Finding the right shoes to run in can be a headache. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine exactly the right type of running shoes for you. This is where your chiropodist can help. In addition to taking into consideration the type of running you will be doing, it’s also very important to buy running shoes that cater to the individual needs of your feet. 

There are many individual foot differences that can have a bearing on which types of running shoes to buy. Your gait, or walking pattern, may require certain specifications to ensure the safest and efficient running possible. A chiropodist can perform a gait analysis to determine your needs. Generally, people’s gaits can be normal, overpronated, or underpronated. Having an overpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far inwards while you walk or run. This can be mitigated by choosing stability running shoes. Having an underpronated gait means that the foot rolls too far outwards while walking or running. This can be helped by choosing shoes with neutral cushioning. 

In general, it’s suggested that you shop for shoes in person in the late afternoon or evening. Shopping in person will allow you to try on and test out the shoes. You would also be able to get assistance from a store associate, who could measure your feet and provide recommendations. Shopping later in the day is suggested because your feet naturally swell throughout the day and are at their largest in the late afternoon and early evening. Your feet also naturally swell while you run. By fitting your feet when they are at their largest, you can ensure that they will fit properly throughout the day. 

For more information about how to find the best running shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.

The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. 

Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry. 

Standing for prolonged periods of time can cause damage to your feet. Unfortunately, this is a necessary part of the job for many working people. Common foot conditions that may occur as a result of being on your feet all day include foot pain, blisters, calluses, corns, arthritis, toe deformities, sprains, bunions, athlete’s foot, and fallen arches. 

There are certain steps that you can take to prevent work-related foot problems. If you are on your feet all day, it is recommended that you avoid shoes that have high heels, pointed toes, a fit that is too loose or too tight, and a lack of arch support. If you work in a place where foot injuries are a common occupational hazard, such as a construction zone, wearing the right shoes becomes increasingly important. Wearing comfortable, properly fitted, supportive shoes made of breathable materials can mitigate the risk of developing a variety of foot problems.

Maintaining an immobile, upright stance for prolonged periods of time is bad for your foot health. If possible, take breaks throughout the day to sit down, stretch, and walk around. At home, take care of your feet with a daily foot care routine. Wash the feet daily with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Apply a moisturizer to prevent cracked heels. When trimming the toenails, trim straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Wear clean socks daily. If you notice any problems developing in your feet or ankles, consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose and treat your condition and help you maintain the health of your feet. 

Whilst the scope of practice may be slightly different between our two practices; the culture within the two practices is very much the same. (Check out our other blogs on our practice in Weybridge, Surrey, UK, and Niagara Falls, Canada).

The culture of the place has been discussed to some extent in a previous blog which can be viewed here.

However, to get a real appreciation of what life is like it’s always nice to ask others and it is no better reflected than when we ask new graduate and student-visitors attending our practices what their experience has been like. It is pleasure to be able to share the experience below of Ben Morris who joined our Weybridge practice, initially observing and assisting in 2022, just after he completed his MSc in podiatry and Lulian Corila who attended our Niagara Falls, Canada practice as a student during his training at in 2023 for some observational work.

Ben Morris, MRCPod, MSc Pod

“I joined The Footcare Centre in the summer of 2022 after attending the University of Brighton. The team at The Footcare Centre offered me the opportunity to attend the practice prior to my registration to assist in the transition from student to practitioner. Throughout the summer I met the team, shadowed experienced podiatrists and health professionals at the practice. I was able to develop my knowledge of new treatments offered (including needling, Low Level Laser and shockwave therapy) and I was also able to familiarise myself with additional local practitioners to aid with referrals, and observe biomechanical assessment and nail surgery.”

Lulian Corila Student, The Michener Institute, Toronto, Canada

“My Experience in Clinic at the Footcare Centre. This summer I have had the pleasure of shadowing Stuart Berry at his practice where I was able to witness the intricacies of the profession and gain valuable experience in the clinical setting. Being part of their team reinforced my interest in chiropody/podiatry and supplied me with knowledge that I was not able to collect at my school placement.

Working at the Footcare Centre was beneficial as their wide scope of practice made it possible for me to see the variety of pathways that podiatry offers. During my clinical placement at school, most of our visits consisted of routine care which made it difficult for me to apply my knowledge that was gained throughout the semester. After the completion of my first year, I felt that I was knowledgeable in theory but wanting to reinforce all the information I gathered which attracted me to Stuart’s practice. In my first week, I was able to oversee more cases than I did in 4 months’ worth of clinical practice at school, which has not only better prepared me for my second year, but also showed me what private practice is really like. From sport injuries and tenotomies to ischemic ulcers, I realized that the day to day operations of private practice is exactly what I was hoping it would be like.

The most fulfilling aspect of my time at the Footcare Centre was seeing the wide spectrum of ages that come for treatment to Stuart’s practice. We are able to help people return to their regular activities and live the lives that they want through various stages of life. From children to elderly patients, the importance of our profession was magnified to an extent that I was unaware of. In addition to this, seeing how relieved and happy people felt after their visits provided me with a great example of how fulfilling this profession can be.

The Footcare Centre is also fully equipped with technologies and interventions that I have not even learned in school yet. Being in a practice that is up to date is not only a testament to Stuart’s dedication to providing his patients with the best possible care, but is an example of how a practice can continue to better itself which is important.

Stuart’s professionalism, passion and ability to build relationships with his clients and staff reflected in the environment of the clinic that fostered comfort and a family-like feel. It is a perfect model of what a practice should feel like.”

When the skin on the heels is dry, it may begin to crack. These cracks are not just unsightly, they can also be uncomfortable or deep and painful. In some cases, these heel cracks can even bleed, increasing their risk of becoming infected. This can make walking, standing, or even bearing weight on the heels difficult. 

Cracked heels can be caused by a variety of factors. These include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes or shoes that don’t cushion the heels, living in a cold or dry climate, taking long, hot showers, and not moisturizing the heels, as well as various medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, palmoplantar keratoderma, or juvenile plantar dermatosis. 

The best way to prevent and treat mild cases of cracked heels is to regularly soak the feet, exfoliate the heels with a pumice stone, and then moisturize them. It is also best to avoid wearing open-back or thin-soled and unsupportive shoes. In more severe cases, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist, who can help you manage your cracked heels and overall foot health. People who have cracked heels and diabetes or a weakened immune system should also be under the care of a chiropodist.