Selecting the right walking or running shoe begins with understanding your arch and gait type. People with flat feet often need stability shoes, while those with high arches may benefit from extra cushioning. A gait analysis helps determine how your foot strikes the ground, which affects shoe choice. Walking shoes usually have more cushion in the heel and less in the forefoot because the heel absorbs the most impact during walking. Running shoes distribute support differently due to varied stride patterns. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and gait, then recommend the best footwear or custom inserts. For optimal comfort and injury prevention, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ensure your shoes meet your unique foot needs.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. 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.
Diabetes can affect how the feet feel, heal, and function, which is why they need daily attention. Numbness may prevent small injuries from being noticed, and reduced blood flow can slow healing. Simple steps like inspecting feet each day, wearing properly fitted shoes, and keeping the skin clean and moisturized help lower the risk of complications. Gentle nail care and avoiding walking barefoot are also key. Staying active supports circulation, and keeping blood sugar levels in range helps protect nerves and tissues. Despite careful routines, changes can still happen. Signs such as lingering sores, unusual redness, or sudden discomfort deserve professional attention. If your feet are showing new or concerning symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that commonly occur on the bottom of the foot in people with diabetes. They are caused by poor circulation, nerve damage or neuropathy, high blood sugar levels, and repetitive pressure or trauma to the feet. Because nerve damage can dull pain sensations, many patients may not feel the ulcer forming until it becomes severe. Symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, or a foul odor. The area may feel warm, and in some cases, there can be pain, although many feel little to none due to neuropathy. Untreated ulcers can lead to serious infections or even loss of limb. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic foot ulcers by offering treatments like offloading that reduce the pressure on the wound, wound debridement to remove dead tissue, specialized dressings, and infection control. Custom orthotics or diabetic shoes may also be recommended. If you have diabetes and have a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
