When we walk, our feet must move and adapt in certain ways to lessen the risk for injury, pain and discomfort. To prepare for contacting ground, the foot arch must be higher or more supinated, making the foot a rigid lever for heel strike. As the body progresses through the gait cycle, the arch flattens slightly or pronates to adapt to uneven terrain and absorb shock from the ground.
If you've ever experienced a deep, nagging pain along your shinbone after a run, a game, or even a long walk, you're not alone. Shin splints can derail your athletic performance and make everyday activities painful. This condition often results from excessive stress on the lower leg, but the good news is that there are ways to manage and prevent shin splints so you can get back to what you enjoy most.
If you’re dealing with painful toes, especially around the base of the big toe, everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing still can become challenging. One of the most common causes? Arthritis. This degenerative joint condition affects millions and often hits the small joints of the feet first. Symptoms can range from big and small toe joint pain, ball of foot pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, bunions, toe deformities, corns, calluses and difficulties walking.
Have you gone shoe shopping and become overwhelmed? With so many styles, features and latest technologies, it’s tough to know what matters and what is just the newest fad. Whether you are considering new shoes, wondering whether orthotics could help, or simply curious about how footwear works, understanding key features goes a long way. Heel depth, rocker soles, heel drop, different widths, cushioning, are only a few of the terms used to describe features of a shoe. Knowing what they are and why they matter can make you more confident when choosing a shoe.
When standing, the body is a closed kinetic chain, meaning what happens in the feet can affect the ankles, knees, hips and back. If the feet are abnormally positioned or their alignment is off, the rest of the body could suffer.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running from your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. This condition can be frustrating and painful, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. But the good news is, you don’t have to live with it forever. With the right treatment and preventative measures, you can manage and even overcome plantar fasciitis.
