Choosing the Right Running Shoe
Finding the right shoes to run in can be a headache. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine exactly the right type of running shoes for you. This is where your chiropodist can help. In addition to taking into consideration the type of running you will be doing, it’s also very important to buy running shoes that cater to the individual needs of your feet.
There are many individual foot differences that can have a bearing on which types of running shoes to buy. Your gait, or walking pattern, may require certain specifications to ensure the safest and efficient running possible. A chiropodist can perform a gait analysis to determine your needs. Generally, people’s gaits can be normal, overpronated, or underpronated. Having an overpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far inwards while you walk or run. This can be mitigated by choosing stability running shoes. Having an underpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far outwards while walking or running. This can be helped by choosing shoes with neutral cushioning.
In general, it’s suggested that you shop for shoes in person in the late afternoon or evening. Shopping in person will allow you to try on and test out the shoes. You would also be able to get assistance from a store associate, who could measure your feet and provide recommendations. Shopping later in the day is suggested because your feet naturally swell throughout the day and are at their largest in the late afternoon and early evening. Your feet also naturally swell while you run. By fitting your feet when they are at their largest, you can ensure that they will fit properly throughout the day.
For more information about how to find the best running shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist.
Keeping Your Feet Strong and Flexible
Healthy feet provide the foundation for daily activities, and regular movement can keep them in top condition. Spreading your toes apart helps improve flexibility and circulation. Lifting small items from the floor with your toes strengthens the small muscles that support your arches. Rotating your ankles in slow circles encourages joint mobility and reduces stiffness. Rolling the soles of your feet over a ball can relieve tension and keep the tissues supple. Stretching your calves by pressing your heels into the ground supports proper alignment and may ease heel discomfort. Including these foot exercises and stretches in your daily routine can help you stay comfortable whether walking, standing, or engaging in sports. If you notice persistent pain or changes in the way your feet feel or move, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Stretching the feet can improve their flexibility and overall strength, and can help prevent or reduce the impact of foot injuries. For more information about stretching your feet, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Why Stretching the Feet Is Important
Your feet support the weight of your entire body as you go about your daily activities. As with any other part of your body, stretching and exercising the feet can help maintain their overall health, reduce foot pain, and prevent future injuries.
How to Stretch
There are a variety of foot stretches and exercises that you may try. It is recommended that you speak with a chiropodist to learn which exercises are best for you.
Some examples include:
- Heel Raises - Hold onto a wall for balance as you slowly rise up on your tiptoes. Hold the position for several seconds, then lower your feet back to the ground. Repeat 10 times.
- Toe Splay - Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Spread your toes as far apart as you can, holding for several seconds. Repeat 10 times.
- Towel Scrunches - Sit in a chair and lay a towel flat on the floor in front of you, placing your foot on top of it. Using only your toes, scrunch up the towel pulling it towards you. Repeat several times with each foot.
- Plantar Fascia Massage - Sit in a chair and place a round or cylindrical object (such as a tennis ball, water bottle, or foam roller) under the arch of your foot. Slowly push your foot forward and backward while applying pressure to the object. Maintain the object between your heel and toes. Do this for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .
Stretching the Feet
It is often recommended that you stretch your body daily, but when was the last time you stretched your feet? Stretching the feet has a variety of benefits, including managing foot pain, preventing injuries, increasing strength and flexibility, and improving the overall health of your feet.
Foot stretches often target specific areas of the foot, such as the toes or the arch. There are many different foot stretches that you can try. Your chiropodist may be able to recommend the best foot stretches for you based on the current condition of your feet and any foot pain or health conditions that you may be experiencing.
One popular stretch for the toes is the towel scrunch. To do this stretch, spread a towel out on the floor and sit in a chair with your feet on top of the towel. Using only your toes, scrunch up the towel. This stretch requires bending, flexing, and extending your toes, giving them a good workout in the process.
A popular stretch for the arch of your foot is the plantar fascia stretch. To do this stretch, sit in a chair and put your left foot on top of the opposite knee. Hold the heel of your foot with one hand and the toe with your other hand, then gently pull your heel towards your body and pull your toes back. Hold for several seconds and repeat on the opposite foot. This stretch can be felt along the bottom of your foot.
For more information about the benefits of stretching your feet, and to find out which stretches may help you, please consult with a chiropodist.
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Recognizing and Treating Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a common infection that can damage the nail and surrounding tissue. It often starts when microscopic fungi invade the nail, thriving in warm, damp environments, like shoes. These fungi feed on keratin, the protein that forms the hard nail surface. Toenail fungus is more likely to affect the big toe or little toe, possibly due to shoe pressure. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, poor foot hygiene, heavy use of nail polish, certain chronic illnesses like diabetes, and exposure to communal showers. Symptoms include thickened, yellow or brown nails, buildup beneath the nail, and sometimes pain or discomfort while wearing shoes. In some cases, the nail may crumble or fall off. A chiropodist can assess your toenails, trim away affected areas, and prescribe topical antifungal treatments. Early care can help prevent it from spreading or worsening. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for help in managing this infection.
Toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, it may also be dangerous. To learn more about treatment options, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?
A fungal infection of the toenail may cause the affected nail to become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and yellowish or brown in color. Sometimes the toenail may separate from the nail bed, become deformed, emit a foul odor, or cause pain or discomfort.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that infects the nail bed. The fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments and is also contagious. Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin, may spread to the nails and cause toenail fungus.
What Treatments Are Available?
Potential treatments for toenail fungus may include oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail polishes that are applied directly to the affected nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is prescribed.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .
Treating Toenail Fungus
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.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis Through Time
Plantar fasciitis has likely troubled people since the earliest days of walking long distances on hard terrain, but it was not until the late 19th century that heel pain began to receive medical attention. Early physicians noticed a pattern of foot discomfort among those who stood for extended hours, such as factory workers and soldiers. Still, it took decades before experts connected the discomfort to the plantar fascia. With the rise of sports medicine in the mid-20th century, awareness grew around how repeated stress, shoes lacking adequate support, and foot structure could lead to this painful condition. Over time, care evolved from simple rest to more focused solutions like arch support and soft tissue therapies. Although common, plantar fasciitis remains a condition that benefits from expert guidance. If discomfort in the heel has become persistent, it is suggested you see a chiropodist for care.
Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Stabbing pain near the heel
- Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest
- Pain that increases after exercising
- Swelling
- Tightness in the Achilles tendon
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination.
Treatment
Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, typically due to overuse, it can cause a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by a sharp, stabbing heel pain, arch pain, and pain that is at its worst when taking your first steps after a long resting period, such as when you first wake up in the morning. You may also notice swelling on the bottom of the heel.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments, and one of the most common causes of heel pain. Besides overuse from activities such as running or jumping, wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning and support, standing for prolonged periods of time, being obese, or having flat feet can all increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Fortunately, there are many treatments for this condition. Your chiropodist may recommend stretching exercises, activity and footwear changes, and icing the affected foot to help relieve pain. If pain persists after several weeks, your chiropodist may prescribe custom orthotics, pad, tape, strap, or immobilize the affected foot, or inject a corticosteroid into the area to reduce pain.
For more information about plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist.
Running Shoes Versus Walking Shoes
Running shoes and walking shoes are designed with different goals in mind. Running shoes offer more cushioning, flexibility, and support to absorb the higher impact of running. Walking shoes provide stability, a firmer sole, and better arch support for prolonged, low-impact movement. Selecting the wrong type of shoe can lead to discomfort or injury. A chiropodist can assess your gait, foot structure, and activity level to recommend the best footwear for your needs. Whether you are training for a race or taking daily walks, the right shoes matter. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, in addition to ensuring your footwear supports your foot health and overall comfort.
Finding the right shoes can sometimes be a major hassle, especially if you intend to work out in them. There are shoes on the market designed specifically for running and walking, but it can be difficult to differentiate between the two and find the right shoes for you. If you’re having trouble finding the right shoes, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
What are the differences between running and walking shoes?
These two types of shoes vary along several parameters.
- Cushioning: Runners need more cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas of the shoe, while walkers can get away with less cushioning.
- Heel height: Runners need a higher heel to provide them with stability, but the ideal height of the heel for runners varies depending on their running gait. Walkers generally don’t need a built-up heel.
- Heel flare: Flared heels can help provide extra stability for runners with certain gaits, while walkers may benefit from a flared heel to control the motion of their foot.
- Flexibility: Both runners and walkers need shoes that are flexible.
For more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, and to figure out which shoes may be right for you, please consult with a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .
Choosing the Right Running Shoe
Finding the right shoes to run in can be a headache. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine exactly the right type of running shoes for you. This is where your chiropodist can help. In addition to taking into consideration the type of running you will be doing, it’s also very important to buy running shoes that cater to the individual needs of your feet.
There are many individual foot differences that can have a bearing on which types of running shoes to buy. Your gait, or walking pattern, may require certain specifications to ensure the safest and efficient running possible. A chiropodist can perform a gait analysis to determine your needs. Generally, people’s gaits can be normal, overpronated, or underpronated. Having an overpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far inwards while you walk or run. This can be mitigated by choosing stability running shoes. Having an underpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far outwards while walking or running. This can be helped by choosing shoes with neutral cushioning.
In general, it’s suggested that you shop for shoes in person in the late afternoon or evening. Shopping in person will allow you to try on and test out the shoes. You would also be able to get assistance from a store associate, who could measure your feet and provide recommendations. Shopping later in the day is suggested because your feet naturally swell throughout the day and are at their largest in the late afternoon and early evening. Your feet also naturally swell while you run. By fitting your feet when they are at their largest, you can ensure that they will fit properly throughout the day.
For more information about how to find the best running shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist.