips to Prevent Common Running Injuries, you should, “Stretch out and build momentum: Before a run, begin by warming up and gently stretching for 5-10 minutes, focusing on lower leg muscles. Amateur runners should start with short distances, increasing distance over time to help prevent injury. All runners should begin every workout slowly, as this allows the body to warm up further and decreases the chance of muscle strain. Runners should also focus on keeping both the feet and entire body relaxed, avoid tensing or cramping toes, and run with a gait that feels the most natural. Cease running immediately if any pain is experienced.”

By limbering up and keeping a good stride, you can help to lower the risk of sustaining an injury or developing pain. That is how people like Edward A Filcheck stay free of foot pain on a run.

Edward A Filcheck - Residency Tips, Active Membership

A fast and easy way to make your residency more successful is to become a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Doctors like Edward A Filcheck have been using societies like this to help them maintain a successful practice and career. You can do the same with your residency by drawing upon all of the resources that memberships like this have to offer. While residency can be difficult, by learning about and properly using all of the resources at your disposal, you can have a good experience. That experience can then turn into a successful career.

According to Podiatrytoday.com’s Residency Tips, you should, “Make sure you are a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and actively follow the Young Physician Section information, and your state association. The APMA and state associations are the very best resources available to you. The APMA created the Young Physician Section for you and it exists to help you along your professional journey. Join as many foot and ankle related organizations as you can as several do not charge residents for membership and offer outstanding educational opportunities. Being involved in your profession is not only paying it forward but is also one of the best investments you can make in your future.”

You should not be afraid to reach to reach out to all of the resources available to you. Groups like the American Podiatric Medical Association can give you a big advantage. That is how doctors like Edward A Filcheck have become successful.

Edward A Filcheck - Be a Better Resident, Prepare

Often the difference between a good residency and a bad one comes down to the small details. Doctors like Edward A Filcheck go on to have successful careers in part thanks to good residencies. The reason that a residency is so important is that it is the closest you can become to being a doctor without actually being one. This means that all of the experience and knowledge that you accumulate at this time you will likely continue to carry with you throughout the rest of your career. It is for that reason that you should educated yourself and do a little extra research to find out ways to make your residency better.

One way to get an edge over the competition and be a better resident is to stay adequately prepared for everything. According to Podiatrytoday.com’s Residency Tips, you should, “Be prepared for every surgical case every time. You must read about upcoming cases and be aware of alternative procedures/approaches/techniques/products.”

A good doctor will take in to account every possibility and procedure that fits the particular case and patient. Knowing every avenue, not just the typical and standardized ones will make you better at your job. There will be certain times where it is much more advantageous to use an alternative procedure. Perhaps a patient will even request an atypical approach. That is why it is best to always be prepared for every possible outcome. Being properly prepared is how doctors like Edward A Filcheck forged such successful careers in their trade.

Edward A Filcheck - Be a Better Resident, Extracurricular

If you are looking for a few tips and tricks to help improve your residency and set a solid foundation for the start of your medical career, there are some things you need to learn first. Taking after other professionals such as Edward A Filcheck would be a good start. Doctors like him have been successful throughout their career because they have always been willing to go the extra mile to make sure that things get done properly. This same kind of concept of commitment and professionalism should apply to your residency as well. That is because your residency will likely set the tone for the rest of your career, so you should take it seriously.

According to Podiatrytoday.com’s Residency Tips, you should, “Attend every conference, journal club, hands-on lab or lecture you possibly can. Your job is to learn and these opportunities are "extra credit." These opportunities broaden your educational base by providing additional teachers outside of your program.”

Doing better than everyone else is something that is achieved by small steps. The minor details can often be the difference between success and failure in any endeavor. Residency is no different. That is why you should always explore all of your options and attend extracurricular activities. These activities are designed to better educate you and will only serve to make you better at your career. Passing up on opportunity like lecture seminars only limit your potential. Doctors like Edward A Filcheck have done well thanks to always going above and beyond to learn something new.

Edward A. Filcheck - How to Exercise With Your Dog

Exercising your dog is extremely important for the health of your pet. While many people know that obesity is increasing in Americans, it’s also increasing for their pets as well. Podiatrist Edward A. Filcheck takes his dogs for a run with him at least three times a week to keep them in good health.

A dog can also be the motivation you need to get out and exercise. A recent study done by Michigan State University found that people with dogs are up to 34% more likely to get the recommended amount of exercise per week than people who don’t have dogs. Even walking as little as 20 minutes per day with your dog can give you both a boost in your health.

