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Home Tag: "Plantar fasciitis" (Page 10)

Tag: Plantar fasciitis

Person tying running shoes for optimal foot support and comfort.
26Nov

running shoes

Searching for the right running shoes can feel daunting if you are not sure what the things that you should look for are. There are so many different choices on offer for you, with each claiming to have some or other technology to offer you the maximum comfort. So, here is a brief rundown on the things that you should keep in mind when trying to choose the best running shoes for yourself.

Choose shoes that are specifically made for running

Running shoes look a lot like sneakers, but they have special designs and features that make them remarkably different. While running, your foot is hitting the ground in the same way repeatedly. Running shoes help in shock absorption during this time, so that you do not suffer from troubles, like heel pain, later on.

Getting the fit absolutely right

If the shoes do not fit right, you are just setting yourself up for foot diseases, such as plantar fasciitis, in future. Keep in mind that your feet swell a slight bit through the day and they also spread as you run. So, it is better to try out the shoes in the evening or afternoon to get a more accurate estimate of the fit. There has to be about a thumb width of gap between the end of your shoe and the foot to account for the foot spread.

Select the right kind of running shoes

The kind of running shoes you get should also depend on the intensity of running that you plan to do. So, you need to opt for trail running shoes if you practice on dirt tracks more. Lightweight shoes would work well for races or faster workouts. Finally, you can also opt for daily running shoes, which are the most durable option. It can handle any kind of running that you want to do.

Consider what you are paying for

The price tag of running shoes usually relates to the kind of technology or comfort that the shoes are supposed to offer you. Now, this means getting inexpensive shoes would not really work in giving you the comfort you need to run. On the other hand, it is not like only the most expensive pair is your best bet when aiming to enjoy a run.

Understand a few terms

  • Stack height

Stack height is the amount of material placed between the ground and your feet. The ones who look for high impact protection, opt for higher stack height. On the other hand, those who are looking for a more natural experience of feeling the ground while running can go for low stack height.

  • Pronation

Pronation refers to the rolling of your foot from the heel to the toe by the foot strike. A neutral strike pattern is when you strike with the outer part of the heel and move up to the ball of the foot. If you have flat foot, then you might have over-pronation, which is rolling too much inside of the foot during the strike cycle. The opposite of this is under-pronation, which happens when your feet have high arches.

  • Heel-toe drop

Heel-toe drop is the difference in the amount of material under the forefoot and that under the heel. You should check that there’s more material under the heel to go with your normal stride while running where the heel hits the ground with the maximum impact.

Lastly, keep in mind that it’s not like the shoes that are perfect for your friend would even be right for you. So, keep these points in mind and choose the running shoes that fit your feet the best.

Detailed illustration of ankle bones, tendons, and ligaments for foot health.
13Oct

Plantar fasciitis- symptoms and causes

Plantar fasciitis is basically a deformity of an inflamed thick band of tissues that connects the heel bone to the toes. It is commonly known as policeman’s heel. Our foot has a thick, fibrous band of tissues running from our heels to our toes. When these tissues are overly stretched, tiny tears occur in the tissue surface, which results in pain and inflammation. Traditionally foot doctors in Houston and Podiatrists Houston thought that heel spurs were the cause of plantar fasciitis. But modern treatment and research at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center proves that Heel spurs are the result and not the cause. They often prescribe heel spur pain relief in case of such a situation.

plantar

Causes of plantar fasciitis:

There are several reasons that contribute to the occurrence of plantar fasciitis. Generally, women are more prone to plantar fasciitis than men. The possibility of the occurrence of the disease increases with age. It also occurs when you are overweight or you stress your feet to the point of fatigue throughout the day.

 The risk of causing plantar fasciitis also increases if:

  • Your shoes are uncomfortable, worn out with thin soles.
  • You have flat feet or a very high arch.
  • You wear ill-fitting footwear such as high heeled sandals.
  • You have tight Achilles tendons pain or those known as ‘heel cords’.
  • You have an unusual posture and walk or foot position.
  • You are suffering from obesity.

If you bore such habits, then you should visit a foot and ankle specialist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center in Houston TX. Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain which will cause obstruction to our regular pace in life activities.

plantar2

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis include the following:

  • Pain in heel and tenderness in your foot sole.
  • The affected heel would cause pain which will lead to difficulty in bearing weight or any activity involved with the foot.
  • It is difficult to walk, especially while taking the first few steps after waking up.
  • The heel pain is more like a burning pain and sharp, which can become severe.
  • Swelling of the bottom of the foot.
  • You will gradually realize while working out any athletic activities.
  • Swelling and tenderness at the insertion of the plantar fascia or the band of the tissue to the heel, on the bottom of the foot.

 You can start by preventing any stressful athletic activities. Visit for physical therapy from time to time. In severe cases, surgery is recommended. Treatment involves injections of cortisone in the foot which works as a pain reliever. Orthotic devices or shoe inserts are worn to take off the pressure from the plantar fascia. Heel lifts reduce pressure on Achilles tendon to relieve heel spur pain. Use sports running shoes with soft and cushioned insoles to reduce irritation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries. Visit your nearest podiatrists in Houston or a foot doctor Houston, as soon as getting the symptoms.