Although they may seem to share many similarities, walking and running shoes are different. Walking shoes are generally designed with the specific mechanics of walking in mind. They are more flexible through the ball of the foot to allow for a greater range of motion, and generally have more arch support. Running shoes, meanwhile, generally offer more cushioning in the heel area and are often made with a higher amount of mesh or other breathable materials to keep the feet cool during exercise. The type of shoes that you should buy depends on the type of exercise you plan to do. For more information about the differences between these two types of shoes, and to find out which type of shoe is best for your specific needs, consult with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Just like adults, babies can also develop ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails can occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin. To help figure out if your child has developed an ingrown toenail, you should look out for the following signs: redness and swelling, pain or tenderness around the toenail, drainage of pus or yellow liquid around the affected toenail, and feeling pressure when wearing shoes. To help prevent ingrown toenails, it is important that you don’t cut the nails too short, and avoid putting your child in shoes that are too tight. To help safely treat your child’s ingrown toenail, it’s best to seek the professional care of a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Whether you are a seasoned runner, or just beginning your running journey, choosing the right running shoe is crucial for avoiding injuries and ensuring that you have a safe, stable, and effective run. With so many different kinds of running shoes on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which type of running shoe you should get. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a running shoe. These include what type of surfaces you plan to run on, how far you plan to run, what your gait is like, and even what socks you will be wearing while you run. You will also need to make sure that the shoes fit properly and provide adequate support for your feet while running. For more information on how to choose the right running shoes for you, consult with a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Blisters on the feet can typically develop from friction. This can occur as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from excessive walking and hiking. A blister is defined as a small pocket of fluid that forms to protect the damaged skin. When the skin has repaired itself, the blister will gradually drain. Some patients find it helpful to put powder or cornstarch inside their shoes and socks, which may absorb excess moisture. If a blister on your foot has developed, it is important that you give it immediate attention to protect it, as this can be beneficial in preventing an infection from occurring. This can be accomplished by covering it with a bandage until it has drained naturally. If you get blisters on your feet, It is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist, who can guide you toward prevention strategies.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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