Choosing the Right Support for Your Feet

Walking shoes and running shoes are built differently to match specific movement patterns and impact levels. Walking shoes often feature a flexible upper, stable midsole, and durable outsole that supports a smooth heel-to-toe motion. Running shoes typically include enhanced cushioning to absorb repeated impact and a more responsive midsole for forward propulsion. Shoe stability is important in both types, and proper fit should include checking for heel slippage and allowing enough toe room. Wearing the correct footwear may help prevent painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, recommend proper shoes, and provide custom orthotics. If you are experiencing foot pain after walking or running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your desired activity. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Read more about Differences between Walking and Running Shoes

Symptoms of Foot Arthritis

Foot arthritis, also known as arthropathy, is a joint-related condition that causes inflammation and gradual deterioration within the joints of the foot. This condition can affect mobility and comfort because the foot contains many small joints that support balance and movement. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and reduced flexibility while walking or standing. Causes include age-related wear of joint cartilage, previous injury, or inflammatory diseases that affect joint tissues. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, repetitive joint stress, excess body weight, and abnormal foot mechanics. A podiatrist can evaluate joint function, recommend supportive treatment, and help reduce pressure on affected joints. If you have symptoms of foot arthritis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Arthritic Foot Care

Cracked Heels and Protecting Foot Health

Cracked heels develop when the skin on the heel becomes dry, thickened, and less flexible, leading to splitting of the skin. Several factors may contribute to this condition, including itching from irritated skin, endocrine disease that affects skin health, improper hygiene, and a lack of essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy tissue. Risk factors include prolonged standing, wearing open-backed footwear, excess body weight, and poor skin care habits. Symptoms include dry skin, visible cracks, discomfort while walking, and sometimes redness or inflammation surrounding the heel area. Without proper care, cracks may deepen and become painful. A podiatrist can evaluate the skin, remove thickened tissue, recommend moisturizing treatment, and provide guidance for proper foot care. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

When Thickened Skin Becomes Painful

Corns and callouses develop when the skin responds to repeated pressure or friction by becoming thicker and harder. Corns are usually smaller and form on the tops or sides of toes, often with a central core that presses into deeper tissue. Callouses are broader areas of thickened skin that commonly appear on the soles of the feet, especially under the heel or ball of the foot. The skin may look yellowed or rough, and patients often describe tenderness while walking or wearing certain shoes. Tight footwear, foot deformities, and abnormal walking patterns can all contribute to their formation. A podiatrist begins with a careful examination to identify the source of pressure. Treatment includes gentle trimming of the thickened skin, padding, custom orthotics, and guidance on proper footwear. Targeted exercises may also improve foot alignment and reduce recurrence. If you have painful corns or callouses, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns and Calluses

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