Swimming with your dog can be a great form of exercise for the both of you. Instead of playing fetch with the tennis ball into the lake, make it a race instead. This way, you both get to exercise and bond together. If your regular walk is beginning to bore you, try finding a route with some stairs. It’ll be a great way to change things up and burn extra calories for you and your dog.

Playing tag with your dog can get your heart-rate up nicely, too, which is another fun way to get both exercise and burn off your dog’s excess energy at the same time. You may find that you enjoy exercising with your dog so much, you sign up for the next dog-friendly walk or run for charity. Edward A. Filcheck often does these kinds of runs with his dogs in his free time.

Sources: http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/list/201306/fun-new-ways-exercise-your-dog#11

Edward A. Filcheck - Proper Marathon Preparation - Race Day Tips

Runner and successful podiatrist Edward A. Filcheck enjoys the excitement and anticipation of the day of a race. He knows that the key to a good marathon experience is proper preparation and training beforehand. On race day, there are a few things you can do to get yourself in the right place to give it your all.

First off, you need to make sure that you have proper rest the night before. On the day of the race, you can eat a small, nutritional breakfast, but give your body at least three hour to digest your food and maintain proper hydration prior to the race as well. Never, under any circumstances, try something new on race day. No new food, no new socks, no new stretches. You don’t know if they are going to work for you and you don’t want anything to throw a wrench in your goals.

A brisk, moderate 20-30 minute walk before the race can help your muscles warm up a little before you put them to the ultimate test. Do some stretching before the race as well, using only the stretches that you use on a regular basis.

Pace yourself. The temptation with races is to let competition, excitement and adrenaline drive you to push too hard too early in the race. If you find yourself exceeding your typical first mile time, slow down, otherwise you may find yourself burnt out in the second half of the race, which could cost you the goal time you set for yourself.

Edward A. Filcheck practices staying consistent in his running, so that he can be consistent during the race. Above all other preparations, do your best to relax and enjoy the race.

Edward A. Filcheck - Coffee - Friend or Foe?

Millions of people enjoy drinking their daily coffee as part of a morning routine that gets their day off to a good start, including well-respected podiatrist Edward A. Filcheck. There is some debate, however, as to whether or not coffee is good for you.

Some research indicates that coffee does have nutritional value and contains vital antioxidants. Many people drink coffee because it gives an energy boost that can be helpful at the beginning of the day, and during the afternoon drag. There is even some research suggesting that those who drink coffee are less likely to suffer from depression by 20%. Research studies have also been done indicating a potential link between lower rates of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease in regular coffee drinkers.

However, there are downsides to drinking coffee. Those who have anxiety disorders should avoid it, as the caffeine can greatly increase their anxiety symptoms, and potentially even cause panic attacks. Too much coffee can cause heart palpitations and shakiness. Most people who drink coffee find that they become dependent upon it to function on a daily basis. If a day or two goes by without any coffee, withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and severe headaches may begin to occur.

Most experts agree that if you drink coffee regularly, the benefits outweigh any cons. However, if you don’t already drink coffee, the proposed health benefits are not solid enough to justify taking it up. Edward A. Filcheck believes that moderation is key to a healthy relationship with coffee.

Edward A. Filcheck - Protecting Your Feet as a Runner

Edward A. Filcheck is not only an experienced runner, he’s also a well-respected podiatrist. He knows how important good foot health is to being a successful runner. While it’s true that running can be hard on feet, legs and hips, there are things you can do to minimize the impact of running on your feet.

The first thing you need to do to protect your feet while running is get proper running shoes. When you are a runner, you can just go to the nearest big-box shoes store and grab the fanciest looking sneakers you see. You need to go to a running specialty shop, and be fitted for shoes that work with your foot size, shape and running gait. If you have difficulty with your shoes even after being fitted, you may schedule an appointment with your podiatrist to see what your foot specifically needs.

Another key way to protecting your feet from injury is to adjust your running schedule. Alternating walking and running can keep you from putting too much stress on the part of your feet you use during running. If you are smart about how you build the muscles used for running you may find that your feet won’t hurt as much. If you push too hard too soon, your body will be unprepared for the stress and may result in foot pain or injury.

Sometimes, blisters and other mild foot ailments can occur as a result of running as well. Edward A Filcheck recommends that you keep your toenails properly trimmed to prevent the growth of fungus due to being in sweaty shoes every day, as well as proper socks to wick away moisture and prevent blisters.

In Good Walking Order

Taking good care of your feet is as important as taking good care of your teeth, your heart, and – well, just about any other body part. There are some simple steps (pardon the pun) you can take to keep your feet healthy and in good working order for years to come. Or maybe that should be, in good walking order.

