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January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Exploring Walking and Running Shoes

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 Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Being Obese and Walking

It can be frustrating when trying to get in shape when morbidly obese. High-intensity exercises can cause injuries and joint pain when one is overweight. Therefore, low-intensity exercises, like walking or swimming, can pave the way to more high-intensity workouts. To get the most out of walking and avoiding injuries when obese, one can do some simple things like having a plan and setting goals. Determine how much weight you want to lose and how many steps you plan to walk each day. Make sure your clothing is comfortable and your shoes fit well, and are supportive and comfortable. Start small, such as walking 15 minutes a day, and warm up muscles before walking to avoid unnecessary injuries to the feet. If you would like more help in developing an exercise plan to safely get in shape and reduce weight, consult with a podiatrist..

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Read more about Obesity and the Feet
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

Two Types of Foot Wounds

An open wound that develops on the foot can happen from an external or internal injury, which causes the tissue to become exposed to the outside environment. The two categories of wounds are classified as open or closed. The tissue damage that happens under the skin is a closed wound, and a bruise is an accurate example of this. Exposed tissue represents an open wound and can happen from a fall, surgery, or sudden trauma. Open wounds generally require prompt medical attention from a podiatrist who can stop the bleeding and clean the wound, followed by possibly treating it with antibiotics. The wound may heal faster when a proper dressing is applied and is frequently changed. If you have a wound, it is strongly advised that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat wounds on the feet.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Read more about Wound Care
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00

How Is Toenail Fungus Treated?

Fungal infections commonly affect the toenails. Research has shown that approximately 14 percent of the population nationwide suffers from this fungus, and it can be a stubborn ailment to treat. The fungus that causes toenail fungus enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. These fungi live and thrive in warm and moist environments, such as shower room floors and public swimming pools. The most common type of fungus that affects the toes is called tinea unguium, and it is caused by dermatophytes. Athlete’s foot is also caused by this fungus and can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Toenail fungus is often treated with topical medications, and oral pills may be prescribed. Having laser treatment performed is an option that many people choose, and it may be successful and painless in treating this condition. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that prompt medical attention is received from a podiatrist who can determine which type of treatment is best for you.

For more information about treatment, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 04 January 2023 00:00

Reasons Why Plantar Fasciitis Can Develop

People who are afflicted with plantar fasciitis often have extreme heel pain. It is defined as a condition that affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot. Its function is to connect the heel to the toes and may become inflamed for various reasons. These can include standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many patients have found mild relief when specific stretches are performed, in addition to wearing shoes that have adequate heel and arch support. Additionally, obesity may contribute to getting plantar fasciitis, and it is beneficial to lose weight which can help to reduce the pressure on the heels. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine if the cause is plantar fasciitis, and treat it accordingly.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Bruce Smit, DPM  from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Published in Blog
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