Proper shoe fitting is essential for maintaining foot health, especially when shoes are too narrow and place excess pressure on the toes and forefoot. Tight footwear can compress the toes, leading to irritation and redness. It also can contribute to formation of bunions or nerve pain like Morton's neuroma. The foot may develop overlapping toes or areas of thickened skin where friction occurs. Discomfort may worsen throughout the day and make walking or standing difficult. Causes include choosing fashion over fit, changes in foot shape, or not accounting for natural swelling. A podiatrist can assess foot size, shape, and gait to recommend properly fitting footwear and supportive options. Treatment may also include padding, orthotics, and guidance on selecting shoes with adequate width, depth, and cushioning. Choosing the correct shoe size and avoiding narrow styles can reduce pressure and prevent long-term problems. If you have foot pain related to shoe fit, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

Pickleball is a great way for older adults to stay active, but it can place repeated stress on the feet and ankles, especially with quick pivots, side-to-side movements, and sudden stops. These motions can increase the risk of sprains, which occur when ligaments are overstretched during an awkward step or loss of balance. Strains may also develop in muscles and tendons due to overuse or reduced flexibility. For seniors, factors like decreased balance, muscle strength, and joint stability can make these injuries more likely. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or have poor traction can further increase the risk of slipping or instability on the court. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, addressing pain, and recommending supportive footwear or custom orthotics to improve stability and reduce strain.  If you have foot or ankle pain while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, who can relieve discomfort, improve safety, and help you continue enjoying this popular and social activity.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. It often develops gradually and can become more rigid over time, if left untreated. Common causes include muscle imbalance, improper footwear that crowds the toes, and underlying foot structure issues. Symptoms include pain, corns, calluses, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. The affected toe may appear raised at the joint and pressed downward at the tip. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the deformity, recommending proper footwear, providing supportive treatments, and addressing underlying causes. If you have signs of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions, while helping you to manage this condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.