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Foot Notes

Posts for tag: overpronation

By Clark Podiatry Center
February 13, 2019
Category: Shoes
Tags: blisters   calluses   ingrown toenails   overpronation   Running   injury   fit  

Gearing up to participate in a running event is no simple task. If you want to do your best, you’ll want to start training months in advance, especially if you are running a long race. Additionally, you’ll want the best gear to support you and keep you safe from injury.

What gear could we mean? Your running shoes, of course! To keep your feet supported and as comfortable as possible during your training and the actual race, look for the following features when choosing your running shoes:

  • Shoes designed for running – While cross-trainers and other athletic shoes could work, running shoes are designed with running in mind.
  • Fit – Make sure that the shoes fit the feet well. They shouldn’t be too big or too small as that can also cause problems.
  • Lots of cushion – The repetitive impact you encounter while running can impact your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. This can cause pain while you run, which can limit your performance.
  • Arch and heel support – The arches will be working hard to keep your entire foot engaged. If the arches become tired, they may flatten out, which can cause you pain toward the end of your race and for days after. Additionally, the heels need to be planted in heel cups so that they don’t slide about in the shoes, causing instability.
  • Firm heel counter – A firm heel counter will increase support in the shoes. It will help prevent overpronation (straining the arches) and keep the feet stabilized in the shoes.
  • Good outer sole grip – You’ll most likely be running outdoors during these events, so you’ll want shoes that have a good grip on the outer soles. At any point, if there are slippery or slick surfaces, it can create instability for your feet while you run if you don’t have good or enough tread.
  • Breathable material that supports and flexes at appropriate points – When you check the shoes and take it for a test run, make sure that your feet are not overheating. This is a sign that your shoes are not breathable and can cause you to excessively sweat. That will make perfect conditions to cause foot issues like foot odor, blisters, and calluses.

As you prepare, make sure you keep good hygiene, trim your toenails properly (to prevent ingrown toenails), and stretch your feet and ankles before and after each run. If you experience an injury, it’s important to rest and recover, rather than continuing to train on it.

If you experience foot pain while you are training, see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy at Clark Podiatry Center. He can assess your feet and find the best treatment for any concern you may have. Make an appointment at our Clark, NJ office so we can keep you walking (or running!).

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By Clark Podiatry Center
October 02, 2018
Category: Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many things change. Your body reacts to the internal and external environment differently. And as the body begins to prepare for the last few months of pregnancy and giving birth, it retains more fluids and even allows for bones to shift. It’s amazing what the body is capable of doing!

Here’s what to look for during pregnancy, for baby and mama’s feet.

Baby’s Feet:

  • Feet will begin to form with separated toes at about 10 weeks
  • They will use the feet to help them move and explore the amniotic sac
  • Closer to the end of the pregnancy, toe or foot deformities can be detected, such as clubfoot, overlapping toes, amniotic band syndrome, or polydactyly. Don’t worry though, as these are not common occurrences.

Speak to our podiatrist at Clark Podiatry Center if you have concerns about your baby’s foot development in the womb.

Mother’s Feet:

  • Water retention and natural weight gain will cause edema. The swelling can cause discomfort in the feet and even change sensation.
  • The extra weight that the mother carries can flatten the arches and cause the ankles to roll inward, as with overpronation. Over time, this can cause chronic issues like plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonitis.
  • Cramping can occur in the feet and/or legs as part of pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown but stretching, walking, hydration, and comfortable footwear can help prevent cramps.
  • As the feet change, pressure points can change as well. Pain can occur in the heel, arch, or balls of feet as a consequence of problems like edema and overpronation.

To find relief from these symptoms and changes, try some of the following:

  • Rest often so that your feet do not have to overwork. Schedule in times to rest.
  • Use compression socks and elevate your feet to reduce swelling.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good supportive features and cushioning.
  • Stay active to increase circulation of fluids back up from your feet and ankles, and to prevent cramping.

If you notice that your feet are swelling unevenly or excessively, you might have a clot. Get medical care immediately. With other mild concerns, come to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy for an assessment throughout your pregnancy. Make an appointment today to have your feet treated with care. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all of Union County! We keep you walking!

