Items filtered by date: January 2023

Walking and running activities might seem similar to many different individuals. Both activities involve the movement of feet and motion. However, despite their similarities, walking and running are extremely different. As a result, both activities require significantly different kinds of shoes, and one shoe will not necessarily work with the other activity. There are many different reasons to help explain this. Importantly, individuals use different strike patterns when they are walking versus running. When running, the feet will strike with the heel, but not necessarily immediately roll forward onto the toes. This is not the case with walking. Additionally, running puts more force from the body's weight onto the feet when compared to walking. Consequently, both running and walking require different things in shoes tailored for that activity. If you are interested in learning more about walking and running shoes, contact a podiatrist today. 

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a lesser-known condition of the foot among the general public. This condition occurs when pressure is applied to the nerves in the ankle, sometimes causing discomfort and pain. When an individual has a case of tarsal tunnel syndrome, there are a number of steps that they might consider taking to treat the condition or mitigate the pain. One of these remedies includes wearing special shoes that are designed to combat the pain caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome. If you suffer from this foot condition, you might consider wearing shoes that relieve foot pain by essentially absorbing shock caused by weight-bearing activities. Shoes that provide extra support to the foot are also ideal for some patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome. For example, shoes that have sufficient arch and heel cushioning can provide needed support to the foot. If you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, consider contacting a podiatrist who can help you address any concerns. Schedule an appointment today.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

A broken toe is generally not a serious foot condition, despite the fact that it can cause pain, discomfort, and inconvenience. It is considered to be a common ailment, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. These can consist of dropping a heavy object on it or stubbing it into a piece of furniture. Additionally, it may fracture from increasing physical activity too quickly, possibly resulting in a hairline fracture of the toe. The common symptoms that many people experience with a broken toe can include immediate bruising, swelling, and it is often difficult to walk. The buddy taping method can be effective in treating mildly broken toes. This is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which is generally adequate in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. For severely broken toes, the expertise of a podiatrist is needed who can effectively treat broken toes. 

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 Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Interestingly, research shows that 70% of us do not wear shoes that fit properly in terms of length or width. A key reason for this is that we think we know the size of our feet and we maintain that belief without getting our feet measured regularly. As we age, we lose elasticity in the ligaments and our feet change. The result of shoes that do not fit properly can be discomfort and pain from our feet up into the body. We must remember that our feet are the foundation of our bodies, and foot problems can impact knees, hips, the back and even the neck. While shopping online is quick and easy, going to a store later in the afternoon when the feet are at their largest to try on shoes is a better bet in purchasing shoes that fit well. Wear foot coverings that you would normally wear with the shoes that you are buying and bring orthotics or shoe inserts with you. When considering shoes, think about what you will be wearing them for, the surface you will be walking or running on while wearing them, and how long you will be on your feet. For more advice on purchasing shoes that are best for your feet, consult with a podiatrist who is an expert in this area.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

The feet and ankles are commonly affected during falls. Frequent foot injuries caused by falls can include strains, sprained ankles, fractured bones, or even torn Achilles tendons. Because pressure is still applied to the foot, even when casted, it is challenging to fully immobilize the foot and ankle, making the healing process somewhat slow. Such injuries can alter one’s enjoyment and quality of life, and lead to chronic pain. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury in a fall, contact a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose the problem and get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

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 Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.