Choosing the right running shoes for a marathon can help protect your feet and keep you comfortable over long distances. The best marathon running shoes fit well, provide suitable cushioning, and hold your feet securely without feeling tight. Shoes that do not match your foot shape or running style may contribute to blisters, heel pain, or soreness around the toes. Since marathon training places repeated stress on your feet, selecting appropriate footwear is an essential part of preparing for race day.

Comfort should be your first priority when trying on running shoes. Look for enough room to wiggle your toes, with a secure fit around the heel and midfoot. Your toes should not press against the front of the shoe, especially when running downhill. Cushioning should feel supportive rather than unstable, while shoe weight should suit your needs and running pace. Try on shoes later in the day, when your feet may be slightly larger, and wear the socks you plan to use during training.

Wearing the wrong running shoes can increase pressure and friction, leading to blisters or painful calluses. Poor support may also aggravate existing problems, including plantar fasciitis, an irritation of the broad band of tissue under the foot. Risk factors include worn-out soles, incorrect sizing, and suddenly increasing mileage. Replace shoes when cushioning or tread shows significant wear, and test new footwear during shorter runs before using it for long-distance training. Avoid choosing shoes based only on appearance or recommendations that do not account for your individual needs.

If foot pain occurs despite changing shoes and adjusting your training, a podiatrist helps identify the cause. The examination may include checking your gait, foot structure, and pressure points. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve footwear changes, custom orthotics, or other appropriate care. Addressing discomfort early helps you train more safely. If running shoes cause persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips and additional guidance on choosing the right running shoes. 

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. It develops when the top of the big toe leans toward the second toe, shifting the joint out of alignment. The protruding area can become red, swollen, or tender. Patients can develop stiffness, calluses, or pain when walking. A bunion can make it difficult to find shoes that fit. Inherited foot shape can raise the risk. Flat feet and joint conditions can contribute. Shoes do not cause a bunion, but those with a narrow toe box and high heels can place added pressure on the joint.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, watch how it moves, and assess the position of the big toe. X-rays can show the joint alignment and the severity of the bunion. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and protecting the joint. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with a wide toe box, proper support, and enough depth. Custom orthotics can improve pressure distribution and help the foot function well. Padding or a toe spacer can reduce rubbing inside the shoe. When swelling or irritation is present, the podiatrist can provide guidance on managing those symptoms. These measures cannot remove the bony bump, but they can improve comfort and make activities easier.

Surgery is considered when pain continues despite appropriate care or the bunion greatly limits activity. The procedure chosen depends on the joint, the angle of the bones, and the patient’s overall health. Surgery can realign the toe, remove the enlarged bone, or correct nearby soft tissues. A podiatrist can explain the expected recovery period and discuss the benefits and risks. Early evaluation is useful because bunion pain can change the way a person walks. This can place extra stress on the smaller toes, the ball of the foot, or the opposite leg. If you have foot pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis appropriate and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which small blood vessels temporarily narrow in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. This reduces blood flow to certain areas, most often the fingers and toes. During an episode, toes may feel cold or numb, and can change color. Skin may appear pale or white before becoming blue, then red, as blood flow returns. Tingling, throbbing, or burning can occur. Episodes may last several minutes, or longer.

Raynaud's phenomenon can occur on its own or alongside another medical condition. Primary Raynaud's is more common and occurs without another known disease. Secondary Raynaud's can be linked with conditions that affect blood vessels or connective tissue. Risk factors include family history, repeated cold exposure, and smoking. Certain medications can also affect circulation. Frequent or severe episodes deserve medical attention because they can sometimes affect skin health. Reduced blood flow may contribute to sores or slow healing.

When cold toes are a concern, a podiatrist can examine the feet and lower extremities for related circulation changes. The evaluation may include checking pulses, skin color, and sensation. Skin and nails are examined. If the findings suggest a broader circulation problem, referral for additional vascular evaluation may be appropriate. Treatment focuses on protecting the extremities from cold, keeping the skin healthy, and addressing the underlying cause when one is identified.

Simple daily habits may help reduce episodes. Staying warm before going outdoors can be helpful. Avoiding smoking and managing known health conditions may also support healthy circulation. If sores, persistent color changes, or significant pain develop, prompt evaluation is important. If you have cold feet or toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness 
• Numbness or cramping in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Diabetic limb salvage is an approach used to protect a foot or limb when diabetes has caused a wound, infection, or tissue damage. The goal is to save as much tissue as possible and prevent loss of limb when appropriate. Diabetes can reduce sensation and slow healing, so small problems may become severe before they are noticed. Warning signs can include an open sore, redness, or increasing pain.

Several factors can increase the need for diabetic limb salvage. High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel an injury. Poor circulation may limit oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Infection can also spread into deeper tissues or bone. A history of foot ulcers, previous limb loss, kidney disease, or smoking may increase risk. Prompt evaluation is important when a wound does not heal normally.

Diabetic limb salvage may involve several steps based on the person’s condition. A podiatrist may examine the wound, check circulation, and order imaging tests. Treatment may include wound cleaning, removal of damaged tissue, and protective dressings. Some patients may need vascular care or surgery to improve blood flow or remove infected tissue while preserving healthy structures. This approach can be life-changing because saving a limb may support mobility, independence, and activities.

Healing requires careful follow-up and foot protection. A podiatrist may monitor the wound regularly and adjust treatment based on improvement. Patients may also receive guidance about blood sugar control, footwear, and daily foot checks. Early care can make an important difference when diabetes threatens the health of a foot or limb. If you have severe foot complications from diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss the pros and cons of diabetic limb salvage with you. 

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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