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By Clark Podiatry Center
August 08, 2018
Category: Orthotics

Do you ever find yourself wanting your shoes to be more comfortable? Maybe if they had a little more padding on this part of the shoe, you would be able to wear them for a bit longer. If only there was more arch support, you wouldn’t suffer from chronic plantar fasciitis. Is there a way to find comfort without buying new shoes altogether?

orthotics

Yes! Orthotics to the rescue!

Sometimes, finding comfort and extra support can be as simple as adding over-the-counter orthotic inserts. If your shoes are in good condition, other than making your feet tired, you may just need some arch pads, ball of feet pads, or heel cups to stabilize your feet. Shoes like high heels, flats, and some sandals need some orthotic inserts to reduce foot pain for a long day of standing or walking.

For other issues, like foot deformities (e.g. bunions or hammertoes), you may need custom-made orthotics. They might be inserts or whole shoes that are custom-formed for your specific needs. For example, your feet may not fit into typical shoe shapes if you have a severe bunion deformity. The orthotic shoe can help prevent worsening symptoms and allow for foot comfort from chronic pain and other symptoms.

Additionally, some people may need temporary orthotic support when rehabilitating from an injury. Foot or ankle braces can ensure that bones and soft tissues heal properly. It can also support the ankle joints so they may continue to function while the healing tissues are gaining strength.  

Furthermore, children who might have developmental issues or injuries can also benefit from orthotics. Using orthotics can help correct problems like pigeon-toeing, overpronation, or Sever’s Disease.

There is a broad range of orthotics that can help with many different situations for your family’s feet and ankles. If you think that you or a family member can benefit from orthotics, make an appointment today at Clark Podiatry Center. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy will assess your feet to find the best treatments or solutions for your feet. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all the surrounding Union County towns!

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By Clark Podiatry Center
January 10, 2018

As children’s bodies continue to grow, they may also develop issues that cause them pain. However, keep in mind that growing pains are not normal when it comes to feet. Any foot or ankle issues that they may experience indicate a foot problem that must be addressed to prevent further complications.

For the most part, children may grow out of certain conditions such as bow legs, flat feet, and in-toeing. Still, it’s important to come see our podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy, at The New Jersey Children’s Foot Health Institute as soon as they complain or seem to show signs of foot pain. Treating a problem early and using prevention methods are easier than trying to solve problems later, as they can become more complex and even require more invasive treatments, such as surgery.

A commonly prescribed treatment for children with foot problems is custom orthotics. They come in all shapes and sizes, and for mild symptoms, even over-the-counter inserts can be helpful. Dr. Macy can help you determine the best type of orthotics for your child’s needs.

In general, orthotics can be useful to relieve symptoms associated with:

  • Flat Feet: When the arches in the feet do not develop after learning to walk, children can experience pain along the bottom of the feet as the tendons and muscles around the arches strain to support the feet. Some children can “grow out of it” and develop arches later, but they should get supportive orthotics to relieve pain.
  • Overpronation: Often associated with flat feet, this is a condition in which the ankle bones tend to lean inward. This can cause strain on the ankle joints and heels as they grow out of alignment. Orthotics can help to support the feet and prevent the ankles from rolling inward.
  • Sever’s Disease (heel pain): This disease affects the growth plate at the base of the heel bone. It can be caused by repetitive stress or injury to the bottom of the foot, and is usually more common in active children. Orthotics can help displace the pressure placed on the growth plate to reduce inflammation and irritation.
  • Osgood Schlatters (knee pain): A painful bump below the kneecap can indicate inflammation to the knee, especially in children who run and jump and are experiencing growth spurts. Orthotics can be used to reduce the impact on the knees and relieve pain.

Is your child overpronating or complaining of foot or ankle pain? It’s important that their needs are addressed to prevent complications as they grow. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy can assess your children’s feet and give them the treatment or orthotic support they need. Come see him at Clark Podiatry Center. Make an appointment to see us today at our Clark, NJ office.

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Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470