Items filtered by date: February 2024

The question of whether separate shoes are necessary for running and walking often stirs debate among fitness enthusiasts and casual walkers alike. While some argue that specialized footwear for each activity optimizes performance and prevents injuries, others believe that a single pair of comfortable shoes suffice for both. The key consideration lies in the biomechanics and impact forces involved in running versus walking. Running entails higher impact forces and repetitive motion compared to walking, placing greater strain on the feet, ankles, and joints. Running shoes typically feature additional cushioning, support, and stability to absorb shock and promote forward propulsion. Conversely, walking shoes prioritize flexibility and comfort for the rolling motion of the foot. However, many modern athletic shoes offer versatile designs that cater to both activities effectively. Ultimately, individual preferences, foot mechanics, and activity levels should guide the decision to invest in separate shoes. Regardless of the choice, ensuring proper fit, support, and durability remains essential for promoting foot health and preventing injuries during physical activities. If you have questions about what type of shoes to wear for your walking or running desires, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist, who can address any concerns you may have.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athletes often develop various foot issues. A male ballet dancer experiences sudden lateral foot pain after landing from a jump, fearing it may end his career. A basketball player suffers acute pain after twisting his ankle during a game, and is now using crutches. A female ballet dancer faces persistent lateral foot pain hindering her rehearsals, despite treatments over two years. These cases share a common condition often overlooked and known as cuboid subluxation. This involves injury to the joints and ligaments around the cuboid bone, causing lateral foot pain and weakness during push-off. Diagnosis involves physical examination, as imaging may not clearly show the condition. Treatment includes manipulation to realign the cuboid, followed by supportive measures like taping and orthotics. Addressing biomechanical issues is important for recovery, ensuring athletes can return to their activities safely. If you are an athlete and have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to prevent worsening of symptoms and obtain appropriate treatment for the diagnosis.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot wound refers to an open sore or ulcer that develops on the foot of individuals with diabetes, typically due to a combination of factors including neuropathy, poor circulation, and impaired wound healing. Neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, causes nerve damage that diminishes sensation in the feet, making individuals less aware of injuries or pressure points that can lead to wounds. Poor circulation, another consequence of diabetes, reduces blood flow to the feet, hindering the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for wound healing. These factors, coupled with compromised immune function, increase the risk of infections and slow the healing process. Symptoms of diabetic foot wounds may include redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, and foul odor. Recognizing these signs is crucial for prompt intervention and prevention of complications such as infections and amputations. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide you with the proper wound care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.