Many people wonder whether running shoes are suitable for walking, and the answer depends on impact-biomechanics and shoe design. Walking and running place different forces on the feet, which is why footwear is designed differently for each activity. Running shoes often have greater cushioning to absorb higher impact, while walking shoes emphasize steady support and flexibility. Differences such as heel drop, sole stiffness, and upper construction affect comfort and performance. A higher heel drop may feel unstable for walking, and increased sole stiffness can limit natural foot motion. Upper construction also varies, influencing breathability and fit during longer wear. A podiatrist can assess arch type, gait pattern, and activity needs to determine whether running shoes are appropriate for walking, or if a specific walking shoe is better. If you have foot pain or fatigue, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for personalized advice and guidance on proper shoe selection.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor 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 New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Management of chronic foot wounds requires careful evaluation and steady, consistent care to support healing. These wounds may include diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, venous ulcers, and traumatic wounds that struggle to close on their own. A podiatrist uses the TIME principle to guide treatment. This approach focuses on tissue debridement to remove nonviable tissue, infection control to protect surrounding skin, moisture balance to create a healthy environment, and attention to the edges of the wound to encourage new growth. Advanced dressings, offloading techniques, and, in some cases, regenerative therapies can further support recovery. Early intervention is essential because chronic wounds can progress quickly and lead to serious complications. If you notice slow healing, increasing redness, drainage, or pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough assessment and a personalized treatment plan.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Unilateral plantar fasciopathy is a condition in which the thick band of tissue along the bottom of one foot becomes irritated, causing sharp first-step pain when getting out of bed or standing after rest. This discomfort can limit daily activity and lead to changes in the way a person walks. Custom foot orthotics can help by supporting the arch, reducing strain on the plantar fascia, and improving overall foot mechanics. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot, identify the source of pain, and create orthotics that provide targeted support for healing and long term comfort. If you are struggling with first-step pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to learn how custom orthotics can help restore comfort and mobility.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Bern, NC . 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, repetitive pressure, and trauma to the toe. Risk factors include genetic nail shape, diabetes, poor circulation, and participation in sports that stress the toes. Signs of an ingrown toenail include redness, tenderness, swelling, and, in severe cases, pus or drainage. If left untreated, the condition can lead to more serious infection and discomfort. A podiatrist can provide safe removal, recommend proper nail care techniques, prescribe medications for infection or inflammation, and offer preventive strategies. If you have signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for removal.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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