Selecting the proper shoes for marathon running is essential to ensure comfort, performance, and injury prevention. The ideal running shoe should match your foot type, gait, and running style. It is important to choose a shoe that offers adequate cushioning to absorb impact while providing support and stability over long distance. Trying on shoes later in the day, when feet are slightly swollen, can give a more accurate fit. A snug but not tight fit is key, with enough room in the toe box to accommodate foot movement. Prioritizing comfort and function over style will help you stay focused on your training. If you are considering running in a marathon, it is suggested you confer with a podiatrist who can help you choose shoes that are right for you.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tennis players are at risk for various foot and ankle injuries due to the sport’s fast-paced lateral movements and frequent pivoting. Among the most common tennis injuries are ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. These conditions can result from repetitive impact, poor foot alignment, or sudden changes in direction on hard courts. For example, an ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are overstretched or torn, often after a quick pivot or awkward landing. Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are overuse injuries that affect the soft tissues in the heel and can lead to chronic pain if left untreated. Stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in the bones, result from repetitive pounding of the feet during play. A podiatrist can use diagnostic imaging to confirm the exact type and extent of the injury. Depending on the diagnosis, medical treatment may include immobilization, custom orthotic support, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery for more serious cases. If you experience foot or ankle pain after playing tennis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciosis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Swollen ankles are often caused by a buildup of fluid in the soft tissues, known as edema. This can develop for many reasons, including standing or sitting in one position for too long, consuming high amounts of salt, being overweight, pregnancy, or taking certain medications. Swollen ankles may also result from an ankle sprain, infection, insect bite, or more serious conditions involving the heart, kidneys, or liver. Symptoms can include puffiness around the ankles and feet, shiny or stretched skin, skin discoloration, and discomfort or stiffness. In some cases, pressing the skin may leave a dent. A podiatrist can perform a detailed exam to determine whether the swelling is linked to an injury, circulation problem, or another medical condition. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve reducing inflammation, draining excess fluid, prescribing medication, or correcting biomechanical issues with the foot or ankle. In severe or persistent cases, surgery may be recommended to resolve structural or vascular concerns. If you have swollen ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:
Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.
Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.
Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, where the joint sticks out as the tip of the toe angles toward the second toe. This misalignment can make the foot appear uneven and swollen. The skin over the bump may be red and inflamed, and the area can be tender, especially when pressure is applied, such as when wearing shoes. The pain may worsen over time and become constant, especially in tight footwear. Bunions are more common in women, particularly those who wear high heels or narrow shoes, but they can also develop due to genetics, abnormal foot mechanics, or conditions like arthritis. Other factors include flat feet or a history of foot injuries. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the bunion and recommending treatment, including custom orthotics, padding, or adjustments in footwear. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the alignment of the toe. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
