What to Look For in a Running Shoe

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Running can be a great way to stay in shape. But if you are wearing the wrong kind of running shoes, the act of running can cause more harm than good. Whether you’re a daily runner, a professional athlete or you just run for fun every now and then, make sure you select the best running shoes for your needs.

Consider Your Specific Foot Needs

Your Austin, TX podiatrist can help you when it comes to choosing running shoes. Everyone has a unique foot shape, when it comes to arches. Find out from your podiatrist if you have high arches, neutral arches or flat feet. Your podiatrist can also tell you if you have supination when you step, or overpronation. The podiatrist will explain how each of these affect your gait and how it will influence which running shoes you purchase.

Avoid Trends

Trendy running shoes aren’t usually the best. For instance, shoes with individual toe sections might look cool, but they force the feet into an unnatural position that could cause pain or even harm over the long-term.

Go Bigger

Select a running shoe in a half size larger than your standard shoe size. You’ll want to wear thicker socks when you run, and the extra room will keep your feet from being pinched when they swell after exertion.

Rubber Soles are Best

Stay away from plastic soles. They won’t absorb enough shock when you hit the pavement. Instead, choose shock absorbent rubber soles.

Use Running-Designated Shoes

Quality athletic shoes are made specifically for specific movements. For instance, tennis shoes are made for foot movements that are back and forth, from side to side. Running shoes are made to support the arch and absorb shock. Make you choose shoes specifically made for running, and not a general, “multi-sport” shoe.

When you’re ready to invest in a good pair of running shoes, talk to your podiatrist in Austin, TX for recommendations.

Back Pain? The Problem Could be With Your Feet

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If you suffer from chronic back pain and it hasn’t responded to massage, weight loss, chiropractic or physical treatment, the problem could be with your feet. Millions of Americans suffer from back pain that is caused by feet problems. While it sounds far-fetched that back pain could be solved by a visit to your podiatrist in Austin, TX, the truth is that many people have had their back pain resolved by podiatrist treatment.

How Feet Can Cause Back Pain

Because of the way our bodies are put together, poor foot health is related to a range of possible issues, including back pain. Most commonly, podiatrists find that back pain is associated with a collapsed arch. This situation puts the entire skeletal system out of balance, which creates pressure on nerves and strain on muscle tissue.

The arch is the part of the foot that rises up beneath the ankle. When the arch collapses, it’s called a fallen arch, or “flat feet.” Interestingly, you can sometimes tell if you have a fallen arch by leaving a wet footprint on the pavement. If the entire foot print is there, it’s likely you have a fallen arch. Otherwise, there would be a blank space between the heel and the ball of the footprint.

Shoes Can Cause Back Pain, Too

If your shoes don’t fit properly, they may be pinching your feet and causing you to walk in an unnatural way. You may be walking on the outer sole or the inner sole instead of in the middle. Either way, this also causes an imbalance in the way your spine moves, which can lead to spinal disc problems and back pain.

Visit your podiatrist in Austin, TX if you have back pain that has worsened or become chronic or time. Chances are there is a treatment for your feet issues that will alleviate the pain.

Bunion on the woman's foot. Big toe problem.

What Causes Bunions?

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The malformation of the joint of the big toe is commonly known as a bunion, although hallux valgus is the medical word for bunions. They arise from a structural issue in the bone of the foot and toes, most commonly in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. As a result, the feet are no longer correctly aligned. A bunion is characterized by an outward-pointing toe and a lump on the inner side of the foot. Pain may arise when the bunion gets more noticeable.

Common Causes of Bunions

Your podiatrist in Austin, TX says that the most common reasons for bunions include:

Genetic Conditions

Unfortunately, it’s very common for people to simply inherit a foot type that precludes itself to bunions. When this happens, bunions may not be certain, but it makes good sense to try to avoid the risk factors of bunions.

Ill-Fitting Shoes

The best shoes are made of natural materials, such as leather, that allow the material to stretch. Shoes of vinyl and plastic materials tend to squeeze the feet and can contribute to the development of bunions.

Overweight

When a person is overweight, the weight is not distributed correctly on the feet. This can lead to standing and walking in a manner that can lead to the development of bunions in Austin, TX.

Arthritis

Certain kinds of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lend themselves to inflammation and malformation of joints, including the joint where the big toe connects with the foot.

Foot Injury

Whenever you have a foot injury, it’s imperative that you visit your Austin, TX podiatrist for treatment. Foot injuries that are not properly treated can lead to a lifetime of suffering with a bunion.

If you have one or two bunions, you may be able to have it treated by your podiatrist. Contact us today for a consultation.

Is Toenail Fungus Dangerous?

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It may seem odd to have to visit a podiatrist in Austin, TX for a case of toenail fungus. After all, in summer, many people often get toenail fungus. In fact, though, toenail fungus can become a dangerous condition if left untreated.

What is Toenail Fungus?

The official name for toenail fungus is onychomycosis. It is a fungal infection that can become widespread, affecting the toenails and surrounding tissue. It occurs when fungi begins growing between the nailbed tissue and the nail, typically taking hold through a small cut or fissure in the toe. Toenail fungus is quite common, especially in summer, when feet are less likely to be protected. It’s also more common in older folks who may pay less attention to the health of their feet.

Is Toenail Fungus Dangerous?

Toenail fungus needs to be treated. It rarely just goes away on its own. Left untreated, it can become more troublesome and even dangerous in certain circumstances. Here are some possible results of untreated toenail fungus:

Pain and Discomfort

Toenail fungus often leaves toenails discolored and misshapen. It can cause the nail to thicken or even separate from the nail bed. This can make the wearing of shoes difficult or even painful. The nail may even fall off altogether.

Athlete’s Feet

When toenail fungus is allowed to spread, untreated, it often develops into a full-blown case of athlete’s feet. This is a painful condition that results in blistering, red and flaky skin. It leaves the skin on the feet very vulnerable to further infection.

Wider Infection

In persons with underlying conditions such as diabetes, toenail fungus can result in a widespread infection that threatens overall health. This may end up causing cellulite, which needs antibiotic treatment. The infection could even enter the bloodstream, where it can become life-threatening.

If you suspect that you may need treatment for toenail fungus in Austin, TX, see your podiatrist immediately. Don’t try to rely on over-the-counter medication that may mask symptoms but not get rid of the fungus. Contact us for help.