Running shoes are designed to absorb impact, provide support, and help runners move comfortably. Worn-out running shoes can contribute to foot injuries. Common problems include blisters, plantar fasciitis, and ankle discomfort. Shoes need replacement after about 300 to 500 miles, although mileage is just one factor. Loss of cushioning, uneven wear, and damage can signal that shoes should be replaced sooner.

Choosing running shoes should involve more than appearance. Your gait describes how your body moves while running, while your foot strike pattern describes how the foot contacts the ground. Foot structure also matters, because arch height, width, and alignment affect comfort and pressure. Running shoe materials influence cushioning, breathability, and durability. Risk factors include suddenly increasing mileage, running on hard surfaces, and wearing shoes after their support has declined.

There is no single replacement schedule that works for every runner. A heavier runner or someone who trains frequently may wear down shoes faster. Running on rough surfaces can increase material breakdown. Check the outsole for excessive wear and look for compressed cushioning. If one side appears more worn, your gait or foot strike pattern may be affecting the shoe. Replacing worn footwear before pain develops helps reduce stress on the feet and ankles.

A podiatrist evaluates your movement, examines discomfort, and considers how gait or foot mechanics may contribute to symptoms. Treatment options include activity adjustments, supportive recommendations, or care based on the cause. A podiatrist may also help you understand whether running habits or footwear choices are placing excess stress on your body. If you have foot injuries from wearing running shoes that are worn out, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions and additional guidance on when to replace your shoes. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gait describes the pattern an individual uses to walk, while a gait deviation is a change from a balanced walking pattern. A person may limp, shuffle, or take uneven steps, and the body may place more weight on one side. Some patients lift one foot higher because the toes do not clear the ground. Others lean to reduce pressure on a painful foot or ankle. These changes can affect stability and increase strain on other joints. They can make movement tiring and raise the risk of falling.

Gait deviations can begin with foot pain, weak muscles, or limited joint motion. Arthritis, an injury, or a difference in leg length can also change the way a person walks. Nerve problems may reduce feeling or muscle control in the feet. Shoes that fit poorly can contribute by restricting movement or failing to support the foot correctly. A deviation may develop suddenly after an injury or appear gradually as a condition progresses. Warning signs include repeated tripping, uneven shoe wear, or pain that travels into the knee. Hip or lower-back discomfort can develop when the body shifts weight to compensate.

A podiatrist can watch how the feet, ankles, and legs move when walking. The evaluation includes checking joint motion, muscle strength, and balance. The podiatrist may also examine shoe wear and foot alignment. X-rays or other imaging can help identify a bone or joint problem. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the deviation. A podiatrist may recommend properly-fitted shoes, custom orthotics, or a brace to improve support. A shoe lift can help when one leg is shorter than the other. Care for corns, calluses, or painful joints may also make walking more comfortable. When a serious foot deformity causes ongoing pain, surgery may be considered. If you have deviations in gait that are causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot, also called a foot fracture, occurs when one or more bones in the foot break. These injuries may happen during sports, after a fall, or because of an accident. A fracture can vary in severity depending on the location and type of break. An open fracture occurs when the broken bone breaks through the skin, while a closed fracture does not create an open wound. Foot fractures can make movement difficult and may require several weeks to heal. Because the feet support the body when walking, proper diagnosis and follow-up care are important after an injury.

Treatment for a broken foot depends on which bone is injured and the type of fracture. A splint, cast, or orthopedic shoe may protect the foot during healing. Some foot fractures may require surgery. Full recovery can take six to eight weeks or longer, depending on the injury. Follow-up appointments help monitor the healing process. Certain symptoms can indicate that immediate medical attention is needed. These include increasing pain, changes in foot color, or numbness in the toes. Problems involving a cast or splint also require professional attention, particularly when the device feels too tight.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain after an injury and determine whether a fracture may be responsible. The examination can identify the location of the injury and guide an appropriate treatment plan. A podiatrist can also monitor the foot throughout recovery to ensure healing is progressing. Treatment may involve protective devices, follow-up evaluations, or surgical care when necessary. Since foot fractures vary in severity, appropriate care depends on the specific injury. If significant foot pain develops after a fall, sports injury, or accident, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arch pain is discomfort felt along the inner or bottom portion of the foot. It may develop after an injury, prolonged standing, or increased activity. Arch pain is a symptom rather than a specific condition. Symptoms may include aching, burning, or sharp pain, and some people notice stiffness or swelling after resting. Identifying the cause is important because proper treatment depends on what is affecting the foot.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing arch pain. Wearing unsupportive shoes, spending periods of time on your feet, or suddenly increasing physical activity may place extra stress on the foot. Flat feet and high arches can also change how weight is distributed. Age, foot structure, and previous injuries may contribute. Arch pain can develop in people who walk or stand for much of the day.

Several foot conditions can result in arch pain. Plantar fasciitis may irritate tissue supporting the arch and often causes pain near the heel. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can weaken support along the inner foot and lead to progressive discomfort. Stress fractures may cause localized pain that worsens with activity. Other causes include tendon irritation, arthritis, and sprains. A podiatrist will review your symptoms and activity history, examine your foot, and assess your walking pattern. Imaging tests may be recommended when an injury or structural problem needs further evaluation.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. A podiatrist may recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or targeted medication, when appropriate. If inflammation or an injury is present, treatment may focus on reducing stress while the foot heals. Your podiatrist may also use bracing when indicated. Follow-up visits can help monitor healing and adjust your care plan accordingly. If arch pain is affecting your comfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.