When choosing between walking and running shoes, there are distinct differences in design to suit each activity. Running shoes typically have more cushioning to absorb the higher impact forces from running. This extra padding helps reduce stress on joints and muscles during long strides and faster movements. Conversely, walking shoes offer less cushioning but more flexibility, as walking involves a smooth, rolling motion with less impact. Another key difference is the heel flare and height. Running shoes often have a higher heel height for better shock absorption, while walking shoes have a more balanced heel that promotes stability. Flexibility is also critical, as running shoes need to be more rigid to support speed and quick changes in direction. Walking shoes are generally more flexible allowing a natural foot movement with each step. If you have injured your foot or ankle from wearing the wrong shoes for your desired activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment tips, and guide you on appropriate shoe choice.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the big toe can arise from various conditions that are often mistaken for bunions. Bunions result from a misalignment causing the base of the big toe to push outward. Arthritis in the big toe joint, known as hallux rigidus, causes pain and stiffness due to degeneration of cartilage. It can result in bone spurs forming on the joint’s top, unlike the side prominence of bunions. Another common cause of big toe pain is gout, where uric acid crystals build up in the joint, leading to intense pain, redness, and swelling. Ganglion cysts can form near the big toe joint. While they can resemble bunions, they also feel softer and are filled with fluid. Bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa near the big toe, can also cause pain and redness due to direct pressure or overuse. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your big toe pain and offer effective treatment options appropriate for each condition. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Foot and ankle injuries are common in kids and teens, particularly those involved in sports or physical activities. Growth spurts, active play, and the demands of youth athletics place unique stress on developing bones, ligaments, and tendons. Common injuries include ankle sprains, heel pain, often from Sever’s disease, stress fractures, and overuse injuries from repetitive motion, such as running or jumping. Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or overuse, causing heel pain and tenderness that often worsens with activity. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and difficulty in bearing weight. Treatment often involves rest, and a podiatrist may recommend targeted exercises or custom orthotics. If your child has incurred a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Swollen feet can be a significant concern for individuals with diabetes, often signaling underlying health issues. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, resulting in fluid retention in the extremities. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can cause blood vessels to narrow, impairing circulation and leading to swelling. Additionally, diabetics are at an increased risk for conditions like peripheral edema and kidney disease, both of which can cause foot swelling. It is essential for those with diabetes to monitor their feet regularly, as swelling may indicate complications that require medical attention. If diabetes has caused your feet to become swollen, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.