When selecting running shoes, both men and women should consider their specific needs, such as the type of running they do and their foot structure. For those who run on roads or hard surfaces, cushioned running shoes are ideal as they provide ample shock absorption. Trail runners, on the other hand, benefit from shoes with more grip and durability, designed to handle uneven terrain. Stability shoes are great for individuals with mild overpronation, offering support to keep the foot aligned while running. Neutral shoes are suited for runners with a natural gait, offering flexibility and comfort. For both men and women, finding the right fit is essential, as wearing improper shoes can lead to discomfort or injury. Factors like arch height, foot shape, and running style should guide the decision. If you have endured a foot injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment tips, and guide you the right type of running shoes to wear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. 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 Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing running injuries requires focusing on the health of your feet, toes, and ankles. New runners or those without prior sports experience should start with walking or partial weight-bearing activities to prepare their bodies for running. Gradually increasing training intensity can reduce stress on the feet, particularly for those recovering from past injuries. Experts recommend running no more than 40 miles per week and suggest balancing training frequency with adequate rest to prevent overuse injuries. Opting for soft running surfaces can decrease the negative impact on the feet and ankles. Stretching may improve flexibility, but consistency is important if included. Transitioning to a forefoot strike or minimalist shoes should be done gradually, paired with strengthening exercises for the foot muscles to avoid added strain. Regularly check the wear pattern of your shoes and consider replacing them if they are older than six months. Alternating between multiple pairs of shoes can also be beneficial. If you have sustained a running injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat foot surgery is a procedure designed to address the discomfort and functional limitations caused by flat feet, a condition where the arch of the foot collapses or does not develop properly. This can lead to pain, instability, and difficulty walking. The surgery aims to restore the arch, improve foot alignment, and relieve associated pain. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may involve various techniques, such as tendon repair or repositioning, joint fusion, or the insertion of implants. In some cases, bone realignment or lengthening may be necessary to correct deformities and restore normal function. Flat foot surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments like orthotics and pain management do not provide relief. The goal of flat foot surgery is to improve quality of life by enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and restoring foot function. If you have flat feet that are causing chronic pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is the correct treatment option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathies of the feet and ankles following knee injuries involve nerve damage or dysfunction, causing symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. These neuropathies often occur due to trauma or swelling around the knee compressing or stretching nearby nerves, such as the peroneal or tibial nerves. Surgical procedures or prolonged immobility after a knee injury can also contribute by altering nerve pathways or blood flow. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. Rest, targeted exercise, and medications for nerve pain may be recommended. Orthotics or braces can help improve foot and ankle stability, reducing strain on affected nerves. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to relieve nerve compression. If you experience persistent foot or ankle issues following a knee injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored care plan.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.