If you have recently started running, you may be wondering what kind of shoes you should buy. Proper running shoes are important, since the shoes you wear while you train can be the difference between a good workout and an injury that leaves you in worse shape than when you began running. When looking for a running shoe, you will need to consider multiple factors, including the fit of the shoe and your gait. To find the right fit, it is suggested that you shop in person, where a salesperson can measure your foot and where you can try on shoes prior to buying them. Knowing what type of gait, or walking and running pattern you have, is also useful, as different shoes are designed for different types of gaits. For more information about how to find the right running shoes for your feet, consult with a podiatrist today.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Davenport, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Orthotics are custom made shoe inserts that are prescribed by a doctor to treat a variety of foot conditions. Orthotics can help correct deformities in the feet, help with foot and ankle function, support the ankle, and reduce the risk of injuries. Medical conditions that orthotics can be prescribed for include back pain, arthritis, flat feet, hammer toes, heel spurs, bunions, plantar fasciitis and high arches. If you are curious about getting custom orthotics, check with your podiatrist to see if they’re right for you. Your podiatrist will ask questions about your symptoms, look for any deformities, and check to see how your feet perform during certain activities.  

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Davenport, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are several reasons why bunions may develop. These can include genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, a foot deformity, or from a medical condition like arthritis. A bunion is defined as a bone that protrudes from the joint in the big toe, and may cause severe pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms of a bunion can consist of swelling and redness surrounding the affected joint, and the toe may be difficult to move. After a proper diagnosis is made, which generally involves having an X-ray taken and a physical examination of the foot is performed, proper treatment can begin. Orthotics may be prescribed and it is beneficial to wear shoes that have low heels and a wide toe box. If your bunion is very painful or causing difficulty walking, it is strongly suggested that you are examined by a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Davenport, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.