Choosing the right running shoes is important for protecting the health of your feet, toes, and ankles while reducing the risk of injury. When selecting running shoes, think about where you will run. Road-running shoes are ideal for pavement, offering a flatter sole for smooth surfaces, while trail-running shoes have rugged treads designed for uneven terrain. Cushioning is another key factor. Some people prefer maximum cushioning for added comfort, while others choose minimal cushioning to feel more connected to the ground. It is also essential to consider your gait mechanics. If your foot rolls excessively inward or outward while running, shoes with specific support features can help improve alignment. Fit is critical, and running shoes should feel comfortable from the start without a need for a break-in period. Regular runners should inspect their shoes for wear and replace them every 400 to 500 miles. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot mechanics and recommend the best running shoes to support your needs. If you have foot pain related to running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. 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

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 our office located in Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing the right shoes while working is essential for maintaining comfort and preventing injuries. Proper footwear supports the natural alignment of the feet, reducing strain on the legs, back, and joints. This can help prevent foot pain, blisters, and conditions like plantar fasciitis. In addition, the right shoes improve posture, enhancing overall energy levels and productivity throughout the day. For individuals who spend long hours on their feet, the right shoes provide cushioning and support that alleviate pressure, ensuring workers stay comfortable, healthy, and focused. Investing in quality footwear is important in promoting well-being and improving job performance. If you have sustained a foot injury during the workday, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on appropriate shoes for your workday.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

A broken toe might seem minor, but it can have surprising consequences if left untreated. While small fractures can heal with rest, complex breaks may cause chronic pain or misalignment. Broken toes often result from stubbing your toe, dropping heavy objects, or sports injuries. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. However, not all fractures are obvious. Sometimes, persistent discomfort is the only sign of a broken toe. Healing depends on the type and severity of the break. Simple fractures may require buddy taping, or splinting the injured toe to a healthy one, while severe cases might need a cast or surgery. Improper healing can lead to complications like arthritis or gait issues. If you suspect a broken toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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 Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arch support orthotics offer significant advantages for individuals with flat feet, enhancing their walking and standing mechanics. These specialized inserts are designed to align and stabilize the foot, addressing issues caused by fallen arches. By redistributing weight across the sole, they reduce strain on the foot, improving stance time and pace while minimizing discomfort during movement. Flat feet often lead to uneven plantar pressure, which can cause pain or fatigue over time. Arch supports alleviate this by providing structured cushioning that balances foot pressure and increases contact area for better support. Determining the need for these insoles requires a professional evaluation. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, gait, and pressure distribution using advanced diagnostic tools. If you have flat feet that are causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if orthotics are recommended for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor 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 office located in Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.