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Wearing the right running shoes plays an important role in comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Arch type influences how the foot absorbs shock and transfers force during movement. People with low arches often overpronate, meaning the foot rolls inward excessively. Stability or motion control shoes can help provide support and improve alignment. High arches tend to absorb less shock, placing more stress on the heel and forefoot. Cushioned shoes with flexible soles often work better for this foot type. Neutral arches usually function efficiently and benefit from balanced shoes that offer moderate support and cushioning. Fit, activity level, and running surface also matter when choosing footwear. A proper evaluation helps match shoe design to individual mechanics. Wearing the wrong shoe can contribute to pain or overuse injuries. If running causes foot discomfort or repeated problems, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment and guidance on proper footwear.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle anatomy plays a vital role in movement, balance, and daily comfort. The structure includes joints, tarsal bones, metatarsals, and phalanges that work together to support body weight and allow smooth motion. Ligaments connect these bones and help create stability by guiding proper alignment during walking and standing. When an imbalance occurs, stress may be placed on certain joints or tissues, leading to foot pain, inflammation, or difficulty with mobility. Problems such as heel pain, arch strain, and joint discomfort can develop over time. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess foot structure, identify imbalance, and provide treatment options such as custom orthotics, supportive care, or other targeted treatments. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care 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 Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the second toe is a frequent complaint podiatrists hear and can develop for several reasons. This toe often absorbs extra pressure during walking, especially when the big toe does not move well or when foot structure puts more weight on the front of the foot. Over time, the joint at the base of the toe may become irritated, stiff, or swollen. Hammertoe changes can also affect the second toe, causing rubbing in shoes and joint discomfort. In some cases, inflammation surrounding the joint or strain of nearby ligaments can lead to aching or sharp pain. Wearing footwear with a narrow toe box or high heels may worsen symptoms by crowding the toes. Early signs may include soreness, redness, or a feeling of fullness under the ball of the foot. If you have second-toe pain that persists or affects walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot infections can affect the skin, nails, and deeper tissues of the toes, soles, and ankles when bacteria or fungi enter small breaks in the skin. Fungal infections involve athlete’s foot, which affects the skin between or under the toes, and onychomycosis, which causes thickened, discolored toenails. Bacterial infections include cellulitis, where redness and swelling spread through the skin and abscesses that form painful pockets of fluid. Erythrasma is a bacterial infection that develops between the toes, often appearing as reddish or brown, mildly scaly skin that can resemble a fungal infection. Infections can worsen circulation, limit walking, and increase the risk of joint or bone involvement that sometimes requires surgery to prevent limb loss. A podiatrist can identify the infection type, evaluate its severity, and determine appropriate treatment. If you have developed a foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.