Items filtered by date: February 2024

For avid runners, heel pain can be a significant obstacle, obstructing both performance and enjoyment of the activity. Heel pain can result from different factors including overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical issues. The most common cause of heel pain for runners is plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Running, especially long-distance, puts strain on the plantar fascia and may lead to discomfort. Additionally, Achilles tendonitis, or inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, often causes pain for runners who escalate their training program too quickly. Heel spurs, bony outgrowths that can develop underneath the heel bone due to repetitive stress on the foot, are another hindrance for runners. Wearing ill-fitting or worn-out running shoes with inadequate support can also contribute to heel pain. If you are a runner with heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer a comprehensive evaluation, locate the source of the pain, and offer appropriate treatment methods.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Differentiating between walking and running shoes is essential for optimizing comfort and performance during physical activity. While both types of shoes may appear similar, subtle design features cater to the distinct biomechanics and movement patterns associated with each activity. Running shoes typically feature more cushioning and support in the heel and forefoot to absorb impact and provide stability during high-impact movements. They also tend to have a more flexible sole to facilitate the rolling motion of the foot from heel to toe. In contrast, walking shoes prioritize flexibility in the forefoot and emphasize support and stability throughout the midsole to accommodate the heel-to-toe motion of walking. Additionally, walking shoes often have a lower profile and lighter weight compared to running shoes. Understanding these differences allows individuals to select the appropriate footwear for their preferred activity, ensuring optimal comfort, support, and injury prevention during walking or running endeavors. If you have more specific questions about what type of shoes to buy for your walking or running experiences, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children can develop various foot conditions like adults, including plantar warts, flat feet, heel pain, and ingrown toenails. However, these issues can have unique characteristics in children due to their growing bodies and active lifestyles. Normal bone and muscle growth changes in the legs during childhood can contribute to heel pain and flat feet. Additionally, children's active nature can lead to common problems like ingrown toenails and warts, often worsened by wearing tight-fitting shoes during growth spurts. Ingrown toenails can affect people of all ages but are prevalent among teenagers, possibly due to ill-fitting footwear, and resulting in infected ingrown toenails causing the skin to become red, swollen, and warm. Plantar warts, caused by a virus, often appear in children and young adults, resembling circular, thickened skin with tiny black dots. Flat feet, or pes planus, are common among children, generally resolving naturally but manageable with orthotics or arch supports to control pronation. Heel pain in children often relates to plantar fasciitis or Sever's disease, triggered by tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons during growth spurts. If your child has foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment for their situation. Early identification is important in ensuring children have healthy and pain-free feet as they grow and develop.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Podiatrists play a vital role in diabetic foot care, offering specialized assistance to prevent foot complications from developing. People with diabetes need to pay close attention to foot care, because high blood sugar can cause damage to nerves and result in poor blood circulation in the feet. When people cannot feel pain in their feet, they may not notice problems such as cuts and ulcers. Wounds are at even higher risk for infection as a result of poor blood flow. Podiatrists help by conducting regular foot exams to identify any issues early on. They also perform neurovascular and musculoskeletal assessments for the feet. Podiatrists educate their patients about proper foot hygiene, nail care, and daily foot checks, as well as recommend suitable footwear to prevent problems. If a patient has foot issues such as calluses, corns, or ingrown toenails, this type of doctor can treat them to prevent the issues from worsening. If you have diabetes and suspect foot problems, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage and prevent foot-related complications due to having diabetes. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.