February 2022

Did you know that you can only walk in a pair of shoes for approximately 500 miles before the cushioning, tread, and insole get worn out? Wearing shoes for longer than that can be bad for your feet and may even lead to an injury like plantar fasciitis or even an ankle sprain. Here are a few pointers for getting your next pair of walking shoes. Be sure to get your feet measured properly so you can ensure the right fit. Pro tip: you’ll generally want to go up a size from your regular shoes to accommodate for feet that can swell from at least a half hour of walking. Lacing your walking shoes using a “runner's loop” will allow your toes to expand while keeping your heel in place at the heel cup. Make sure your socks fit properly too—and aren’t too big or too tight—and are made of a synthetic, moisture wicking material that draws sweat away from your feet. If you like to alternate your walking shoes to allow them time to dry out between use, try to use the same brand and style so you don’t confuse your muscles. For expert advice on walking shoes to support and cushion your particular feet (while addressing any gait issues you may have), consult with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you feel pain or discomfort in the midfoot area, you may have developed stress fractures in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones of the foot. The most common cause is repetitive walking for long periods. This condition, sometimes called “march fractures,”  is common after a trip with prolonged walks or hikes, in overtraining for a marathon type of event, or from military recruitment exercises. Other causes include a change in foot shape—perhaps the result of bunions—that may overload the midfoot bones, and osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the bones as the result of low bone density. Symptoms include pain and swelling, as well as tenderness to the touch, which could worsen if the activity is continued. As with all painful foot conditions, it is a good idea to schedule a visit to a podiatrist for a complete checkup, which will likely include X-rays or other imaging tests to see the extent of the injury. In the meantime, avoid walking or bearing weight on the affected foot as much as possible to help it heal more quickly.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. This condition can cause symptoms such as red, dry, peeling, itchy skin, a burning sensation in the feet, blisters, and foul odor. There are three main types of athlete’s foot, named after the areas affected by the infection. A toe web infection affects the skin in between the toes, particularly between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin here typically peels and cracks. A moccasin type infection affects the bottom or heel of your foot, leading to thick, cracked skin and a foul odor. A vesicular type infection causes blisters on the soles of the feet. If you suspect that you may have athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Although the term plantar fasciitis sounds unusual, the condition it describes is the most common form of heel pain. “Plantar” has to do with the sole of the foot, while “fascia” is a fibrous band of tissue. “Itis” is a suffix used to indicate inflammation. Put those three things together and you are describing an inflammation of the fibrous tissue on the sole of the foot — otherwise known as plantar fasciitis. It can cause a stabbing pain near the heel, which is worst in the morning as you take your first steps, or after periods of rest. This pain can subside as your feet become warmed up. Although runners often develop plantar fasciitis, it can also be common in people who are obese or who wear shoes without adequate support. If you believe you have plantar fasciitis, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist right away to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin proper treatment as soon as possible.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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