Items filtered by date: January 2023

Running and walking shoes are different. If one runs, wearing walking shoes is not appropriate, as most walking shoes are too stiff and do not flex as is necessary for runners. The same applies for fitness walkers. Fitness walkers should look for running shoes. Luckily since the running market is so big, designers keep up well with the newest materials and technology so there are a wide range of options for different needs. Running shoes vary in cushioning, levels of heel-to-toe drop, and stability. The newer designs seem to provide what is needed with less weight and a more seamless construction to minimize points of friction that can lead to blisters and corns. Walking shoes lag in technology and seem to be designed with comfort as the top priority. While comfort is important, if one is walking for exercise, well-cushioned shoes may cause leg stiffness and many walking shoes are too stiff and heavy for this purpose, interfering with natural foot motion and speed. If you run or walk with fitness goals, consult with a podiatrist regarding best shoe choices for you.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

For many pregnant women, having swollen feet becomes a growing concern. The main cause of swelling, or edema, is a natural increase in bodily fluids that results in swelling to the legs and feet. This can cause the feet to change in size, and shoes that used to fit no longer do. The amount of swelling can increase or decrease as the day goes on, but there are measures that can be taken to help reduce this discomfort. A few ways to keep edema under control include avoiding standing for long periods, elevating the feet whenever possible, and stopping wearing socks with tight elastic tops. Further, experts suggest doing a little exercise, such as walking and swimming, to keep the feet and ankles moving. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate cushioning to absorb the body’s extra weight. Finally, cutting down on salt, wearing compression socks, and drinking plenty of fluids are suggested. For more information about swollen feet during pregnancy, please visit a podiatrist for an exam and possible treatment measures.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A rash that develops on the foot may be athlete’s foot. It is an uncomfortable condition that is found between the toes and on the bottom of the foot, and severe itching is a common symptom. Additionally, the skin may turn red, and small blisters can be seen. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lives in warm environments, such as shower room floors and public swimming pools. It can enter the body through small cracks in the skin, and it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. These can consist of flip-flops or water shoes, and walking barefoot is frowned upon. There are three categories of athlete’s foot which can slightly differ. Peeling or cracked skin that is found between the fourth and fifth toes may indicate a toe web infection has developed. A moccasin-type infection may start with a sore foot, then followed by the skin becoming thick. Blisters that are on the sole of the foot may be the beginning of a vesicular infection and may travel to other parts of the foot. If you are afflicted with any type of athlete's foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can prescribe the necessary medication for complete healing.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many individuals who are not well-versed in podiatry might not be familiar with what orthotics are. Essentially, orthotics are inserts that can be worn in shoes. Orthotics are either custom-made for an individual’s unique foot shape or are over-the-counter. The purposes of using orthotics can vary, but they primarily consist of correcting deformities and providing support to the feet. Athletes are a group of individuals that might be particularly benefited from the use of orthotics. Football players especially might stand to benefit from wearing orthotic devices. This is because football players can benefit from extra support for lateral movements, such as sprinting or running. Orthotic devices can provide football players with precisely this kind of support for lateral movements. If you are someone who engages in football and is looking for ways to protect your feet, contact a podiatrist today.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is no mistaking when an ingrown toenail develops. It is often noticed when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. If prompt medical attention is not received, it may ooze a discharge, and become infected. An ingrown toenail can happen for various reasons. Trimming the toenails incorrectly is a common reason, in addition to wearing shoes that are too tight. Older people may frequently get ingrown toenails, possibly as a result of having poor eyesight, or not being able to reach their toes. Some people find mild relief when they soak their feet in warm water, followed by gently pulling the skin away from the nail. This is a temporary solution, and the skin will often return to the way it was before the feet were soaked. A bandage may have to be worn over the tender skin for protection until professional medical attention is sought. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can effectively treat an ingrown toenail. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.