Items filtered by date: January 2023

Walking and running activities might seem similar to many different individuals. Both activities involve the movement of feet and motion. However, despite their similarities, walking and running are extremely different. As a result, both activities require significantly different kinds of shoes, and one shoe will not necessarily work with the other activity. There are many different reasons to help explain this. Importantly, individuals use different strike patterns when they are walking versus running. When running, the feet will strike with the heel, but not necessarily immediately roll forward onto the toes. This is not the case with walking. Additionally, running puts more force from the body's weight onto the feet when compared to walking. Consequently, both running and walking require different things in shoes tailored for that activity. If you are interested in learning more about walking and running shoes, contact a podiatrist today. 

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet 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 Missoula, MT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Being overweight can contribute to the development of foot problems in several  ways. Carrying excess weight can negatively affect the structure of your feet, especially in the heels. It also increases the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The more extra weight you carry, the worse any foot ailment becomes. Being overweight can result in overuse foot problems, such as tendonitis, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis or other heel pain. It is also believed that excess weight increases your chances of developing high cholesterol, poor circulation, and diabetes. These conditions can have a direct result on damage to your feet. The main ways to reduce the effects of obesity is to become more physically active, find an eating plan that allows you to lose weight gradually, and make some lifestyle changes regarding food habits. If you have foot pain that is a direct result of excessive body weight, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can examine your feet and ankles and offer appropriate treatment options. 

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Because the feet are an integral part of carrying out the daily activities of life, it is not a surprise that they often feel painful. Among the most common causes of foot pain are bunions, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Bunions are a bony bump on the side of the big toe, causing its base to push outward while forcing the other toes to shift together. Because a bunion widens the foot, the bump rubs against the inside of the shoe and causes pressure and pain. Roomy, flat-heeled shoes may help to lessen the effects of a bunion. Likewise, ingrown toenails can be a result of cutting the nail too short, which can cause soft skin to form around it. When this ingrown toenail presses against a shoe, slipper, or tight sock, the toe becomes inflamed and painful. Allowing toenails to grow past the nail bed and trimming them straight across may help prevent this condition. Another cause can be plantar fasciitis, an overuse injury to the tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, which is the most common cause of heel pain. Wearing shoes with ample cushioning and avoiding repetitive pounding of the heels on a hard surface can help to prevent this inflammatory and painful condition. When care is taken to buy footwear that allows your feet to breathe, has adequate support and padding, and has enough room for the toes to move, it is possible to avoid foot pain. For more information, please consult a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Having flat feet is a foot condition that affects groups of people from all walks of life. The majority of babies are born having little or no arch, and will generally normalize during the teenage years. Adults who retain this condition may have a genetic predisposition and may find relief in wearing custom-made orthotics. Flat feet is an ailment that is obvious. It is evident while standing on the floor, and noticing the foot lies completely flat. Some people have specific symptoms from this, including calf and shin pain, possibly limiting the type of activities that are pursued. Conversely, many people have no pain with flat feet but may realize their feet and legs can tire easily. If you have flat feet, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can regularly monitor this condition, and offer you correct relief options, if applicable.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

If you are a new parent, then you are likely familiar with the importance of caring for your child’s feet and ensuring that they are growing or developing appropriately. One thing that might be a source of confusion among new parents is what your baby’s foot shape is supposed to look like. Importantly, by the time a baby reaches 2 years of age, you might be able to discern what their natural foot shape will be. Babies inherit the shape of their feet from their parents, and the baby will likely exhibit one of three different shape types. First, the baby might have a tapered foot shape where the big toe is the longest toe. Second, a baby might have what is known as a rounded foot shape, where the second and third toes are actually the longest, being longer than the first. Third, the foot might be a square shape, where all of the toes in the feet are about the same length. For more information about what your baby’s feet are supposed to look like, contact a podiatrist today and schedule an appointment. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM of Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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