Your Foot Arch

When you go looking to buy new shoes, you might notice that some shoes are very built up in the middle, while others are flat. Why is this though? It actually has to do with the build of the arch of your foot. See there are three different types of foot arches on people. There is the high arch, in which, you guessed it, the arch of the foot is higher than normal. There’s also the low arch or flat foot, in which the arch is lower than normal or nonexistent. And of course, there is the normal arch.

Now if you have a high arch or low arch, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have done something wrong to injure your foot. It might have been just something you were born with. No problem, it just means you’ll be looking for a different type of shoe. It’s really easy, if you have a high arch, you want to get a shoe that is more flexible and has a higher arch support in the shoe. If you have a low arch or flat feet, you should look for a shoe that has low arch support and is stable. If you have a normal arch, get a shoe built with just a normal arch support and has enough cushion to absorb shock.

So if you have a different arch then normal, don’t freak out. All you have to do is make sure you are buying the right shoes to fit the arch you have. And believe me, you will know if you bought the wrong type of shoes, because your feet will tell you (via the pain you will be feeling). If you have a high arch and your wearing a low arch shoe, you’ll have no support and you will have a pain by the end of the day in your arch. If your wearing a high arch shoe while you have a low arch, your mid feet will be killing you after a long day. So just do yourself a favor and get rid of those shoes and go get a new pair asap! If you have any questions or need help finding out the right shoes for you, contact Upstate FootCare on our website or call us at 877-941-FEET (3338). We’ll get you in the right shoes and help you enjoy walking again!

Shin Splints - the painful run killer.

If you like to run or walk, you’ve probably heard of the term “shin splints.” Shin splints are a painful condition that is common among runners. It is caused by the constant pulling of the muscle on the front of the leg from the shin bone. The result is obviously not a cheerful one. If you happen to get shin splints, you’ll probably have them in both legs as they usually don’t just occur in one leg. They happen mostly to runners who use improper training technics or an improper running form, have flat feet, are running in damaged or worn out shoes and/or run on an uneven ground.

To treat shin splints, as with most sports injuries, rest is the best medicine. You can also take ibuprofen and ice your shins, which will reduce swelling. You want to make sure that you are using proper running form when you are training, and do you body a favor and make sure to stretch before and after your run. That way your body will warm up and cool down, thus helping preventing injuries and keeping you running instead of resting to recover from an injury. The last thing you can do is to check your running shoes and see if they are still fit for the constant pounding on your feet and ankles with each step you take. The shoes should be durable and sturdy in the sole, protecting your feet on the bottom. Also they should have cushion to them, going back to the pounding factor. If any of those things is not right on the running shoes you are using, throw them out! Running shoes have a limit on them on how much punishment they can take, pushing them beyond that limit will only hurt you.

If you have shin splints, there is other technics that a podiatrist can do to help correct them, so contact Dr. Blaakman at Upstate Footcare today and he’ll help you get back on your feet, and out on the road, park, trail or wherever you like to run.

What Shoes do we suggest?

One question that podiatrists usually hear is what shoes do we recommend. So what shoes do Upstate Footcare recommend? Well there is not a specific shoe that works with everyone, because not everyone’s foot is the same. There are a couple of general rules that do apply to everyone though for you to know as you search for just the right pair. You first want to find a pair of shoes that are supportive from the heel to ball of the foot and bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the shoe. I cannot emphasize this enough.

The shoe should also not be stiff like a steel toed boot or flimsy like boat shoe or flip flop. Also you should not be able to twist the shoes easily side to side.

I normally recommend running shoes to people of ALL ages. Running shoes are always good, even if you don’t run in them, since they are supportive. Also make sure that there is a thumbnail length of shoe between the front of your toes to the front of the shoe.

As you get into the specifics, you have to first figure out what type of foot you have. This mostly has to do with the arch of your feet.

If you have a high arch, it’s better to get a laced shoe, since you can take some of the pressure off the top of your feet by loosening the shoe laces, unlike you can with slip on shoes or loafers. Also you want to look for a shoe with a SEMI-Curved/CURVED Lasted shoe.

If you have a low arch or flat feet, go for a good supported shoe to support your arch and that are flexible at the ball of the foot. Be on the look out for shoes with a STRAIGHT LAST.

Finally – many people ask me about steel toed boots and flip flops—this can be very different from person to person. But generally --the same rules apply.

These are general guidelines to be followed when looking for shoes. There is not a shoe that is the best shoe, because our feet are all different. If your not sure simply save your receipt and come ask us !

If you would like to figure out exactly what pair of shoes would be best for you, please make an appointment with Upstate Footcare and we’ll help you find the right fit. We’d love to help you get the most out of your shoes!