Items filtered by date: June 2024

Choosing the right running shoes based on your foot type and running style is critical for comfort and injury prevention. For pronated feet, where the foot rolls inward excessively, stability or motion-control shoes provide the necessary support. Neutral runners, whose feet roll inward slightly, benefit from neutral cushioning shoes that offer balanced support. Supinated feet, which roll outward, require shoes with extra cushioning to absorb impact. Arch level is another consideration. High arches need cushioned shoes for shock absorption, while low arches benefit from stability shoes. Heel strikers, who land on their heels, should look for shoes with ample heel cushioning. Additionally, midfoot and forefoot strikers need shoes with cushioning in the midfoot and forefoot areas. Runners can experience foot injuries from wearing shoes that do not fit their running needs. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot condition, and guide you on how to choose the right running shoes for you.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. 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 West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As women enter their 40s, specific foot care becomes important to maintain overall health and mobility. Common foot issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and arthritis can affect women more significantly due to factors like hormonal changes, pregnancy, and footwear choices over the years. To avoid exacerbating these issues, it is beneficial for women to steer clear of high heels and narrow-toed shoes, which can lead to foot deformities and chronic pain. Additionally, prolonged wearing of flip-flops or flats without proper support can strain the arches and contribute to plantar fasciitis. Instead, opt for supportive footwear with cushioning and roomy toe boxes to accommodate natural foot shape and reduce pressure points. Regular foot exercises and stretches can also help alleviate discomfort and maintain flexibility. If you are a female and experiencing problems with your feet as you age, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for personalized care and treatment for long-term foot health.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. 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 office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels to work every day can have a significant effect on the feet and the rest of the body. High heels shift body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and leading to conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia. The unnatural angle of the foot can cause calf muscle tightening and Achilles tendon shortening, resulting in discomfort and pain. Over time, high heels can alter posture, leading to lower back, hip, and knee pain due to misalignment of the spine and joints. Wearing high heels may seem glamorous, but it can also cause pain, blisters, and calluses. To mitigate these effects, choose heels with lower heights, opt for wedges or platforms for better weight distribution, and use cushioned insoles. It can also help to regularly stretch the calves and feet, and alternating with more supportive footwear. If you enjoy wearing heels to work and you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice and care.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Ankle stretches play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal foot and lower limb health, offering a multitude of benefits for individuals of all ages and activity levels. These stretches help improve ankle flexibility, range of motion, and proprioception, reducing the risk of injuries such as sprains and strains. Additionally, ankle stretches alleviate tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, promoting better posture and gait mechanics. Performing ankle stretches can also enhance balance and stability, vital for activities like walking, running, and sports participation. To perform a basic ankle stretch, sit on the floor with your legs extended, then loop a resistance band or towel around the ball of one foot and gently pull it toward you, feeling a stretch in the calf and ankle. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, then switch sides. Another effective stretch involves standing with one foot behind the other, bending the back knee slightly to stretch the calf and ankle. By incorporating these stretches into a regular routine, individuals can reap the benefits of improved ankle flexibility and function. If you have foot pain that may be impacted from having stiff ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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