Healthy Feet

Did you know that most Americans log 75,000 miles on their feet by the age of 50? So says the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). And since your feet must last a lifetime, APMA recommends regular foot care to keep you going strong.

Here’s a list of common running- and walking-related issues we often come across when helping our customers choose appropriate footwear.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis causes inflammation in the Achilles tendon, the large tendon located in the back of the leg that inserts into the heel. Pain can develop gradually without a history of trauma and is often described as shooting, burning, or piercing.

Bunions

Bunions are one of the most common forefoot problems. It’s a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint. This bump is actually a bone protruding towards the inside of the foot. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is a common foot problem associated with pain, swelling and/or an inflammation of a nerve, usually at the ball-of-the-foot between the 3rd and 4th toes. Symptoms include sharp pain, burning, and even a lack of feeling in the affected area.

Hammer Toes

A hammer toe is an abnormal contraction or “buckling” of a toe. This occurs due to a partial or complete dislocation of one of the joints that form the toe. As the toe continues to be deformed, it will press up against the shoe and may cause corns.

Heel Spurs

The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot and absorbs the most amount of shock and pressure. A heel spur develops as an abnormal growth of the heel bone and can cause extreme pain in the rear foot, especially while standing or walking.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. 

Foot or Ankle Sprain and Stress Fractures

The feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is actually a break in the bone.