Size is one of the most important factors that goes into choosing the right running shoe for your foot. Sneakers that don’t fit well may lead to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, over-pronation, and alignment issues. When trying on sneakers, be sure to wear the same type of socks you will wear when you run. Measure your foot for both length and width to ensure your size has not changed; sneakers should be between 0.5 and 0.65 inches longer than your feet without slipping around, and wide enough to accommodate the widest part of your foot. If one foot is bigger than the other, choose a size that accommodates the larger foot, which may be one half size larger than you would wear for street shoes. Toes need to be able to move in order to absorb impact while running, so your thumb should fit between the tip of your big toe and the front of the shoe comfortably when you stand. Also, your index finger should fit snugly (not tightly) between your heel and the back of the sneaker—without forcing it in or being loose. See a podiatrist for guidance on running shoes based on your individual foot structure and needs, gait analysis, body mass, level of fitness and activity, as well as specific running style.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Your feet support you every day, all day, through work and play, so it’s no wonder that most Americans will experience some sort of foot pain or discomfort in their lifetime. That is why your shoes should not be relegated to a mere accessory; they should be viewed and treated as an important component that contributes to your overall health. One of the best ways you can take care of your feet is to make sure you wear the right size shoe. Measure the length of your foot at the shoe store, or have a salesperson do it for you. Along with choosing shoes that are the proper length for your foot, make sure they are wide enough as well. If the ball of your foot or your toes are getting squeezed side-to-side, you may need a wider size. Walk around in your shoes for a while to see how they feel before you buy them. If your foot is slipping around, or feels pinched or tight, try a different size or a different shoe. Do not expect to break the shoes in when you get home; a properly sized shoe should feel great the moment you put it on. If you have a foot issue or are dealing with a past injury, a podiatrist can suggest proper footwear and even create orthotics to slip inside your shoes to offer customized support, cushioning, and foot and ankle alignment. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe pain and many people even experience difficulty walking. This tendon is located at the back of the leg and connects the calf muscles to the heel. An injury to this tendon can happen suddenly by twisting the leg, or it may gradually develop because of tendon weakness. Some of the symptoms that patients associate with this injury include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the back of the heel, as well as limited mobility. Resting the affected foot is recommended as the healing process takes place, in addition to performing specific stretches. Some ways to help reduce the risk of an Achilles tendon injury is by wearing shoes that fit correctly, warming up and stretching properly before and after strenuous activities, and it is important to rest in between workouts. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you various treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

A heel spur can be a painful foot condition, and may develop as a result of enduring an injury, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or possibly from excess friction. Research has indicated there are two places heel spurs can form. When they develop at the back of the heel, Achilles tendonitis may contribute to this. This may occur from wearing shoes that are tight, or from having tight calf muscles. Plantar fasciitis or abnormal foot structure may be responsible for heel spurs to develop underneath the heel. Many patients have found mild relief when proper stretches are performed on the affected heel, and shoe inserts may need to be worn. If you have a heel spur, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.