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Running and walking are excellent activities to promote physical fitness and maintain mobility. But whether you are a runner or a walker, finding the right pair of shoes can be difficult. It can be helpful to review how running and walking shoes may differ and what kind of shoes each type of exercise needs.
Runners need shoes that have adequate cushioning in the heel and forefoot. This is because while running, the runner’s feet impact the ground with three times their body weight with each step. When considering the heel of the running shoes, note the heel height and whether or not the heel is flared. Runners need a higher heel than walkers in order to provide them with stability. A flared heel can also help with this. Finally, running shoes need to be flexible. Most running shoes are flexible in the arch or midfoot region, but it’s also possible to find running shoes that are flexible in the forefoot. The best running shoes for you will depend on your gait.
Walkers need shoes that are supportive but do not need the same level of cushioning as runners. The heels of walking shoes don’t need to be as high as those of running shoes, but a flared heel can help walkers with their foot stability as well. Walking shoes also need to be flexible.
With all of this said, walking shoes may be more difficult to find on the market than running shoes. This begs the question: can you walk in running shoes? The answer is yes. However, you should not run in walking shoes. For more information about this topic, please consult with a chiropodist.
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.
The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling.
Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry.
If you’re suffering from foot pain, it’s important to note the locations and quality of your foot pain. Pain can affect any part of the foot, including the top, bottom, side, heel, or toes. The pain may be sharp, stabbing, dull, achy, burning, or stinging, and can come on suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Pain in the top, bottom, or side of the foot can have many causes. In addition to the type of pain and its location, it’s also important to note when the pain started, what you were doing at the time, and what aggravates the pain. For example, pain in the top of the foot that worsens with physical activity or weight-bearing, that has gradually gotten worse over time, and is accompanied by swelling and tenderness could be indicative of a stress fracture.
Pain in the heel is a frequent concern, especially among patients who participate in sports, run, or wear high heels. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heels to the toes, can cause stabbing heel pain. The pain is usually at its worst upon taking your first few steps in the morning or after a long rest and can radiate to the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is also often associated with heel spurs, bony outgrowths on the heel bones that can be painful if they poke into the surrounding tissues.
Foot pain can be caused by not only injuries but also problems with the biomechanics of the feet and underlying health problems, like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. If you’re experiencing foot pain, please seek the care of a chiropodist near you.
A sprained ankle is a common injury that can happen to anyone. Whether you incur it while playing a high-impact sport or from simply stepping off of a curb and twisting your ankle, it’s important to know and recognize the symptoms of a sprain and get the appropriate treatment.
Ankle sprains occur when a sudden injury causes one or more of the ligaments that support the ankle to overstretch or tear. The symptoms that you may face depend on the severity of the injury. A mild, grade 1 sprain usually involves minimal pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising, with no difficulty walking. A moderate, grade 2 sprain may be significantly more painful, with visible swelling and bruising, ankle instability, and a limited range of motion in the ankle. Walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle can be difficult. A severe, grade 3 sprain is characterized by intense pain, swelling, bruising, ankle instability, and a severely limited range of motion. Walking with a grade 3 sprain is often impossible.
A chiropodist can diagnose an ankle sprain by asking for your medical history and carefully examining the affected ankle. They may order an X-ray to rule out a fracture. Treatment for the sprain depends on its severity. Milder ankle sprains can often be treated with conservative methods such as resting, icing, elevating, and compressing the ankle. More severe sprains may require wearing a brace or other orthotic device to take pressure off of the injured ankle. Over-the-counter medications are typically sufficient for managing pain. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair a ligament that is not healing properly.
A sprained ankle needs to heal fully and properly in order to avoid reinjury and other complications. If you have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a chiropodist.
Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect the foot. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid levels become excessive, this substance can create crystals in the joints, causing severe pain, intense swelling, redness, and warmth. Typically this occurs in the big toe joint.
You may be at an increased risk of developing gout if you are a middle-aged man or postmenopausal woman, have family members who have had gout, drink alcohol, take certain medications, or have a medical condition like high blood pressure, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Gout may also be more likely to develop if you consume a diet high in sugars or purines, a substance that turns into uric acid when it breaks down. Foods high in purines include organ meats, red meat, oily fish, certain vegetables, beans, and mushrooms.
Gout that is left untreated can become chronic and lead to arthritis. Gout can be treated by a chiropodist. Treatment options may include taking medications to relieve pain and prevent future gout attacks, modifying your diet, and reducing alcohol intake. For more information about gout, please consult with a chiropodist.
Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles of skin that can appear on any part of the body and are particularly common on the feet. Most foot blisters form due to friction. As you walk, run, or go about your daily activities, your shoes may rub against specific areas of your feet, causing the skin to become damaged. The top layer of skin then separates from the lower layers of skin. The area between the separated layers fills with a fluid called serum, whose purpose is to cushion and protect the raw skin below the blister.
If you find a friction blister on your foot, it is highly recommended that you do not pop it. Popping the blister drains the fluid inside of it and exposes the raw skin underneath, increasing your risk of infection. Instead, protect the blister by loosely covering it with a bandage. You can also use special padding around the blister to protect it. Typically, friction blisters naturally heal over the course of one to two weeks. Friction blisters can be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Wearing soft bandages over areas of your foot that tend to blister may also help.
Sometimes foot blisters can be caused by problems other than friction. Blisters can develop due to a sunburn, frostbite, or exposure to an allergen, as well as from medical conditions such as fungal infections or eczema. If you frequently find blisters on your feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.
Like any other part of the body, the feet are vulnerable to wear and tear throughout our lives. As we age, our feet may require more care and attention. Elderly people are especially prone to developing a variety of foot problems, including dry skin, corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, deformities, arthritis, fungal infections, and plantar warts. Additionally, systemic conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation can have noticeable effects on foot health.
The first step to preventing foot health problems at any age is to establish a good daily foot care routine. Washing the feet with soap and warm water daily, then drying them thoroughly is very important. Applying a moisturizer to the soles of the feet can help prevent dry skin. When trimming the toenails, use nail clippers to trim them straight across. This can prevent painful ingrown toenails. Doing daily foot exercises and stretches can help maintain the strength and flexibility of the feet.
A critical step of the daily foot care routine, especially for those who have systemic conditions like diabetes, is the daily foot inspection. Check your feet each day for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities. By catching and treating any foot problems early, you can prevent infection and other serious complications. A hand mirror can be used to help you see any hard-to-reach areas.
Another important aspect of caring for your feet is wearing the right shoes and socks. Footwear should be comfortable, supportive, flexible, and made of breathable materials. For some people, orthotic inserts can help make shoes more comfortable.
If you have any foot problems, or questions about maintaining the health of your feet, please consult with a chiropodist.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves of the lower limbs become damaged.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include tingling, numbness, and unusual sensations in the feet, weakness, and burning pain. This problem often co-occurs with diabetes, but can also be caused by viral infections, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and specific tests that may assess your reflexes, and ability to feel touch or vibration in your lower limbs. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then controlling your blood sugar levels will be emphasized. For peripheral neuropathy pain, you may be prescribed oral medications. For preventing complications from peripheral neuropathy, your chiropodist may recommend wearing properly fitted, comfortable shoes and inspecting your feet daily for any abnormalities.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can affect any toe, but most often happens on the big toe. Signs of an ingrown toenail include the surrounding skin becoming tender, painful, swollen, red, and warm. In some cases, the area can become infected, and white or yellow pus may drain from the area. If an ingrown toenail is showing signs of infection, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment.
Ingrown toenails are usually caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes or trimming the toenails improperly. Shoes that are too tight and have narrow, pointed toes or high heels can compress the toes and cause the toenails to curl and grow into the skin. Trimming your nails into a rounded shape or cutting them too short can cause the edges of the nail to grow into the skin. Other potential causes for ingrown toenails include sustaining an injury near the toenail, having a fungal nail infection, using certain prescription medications, and having an abnormal nail shape. Some people also have a genetic predisposition to developing ingrown toenails.
Preventing ingrown toenails begins with proper trimming. Trim your nails regularly using nail clippers rather than nail scissors. Nail clippers cut the nail straight across, avoiding the rounded edges that can make ingrown toenails likely to develop. Make sure that while trimming the nails that you do not cut them too short. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels and a wide toe area to keep your toes from squishing together.
For more information about ingrown toenails, please consult with a chiropodist.
When the skin on the heels is dry, it may begin to crack. These cracks are not just unsightly, they can also be uncomfortable or deep and painful. In some cases, these heel cracks can even bleed, increasing their risk of becoming infected. This can make walking, standing, or even bearing weight on the heels difficult.
Cracked heels can be caused by a variety of factors. These include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes or shoes that don’t cushion the heels, living in a cold or dry climate, taking long, hot showers, and not moisturizing the heels, as well as various medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, palmoplantar keratoderma, or juvenile plantar dermatosis.
The best way to prevent and treat mild cases of cracked heels is to regularly soak the feet, exfoliate the heels with a pumice stone, and then moisturize them. It is also best to avoid wearing open-back or thin-soled and unsupportive shoes. In more severe cases, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist, who can help you manage your cracked heels and overall foot health. People who have cracked heels and diabetes or a weakened immune system should also be under the care of a chiropodist.
Much like adults, children can also experience foot problems. Certain conditions are common in children but can be promptly treated to help your child stay healthy and active.
Young children are often afflicted with ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can make the area where the nail has grown into the skin tender, red, warm, swollen, and painful. In some cases, an infection may develop. Ingrown toenails can typically be treated at home, but an infection may require medical treatment. Fortunately, ingrown toenails are easy to prevent. When trimming your child’s toenails, be sure to use toenail clippers to cut the nails straight across, avoiding curved edges. It is also important to not cut the nail too short. Wearing roomy, comfortable shoes can also help prevent ingrown toenails from developing.
Plantar warts are warts that develop on the bottom of the foot due to a viral infection. Warts usually present as one or multiple circular areas of thickened skin with tiny black dots on them. Plantar warts may cause pain when pressure is applied to them while walking. Over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments can typically clear up plantar warts.
Another common concern in children is heel pain. Sever’s disease, an overuse injury that causes inflammation in the growth plate of the heel, is especially common in children ages 8 to 14, especially if they frequently participate in running or jumping activities, like soccer or gymnastics. Sever’s disease is characterized by pain in the back or bottom of the heel, difficulty walking, and fatigue.
If your child complains of foot pain or if you notice any abnormalities in your child’s feet, it is recommended that you take them to see a chiropodist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Foot pain is a common symptom of a large variety of injuries and medical conditions. A diagnosis can be narrowed down by describing the locations and type of pain that you are experiencing.
Pain in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis usually causes stabbing heel pains and the pain is at its worst upon arising in the morning or when taking your first steps after a long period of rest. Heel pain can also be caused by heel spurs, bruises on the fat pad of the heel, or heel fractures.
Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, in which the tissue of the nerves between the bases of the toes become thickened, causing tingling and numbness. Other causes of pain in the ball of the foot include metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis.
Pain in the arch of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis or having flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by many conditions, including gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toe sprains or fractures, arthritis, and corns.
To find out what is causing your foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose your condition and offer the appropriate treatments.
A fungal toenail infection, also known as onychomycosis, can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Infected nails often become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and discolored with white, yellow, or brown patches. The affected nails may also lift from the nail bed and emit a foul odor.
Fungal toenail infections are contagious and are caused by a fungus getting in, on, or under the toenails. Fungi thrive in moist, warm environments like public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, and many people contract fungal nail infections from walking barefoot in these environments. The fungus can also spread from person to person. For this reason, it is best to avoid sharing personal items like shoes, socks, and towels with an infected individual.
Certain factors can make one more likely to contract toenail fungus. People who have diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune system, are over the age of 65, wear artificial nails, have a toenail injury or damaged skin around their toenails, wear closed-toe shoes, and expose their feet to moisture for extended periods of time are at an increased risk of onychomycosis.
Treatment options for toenail fungus include oral medications and topical solutions such as medicated nail polishes and creams. Treatment can take several months to be effective, so it is recommended that you see a chiropodist as soon as you notice the symptoms of toenail fungus. For more information about this condition, please consult with a podiatrist.
Slow-healing wounds on the feet are a frequent complication of diabetes and always warrant prompt medical attention. Left untreated, these wounds can develop into diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), greatly increasing your risk of infection, tissue death, and amputation. But how do these wounds form in the first place, and what can be done to prevent them?
Diabetics are often afflicted with two other co-occurring conditions, peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation. Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage and often affects the nerves of the lower limbs, leading to tingling, numbness, and a loss of sensation in the feet. A lack of sensation can leave you unable to physically feel pain if you cut, scrape, puncture, or otherwise injure your feet. This can be a serious problem, as pain is typically the first indication that something is wrong. When you don’t feel it happen, an injury on your foot can go undetected and untreated, progressively worsening until it forms a serious wound. These wounds usually heal slowly because of another complication of diabetes, poor circulation. When the blood supply to your feet is not adequate, this area of your body does not get the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to perform its usual processes, including wound healing. Poor circulation results in wounds that heal slowly or don’t heal at all.
Fortunately, there are measures that you can take to prevent diabetic foot wounds from occurring or worsening. Maintain good foot hygiene by washing and thoroughly drying your feet each day and performing a daily foot check. Using a mirror or with help from a caregiver, examine your feet each day for any abnormalities, such as sores, cuts, scrapes, bruises, blisters, discoloration, swelling, and ingrown toenails. If you notice any foot problems, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist who can treat these issues and offer you more information about managing your foot health.
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