First, and maybe most important, don’t delay. Stop taking your feet for granted, and start taking care of them right away. A good foot care regimen includes washing and cleaning them daily, and checking them carefully for any irregularities. If you do see something unusual, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. He or she may want to refer you to a foot specialist.

It’s a good idea to rub some lotion into the tops and bottoms of your feet every day. That will keep the skin smooth and soft. Be sure not to rub any in between your toes, though. That is an area that should always remain dry.

Use a pumice stone to smooth out corns and calluses. And keep your toenails trimmed with straight edges across the top. Use an emery board or nail file to smooth down the edges.

As tempting as it is, many believe that you should never walk barefoot; wear shoes and socks at all times. The shoes should be comfortable and fit well. Keep the laces tight, but not too tight. Keeping the shoe snug around your feet best protects them.

Edwin A Filcheck is a foot doctor who opened his practice in West Virginia in 1998.​

Good Fitting Shoes

If the shoe fits, wear it. Sound advice in the most literal sense, and if it’s coming from a podiatrist, it’s something to be taken seriously.

Your feet take a real pounding over the course of a lifetime, and even in the course of just one day. So it’s important to treat them well, and wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes.

Foot doctors have some very definite ideas of what separates the good shoes from the bad, and how you should go about acquiring a good pair. First of all, do your shoe shopping later in the day. By then you’ve been on your feet for hours, and they’ll be the most swollen they’re going to be. That will help you get the best fit for everyday shoes; they should never feel tight.

The best shoes are those made of natural substances that breathe. Genuine leather makes for excellent shoes, as do fabrics. Shoes that breathe are going to minimize problems like athletes foot. Avoid shoes made of synthetic leather or rubber, because these can cause the feet to perspire, which can in turn lead to problems.

Always wear socks made of fabric that will wick away moisture 5– that is, will absorb it or draw it away from the skin. Cotton and wool are best for this. Foot specialists say stay away from nylon or polyester socks.

If you’ve got a pair of shoes with laces, lace them up. Laces will stabilize the shoe around the foot, which in turn can help decrease rolling or turning the foot and ankle. If you wear clog-style shoes, like Crocs, make sure your toes don’t slide forward and touch the end. If they do, it can lead to nail damage.

Edward A Filcheck is a Board-certified podiatrist who opened his practice in West Virginia in 1998.

Happy Feet

Too many people underestimate the importance of healthy feet. But most physicians will tell you that healthy feet are happy feet.

Few people take headaches for granted, and with good reason. And people who have a headache every day are never going to shrug it off as being a part of life. No, they are likely to seek out a specialist to get to the source of their ongoing problem. And yet that is just what a lot of people do when it comes to foot pain. Foot specialists say that the health of the feet should be taken very seriously by everyone.

There’s a reason, of course, why feet are thought of as the body’s extremities. But in spite of their distance from the heart, the health of the feet can affect overall health. There are many causes to chronic aches and pains of the feet, and physicians say that this sort of pain should never be ignored.

Like the rest of the body the human foot is, in many ways, an engineering marvel. There are more than fifty bones in the two feet combined, and they account for about a fourth of all the bones in the body. They also make up more than sixty joints, put together, and are comprised of some two hundred distinct muscles, tendons and ligaments that hold them all together and help them to move. To walk is to use a pair of magnificent mechanisms.

Edward A Filcheck is a podiatrist who began practicing medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1998.

Diabetes and the Feet

Many people don’t realize that the foot can be an indicator of serious health problems – issues far more serious than something as common as athlete’s foot. But as it is with so many other medical matters, the key to good health is prevention.

Some foot problems are associated with diabetes. There are two basic types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, which used to be known as juvenile onset or insulin dependent diabetes, is when the pancreas stops producing insulin. With this type of diabetes the body’s immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, which used to be known as adult-onset, or non-insulin dependent diabetes, can develop at any age. With this type the body is not able to use the insulin it produces right away, which is known as insulin resistance.

Doctors say that one of the issues associated with diabetes is decreased blood circulation to the feet. Nerves may be affected, which can cause a numbness or tingling sensation; in certain cases there may even be pain and burning. Something as relatively minor as an ingrown toenail can become a major infection that can go into the bone. Because of this, they say that people with diabetes need to see a podiatrist on a regular basis. They are foot specialists who are best suited to treat these issues and give their patients effective treatment plans.


Edward A Filcheck is a podiatrist who says that his professional objective is to give each of his patients a pain free and happy life without any foot issues.