Tips for Buying Running Shoes

One of the first things to do when looking to buy a new running shoes, is to know you run.  It’s important to determine where a person first comes in contact with the ground. Is it the outside of the heel? Is it at the inside of the forefoot?

If the point of initial contact is mainly through the forefoot (as for many athletes and sprinters), then there’s not a lot of shoe needed behind the forefoot. Why would you want to have a lot of cushion in the heel when you’re not going to spend any time there anyway?

If you’re a forefoot runner, you should be wearing a running shoe, which has most of its cushion in front. If you run from heel to toe, then look for a shoe that has more cushion in the back.

It is also a good idea to go show shoe shopping in the evening when the feet tend to swell to make sure you get a shoe that is not too tight.  You should also have both feet measured and select the size that fits the bigger foot.  Lastly, bring along you running socks to try on new shoes with, so you will know what to expect when running.

Be sure to identify any injuries you have developed from running, as well. Problems like shin splints, blisters, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis 

Will Flip Flops Damage My Feet

Flip-flops have become a staple of summer apparel, and for good reason. No one can deny the carefree feeling of enjoying the warm weather in your summer flip-flops.  Many times these flip flops can also damage your feet.  There are many different types of flip flops make sure that you have one that will not cause you pain or injury.

Flip-flops with good heel and arch support, for one. For two, flip-flops made of materials that bend, but not too much. Also not wearing flip-flops when you do activities that could be hazardous to your toes (such as hiking) and also not wearing flip-flops for long walks, when sneakers would provide you much better support.  When choosing a shoe, if open toes are a must, please avoid the flimsy, cheap flip-flops.  Look for sandals that have support to them and an indented heel cup.  Straps to the sandals which can be tightened can also increase stability in the sandal as you walk.

Flip-flops can also increase the symptoms and pain of plantar fasciitis.  Due to the lack of support and stability there is an increase in stress and strain on the plantar fascia.  This lack of support to the feet also increases the risk of ankle injuries such as sprains and fractures.

What to Do For Painful and Stiff Toes

Your big toes help you maintain balance.  They receive a huge amount of stress each time you walk, stand, squat, or climb stairs. People with degenerative arthritis may develop a condition called hallux rigidus, meaning a “stiff big toe.” Hallux rigidus occurs when the joint at the base of the big toe wears down, making movement difficult.  Hallux rigidus is a progressive condition, and over time, the toe may become very stiff.  Early treatment is important and may help prevent the need for future surgery.

If you find it difficult to bend your toe up and down or find that you are walking on the outside of your foot because of pain in the toe, see your doctor right away. Hallux rigidus is easier to treat when the condition is caught early. If you wait until you see a bony bump on the top of your foot, the bone spurs will have already developed and the condition will be more difficult to treat.

Achilles Podiatry will examine your foot and look for evidence of bone spurs. He or she may move the toe around to see how much motion is possible without pain. X-rays will show the location and size of any bone spurs, as well as the degree of degeneration in the joint space and cartilage.

There are two different types of treatment, Surgical and Nonsurgical.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may help reduce the swelling and ease the pain. Applying ice packs or taking contrast baths (described below) may also help reduce inflammation and control symptoms for a short period of time. But they aren’t enough to stop the condition from progressing. Wearing a shoe with a large toe box will reduce the pressure on the toe, and you will probably have to give up wearing high heels. Your doctor may recommend that you get a stiff-soled shoe with a rocker or roller bottom design and possibly even a steel shank or metal brace in the sole. This type of shoe supports the foot when you walk and reduces the amount of bend in the big toe.

A contrast bath uses alternating cold and hot water to reduce inflammation. You’ll need two buckets, one with water as cold as you can tolerate and the other with water as warm as you can tolerate. Immerse your foot in the cold water for 30 seconds, then immediately place it in the hot water for 30 seconds. Continue to alternate between cold and hot for five minutes, ending in the cold water. You can do contrast baths up to three times a day. However, be careful to avoid extreme temperatures in the water, especially if your feet aren’t very sensitive to heat or cold.

Surgical Treatment

• CheilectomyThis surgery is usually recommended when damage is mild or moderate. It involves removing the bone spurs as well as a portion of the foot bone, so the toe has more room to bend. The incision is made on the top of the foot. The toe and the operative site may remain swollen for several months after the operation, and you will have to wear a wooden-soled sandal for at least two weeks after the surgery. But most patients do experience long-term relief.
• ArthrodesisFusing the bones together (arthrodesis) is often recommended when the damage to the cartilage is severe. The damaged cartilage is removed and pins, screws, or a plate are used to fix the joint in a permanent position. Gradually, the bones grow together. This type of surgery means that you will not be able to bend the toe at all. However, it is the most reliable way to reduce pain in these severe cases.
  For the first six weeks after surgery, you will have to wear a cast and then use crutches for about another six weeks. You won’t be able to wear high heels, and you may need to wear a shoe with a rocker-type sole.
• ArthroplastyOlder patients who place few functional demands on the feet may be candidates for joint replacement surgery. The joint surfaces are removed and an artificial joint is implanted. This procedure may relieve pain and preserve joint motion.

If you are having symptoms of hallus rigidus.  Cases that are diagnosed and treated early are associated with the best outcomes