Items filtered by date: July 2023

Walking and running are two different sports that affect your feet differently. The shoes for each sport have different qualities because of how the foot strikes the ground. While walking, one foot is always on the ground and will follow a rocking motion from heel to toe. Conversely, both feet can be completely off the ground while running. When an individual runs, the impact while coming down on the foot is felt in the middle or front of the foot. Walking may put less stress on the feet, however, the feet will hold the weight for a longer period. With this being said, walking shoes may be more flexible and can have additional cushioning than running shoes, and for this reason, it is beneficial to refrain from wearing running shoes while walking. If you would like to know about additional differences between these two types of shoes, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. 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 office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the most important things diabetic patients can do is examine their feet daily. Inspect the feet even when they feel fine to determine if any cuts may have developed. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is the inability to feel any sores on the feet and this condition often accompanies diabetes. It can become a serious complication for people with diabetes if a cut is left unnoticed, therefore untreated. A small wound on the foot may become infected, leading to a diabetic foot ulcer. A good diabetic foot care routine can begin with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by inspecting the soles. It is important to refrain from walking barefoot, and it can help to wear socks and shoes that fit correctly. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition. 

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 Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. 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 office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

We may have all stubbed our toes into a piece of furniture or dropped something heavy on our toes and experienced intense pain. A fractured toe, particularly a pinky toe, is a common occurrence, especially because they involve small bones on the edge of the foot and are more prone to injury. When one breaks a toe, it is painful, and the toe will look bruised and swollen. If the ends of the broken bone get displaced, the toe may look crooked. It may be painful to walk with a broken toe, particularly if one breaks their big toe because this toe takes more weight when walking. Most broken toes can be treated at home. The buddy taping method is frequently used, which involves taping the broken toe to the toe next to it for stability. Wearing comfortable, enclosed, and sturdy shoes that do not press against the broken toe should also help. The only way to be certain a toe is broken versus being sprained or strained, is to have an X-ray taken. If a broken toe is associated with another injury or problem, if the big toe is the affected toe, if the skin is broken, or the toe is displaced it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Research has shown that approximately 25 percent of adults fall every year. Many of these people can experience consequences that can range from breaking a bone to the inability to complete daily activities as a result of having a fear of falling. Falling can happen from having an unsafe living environment, existing medical conditions, or a change in eyesight. There are simple methods that can be implemented which can help to reduce the number of falls. Installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area and using a non-skid bathmat are effective fall prevention techniques. Additionally, removing worn rugs and improving lighting in the household can make the home safer. Many elderly people choose to stretch and exercise daily, which is helpful in keeping the body strong, and possibly helping to prevent falling. If you would like additional knowledge about how falling can affect the feet and how to avoid this, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you useful tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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