Barefoot running has become an increasingly popular activity with many rookie as well as veteran runners engaging in it daily. While the activity seems original and amusing, it is strongly suggested that a runner should make the transition to barefoot running slowly and gradually.

This study was published by Human Movement Science which monitored 18 runners who went barefoot suddenly after being accustomed to wearing shoes. Still the benefits to barefoot running seem to outweigh these disadvantages if the transition is made properly.

Allowing your body time to adjust properly to barefoot running is essential, and part of this preventative care involves talking to a podiatrist like Dr. Ed Davis of South Texas Podiatry.  Dr. Davis can advise you on a running regimen, as well as provide information on techniques of barefoot running to help avoid foot pain, heel pain, and injury.

Barefoot Running

Barefoot Running Impact

-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running
-Running barefoot requires landing be done on the front part of the feet as opposed to the heel

Barefoot Running Advantages

-Running and landing on the front feet reduces the impact on the knees and ankles
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved
-Greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

Barefoot Running Disadvantages

-No protection while running, resulting in cuts and bruises if the runner lands on something sharp.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

Read the full article on Barefoot Running.

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

At an event in Sanford, NC, parents would receive an education about proper footwear for children, as 60 kids were recipients of free footwear. According to founder of FootCentric and physical therapist Pat Pande, the importance of healthy feet is often overlooked.

 “We want to get kids (proper footwear) while they’re young and before they destroy their feet,” Pande commented, “You’d be surprised how many kids have bad feet by 6 or 7 years old.”

The event was sponsored by FootCentric, and one of a series of events held at least twice per year across the state.

It is very important to keep children’s feet safe and healthy, so be sure to have their feet regularly checked by a podiatrist such as Dr. Ed Davis of South Texas Podiatry Dr. Davis can diagnose any injuries as well as provide treatment options that work for you and your child.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in 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 from birth to school-age.

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’.  Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.

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 of 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

To learn more about keeping children’s feet healthy, follow link below.

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

Read more on Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy.

It's not uncommon to experience foot pain after a long day of work or a vigorous sport activity, especially as we age. A long day of shopping or yard work can leave feet tired, heavy, swollen and achy- a problem we can all relate to at one time or another.

Achy Feet Factors:

• Age
• Gender
• Dehydration

Causes
When you are constantly on your feet, a significant amount of stress is put on your legs and feet. Strenuous walking or standing for long periods has an obvious effect on your feet. Other factors include ill fitting, poorly padded shoes, tight socks or stockings and tight garters. Reduced blood circulation to the ankles and feet also causes tired aching feet.

5 Simple Ways to Relieve Tired, Aching Feet

There are ways to relieve pain associated sore feet and legs.

1. Elevate your feet for 15-20 minutes.
2. Soak your feet in warm water or warm a towel with hot water and wrap it around your feet and legs.
3. Massage your feet or have someone massage your feet for you.
4. Exercise your feet, as it can help to keep them healthy - it tones muscles, helps to strengthen the arches and stimulates blood circulation.
5. Wear Orthotic insoles in your shoes. Ask a podiatrist at Madison Oak Dr San Antonio, TX if an orthotic device is a good fit for your lifestyle

When foot pain persists, it's important to visit our San Antonio podiatric office for a thorough examination. The cause of your foot pain may be more serious than simple stress and over work. Dr. can identify serious problems and work with you to determine a treatment plan that will put an end to your tired, achy feet once and for all.

Are your shoes the right size? Many people are walking around with ill-fitting shoes. Picking the right shoe size is not rocket science, but there are a few things to remember when selecting your next pair.

· Make sure your toes are not cramped
· Be able to wiggle your toes
· There should be one inch between your toes and the shoe’s tip

With our feet bearing the weight of our entire body, 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, tendonitis, arthritis, ball-of-foot pain, fractures and sprains in their feet and ankles than individuals at a normal, healthy weight.

Extra weight doesn’t have to be substantial to have an impact on your feet and ankles. As little as 10 or 20 pounds can trigger pain in the lower extremities. Being overweight changes the way your foot functions, and the force on the feet intensifies.

The most common foot problems from being overweight include:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Excess weight adds strain to the plantar fascia, overusing and weakening it. This causes it to become inflamed and irritated. Heel pain is one of the most common problems caused by weight gain.
• Tendonitis: When the feet endure extra weight, it eventually causes the tendons/ligaments to be overused, which leads to injury and inflammation.
• Fallen Arches: An increase in body weight and pressure causes the supporting structures in your feet (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to become stretched and weakened, breaking down over time. This can weaken the muscle which gives the foot its arch, causing over-pronation and leading to other problems such as knee and hip pain.
• Other effects from carrying extra weight include changes in posture, changes in gait (steps become shorter) and stress fractures.

Losing extra pounds can help ease the pain and reduce problems caused by carrying excess body weight. Unfortunately, it's tough to lose weight when your feet hurt. To combat foot problems triggered by weight gain, ease into a low-impact activity that doesn’t require you to place pressure on your foot, such as water aerobics.  Always start any new workout routine slowly and work with your regular physician and podiatrist at Madison Oak Dr San Antonio, TX to find healthy ways to modify your diet and select the best, supportive footwear for your feet.

Foot pain is never normal, regardless of weight, as it indicates some type of stress or injury. You should always consult an experienced podiatrist at our San Antonio office if you are experiencing any pain in your foot.