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Showing posts with the label foot ailments

Understanding Extra Depth Shoes

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When it comes to footwear, comfort and proper fit are paramount for maintaining healthy feet. For individuals with certain foot conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or swollen feet, finding the right pair of shoes can be a challenge. This is where extra depth shoes come into play. In this blog, we will explore what extra depth shoes are, their unique features, benefits, and various footwear options available for those in need of extra space and comfort. What are Extra Depth Shoes? Extra depth shoes, also known as therapeutic shoes, are specially designed footwear that offers more room in the toe box and overall depth compared to regular shoes. They provide additional space to accommodate foot conditions like bunions, hammertoes, edema, and various other foot deformities or medical conditions. Features of Extra Depth Shoes: Increased Toe Box Space: Extra depth shoes feature a wider and deeper toe box to provide ample room for toes to spread out natu...

The Myths of Shoe Widths & Sizes

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Getting the Perfect Fit - More than Size & Width You have probably experienced trying on several shoes that are the same size and they all fit differently. One of the most misunderstood measurements is the width of shoes. Although shoe manufacturers try to standardize sizes and widths, due to several components of a shoe there may be significant differences from one Brand to another or within the same Brand. One of the biggest advances in shoes over the last few years have been the introduction of multiple widths for each size. Since our feet come in different sizes & widths, the shoes needed to accommodate both of these factors. In order to have a comfortable fit, the manufacturers have found that the width of a shoe is as important as the length. Trying to put a wide foot into a medium shoe is like putting a square peg in a round hole - it simply doesn't fit. Some manufacturers now provide their shoes in the Standard Widths below: Standard Widths of Shoes...

Understanding Heel and Foot Pain

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Our feet are the foundation of our body, supporting us through every step of our lives. Unfortunately, problems can develop in the foot and ankle due to various factors such as poor footwear, stress, or natural changes that occur as we age. These issues often lead to not only localized foot pain but can also have a significant impact on the knees, hips, and lower back. Among the numerous foot problems that individuals may encounter, heel pain is one of the most common and debilitating. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of heel pain, its effects on our overall well-being, and available treatments to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery. Causes of Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis: The leading cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. This condition is often associated with heel spur syndrome, where a bony spur develops on the heel bone. Stress Fractures:...

The Best Shoes for Bunions & Hammertoes

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Most Common Foot Issues There are many foot conditions that may cause someone to shop for orthopedic shoes. The most common issues the people contact our Personal Fitting Specialists are: Bunions, Hammertoes, Swelling, and Extra Width feet. Two of the most common issues that cause foot pain are bunions and hammertoes. Both of these issues affect the forefront of the foot. While each of these problems has its own characteristics, both require certain shoe profiles to find some relief and comfort. Bunions Bunions are one of the most common foot problems causing severe pain. A bunion is a pronounced bump on the side of the foot, most frequently on the big toe joint. The protrusion is caused by a bone protruding toward the inside of the foot. Bunions can also form on the outside of the foot, at the joint of the smallest toe. Bunions are more common in women than in men, generally due to the tight, narrow dress shoes that women tend to wear. By wearin...

How to Eliminate Foot Pain

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How to Relieve Foot Pain I'm a tennis player and on a mission to find the perfect fitting tennis shoes online. When I try on the shoes it only takes a few minutes to determine if they fit properly. If they hurt my feet right out of the box, I know they are not the right ones. Shoes today don't need a lengthy break in period for them to finally feel good. If shoes are tight, pinch your feet, hurt anywhere, you can be assured this pain will not cease by wearing them for several days. In fact, by wearing the wrong shoes, you can make the pain much worse and ultimately hurt your feet. I recently received a pair of tennis shoes with leather uppers and they pinched the top of my feet, just a little. I changed the lacing to address the area they were hurting, then went out and played tennis. When I came back my feet were so sore I could barely walk. I didn't take my own advice and knew for sure these were not the right tennis shoes. Since I wore them outside and play...

Exercises to Help Keep Your Feet Healthy

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Exercises to Help Keep Your Feet Healthy Exercising your feet on a regular basis not only improves overall foot health, but may also reduce your risk for injury. Walking is the best overall foot exercise. When you walk in supportive and well-fitting shoes, you put your foot through its full range of motion, from the time your heel hits the ground until you lift off with your toes. Moreover, walking is one of the best forms of exercise for your entire body. It improves your cardiovascular health and can help your circulation, muscle tone, and mood. In addition to walking, flexibility and resistance exercises can also help keep your feet healthy. These exercises will improve flexibility help keep your feet limber and may reduce your risk for injury. Don’t worry if your feet have grown stiff with age; studies show that no matter how old you are, you can still improve your flexibility. The easiest way to build flexibility is through slow and gentle daily stretches, focusi...

The Link Between Extra Weight and Foot Problems

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Your feet are the foundation for your body, and they bear your entire body weight day in and day out. It’s no surprise that carrying excess weight may increase the chance of developing foot problems. In fact, recent studies have shown that overweight people experience more heel pain, tendinitis, arthritis, ball-of-foot pain, fractures and sprains in their feet and ankles than individuals at a normal, healthy weight. The most common foot problems that are caused or worsened by being overweight include: • Osteoarthritis is considered a “wear and tear” condition that occurs when the cartilage begins breaking down in one or more joint, which often leads to a total loss of cartilage. The cartilage breakdown is a result of repeated stress and overuse, which can be exasperated from carrying around extra pounds. In the foot and ankle joints, this can become quite painful and debilitating. • Plantar Fasciitis is when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the...