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Why Are Walking Shoes Different Than Running Shoes?

Walking shoes and running shoes are designed to accommodate different types of weight distribution, impact, and strides. Walking is a low-impact activity where an individual’s body weight rolls from heel to toe—distributing it evenly throughout the feet. Running is a high-impact activity requiring the body to absorb approximately three times its weight in various parts of the foot, depending on the running style and speed of movement. Walking shoes have a thick outsole and are generally more structured than a running shoe. They offer cushioned midsoles, stability and support for the heel, ankles and calves, and wide toe boxes. Running shoes come in a range of styles to help alleviate the force various running strides put on different areas of the feet. They are typically lighter weight than walking shoes to allow airflow, but provide extra cushioning at the heel and toe. Running shoes also have varying levels of support but are typically more flexible than walking shoes. A podiatrist can suggest walking and running shoes and create custom orthotics that are best suited for an individual’s specific foot structure and needs.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Shockwave Therapy May Offer Relief From Achilles Tendonitis 

Achilles tendonitis occurs when this large tendon in the back of the leg (which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone) becomes inflamed or, in some cases, torn due to overuse or injury. The pain often associated with Achilles tendonitis can present itself in different ways, at different times: in the back of the heel upon waking, after sitting or when the site is pressed on, a shooting, burning or piercing pain in the foot, or foot pain that lessens after resting or refraining from athletic activities. In milder cases of Achilles tendonitis where inflammation is the cause of the pain, a podiatrist may use treatment methods such as rest, orthotics, lasers, or taping. If the tendon is torn and needs to be repaired, the podiatrist may utilize extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to repair the tendon without the need for surgery. ESWT is a process whereby low-energy shockwaves are directed onto the damaged site, which desensitizes the nerves to reduce pain, while increasing blood and boosting the body’s own natural healing activity. Contact a podiatrist to see if the pain in your Achilles tendon may be lessened with ESWT.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Read more about Treating Heel Pain with Shockwave Therapy

Several Types of Foot Pain

There are so many different reasons why people experience ankle or foot pain. Sometimes pain may build up gradually from wearing shoes that do not fit properly, or pain can occur instantly due to a sudden injury like a car accident or fall. Pain in the feet can even be caused by underlying conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Other causes of foot and ankle pain may include gout, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and most commonly, Achilles tendon injuries. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis and can develop due to genetic factors or from a diet that contains high levels of purines which are found in organ meats, certain types of fish, alcohol, and other sugary beverages. People who enjoy running may endure a stress fracture which is defined as a hairline fracture in the bones of the feet. Ankle sprains may occur just by stepping off a curb incorrectly or from direct impact during a sporting event. Nevertheless, ankle sprains typically require immediate attention to ensure they are diagnosed correctly and treated accordingly. Achilles tendon injuries are usually caused by a sudden increase of repetitive activity where too much stress is put on the tendon too quickly. This condition is also referred to as an overuse injury and athletes have a high risk for developing this disorder, as well as individuals with flat feet. If you or someone you know is living with foot or ankle pain, it is strongly suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

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