Items filtered by date: July 2024

Physicians Footcare, the southeast's premier podiatry practice, is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Erica Evans, DPM, to their team of expert care providers at their Beaufort, SC, and Savannah, GA, locations.

Dr. Evans earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University. She then completed her foot and ankle surgical residency at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Evan is board-certified in both foot surgery and reconstructive rear foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). She brings years of experience from an orthopedic practice in Clive, Iowa. She specializes in sports medicine injuries, reconstructive surgery of the rear foot and ankle, bunion surgery, ankle arthroscopy, and trauma/fracture care. 

Beyond providing quality surgical care, Dr. Evans enjoys collegiate basketball, having played during her undergraduate years at Iowa State University. She also completed the Boston Marathon in 2023, showcasing her commitment to athletics.

Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner or a casual treadmill enthusiast, selecting the right running shoe is crucial for your foot health and overall performance. With so many colors, styles, and brands on the market, it can be hard to find the perfect fit. 

To help you through the selection process, the team of podiatrists at Physicians Footcare has compiled a list of tips to help you find the perfect running shoe for your foot structure and running style. 

Consider Your Arch Type 

When shopping for a running shoe it is important to consider your foot’s arch type as this will influence how the shoe fits and feels. Our podiatrists have made the following shoe style recommendations to support your foot’s arch type and structure. 

• If you have medium arches you are in luck. You can wear a wide variety of styles and brands, just make sure that your chosen style has cushioning and arch support. 
• If you have high arches, you will need a running shoe that has extra cushioning. Runners with high arches place more force on the outside of the feet and added cushioning will help provide more shock absorption. 
• For those with low arches, a shoe with stability is precisely what you need. Feet with low arches roll to the inside of the body when they hit the pavement. To counter this movement, look for shoes with a firm material on the inside of the midsole. 
• Runners with flat feet should opt for shoes with firm heels and optimal arch support. These features will work to counteract overpronation and make running more comfortable. 

Inefficient arch support is a big contributor to foot pain felt during and after running. If you need clarification on what arch type consult with your podiatrist, they will be able to give you more information about your foot structure and best practices. 

Running Surfaces

Different terrains and running surfaces require different types of running shoes. Podiatrists say you should consider where you will be running when shopping for a running sneaker as this will help prevent running-related foot pain.

• Natural terrain runners should look for heavy and more bulky sneakers. These rough and uneven surfaces require a shoe with more traction, cushioning, and support. 
• Those who opt for a smoother run can wear a more lightweight running shoe. For example, road, track, or treadmill running requires shoes with less traction.

For avid runners, podiatrists also recommend that you switch your running shoes out every three to five hundred miles. If you are switching up your running route or terrain style you should consider buying a new pair based on these recommendations. 

The Perfect Fit

There is no need for a “break-in” period if you have purchased the perfect running shoe. This is because your sneakers should fit and feel pain-free immediately after purchase. Find your perfect fit and run without the burden of foot pain with these three tricks: 

• Make sure there is enough space between the front of your shoe and your big toe. The space should be about a thumb-width for room and breathability. 
• The middle of your running shoe should fit snugly. Not too tight that it causes foot pain, but tight enough that your midfoot feels secure while running. 
• Your heel should fit snugly in your running shoe. Test out your heel fit by walking on your tip-toes and watch to see if your heel pops out. If it does, your sneaker does not fit correctly and may cause heel pain in the future. 

The shoe you are looking at may have rave reviews, but if it’s not comfortable when you try it on the first time it will likely cause foot pain and discomfort in the future. Style is important but functionality always comes first, be sure to follow these three podiatrist-recommended fit tips and make sure your running shoes are perfect for you. 

Determine Your Running Type 

Consider how your foot hits the ground while browsing different running shoe selections. Your running style will determine how much cushioning you need in different parts of the shoe and should influence your purchasing decision. Here are some of the things you should look out for:

• If your heel is the first part of the foot to hit the pavement while running then you are considered to be a heel runner. To prevent and alleviate heel pain while running look for sneakers with added cushioning in the back portion of the shoe. 
• Forefoot strikers are runners who land on the front portion of their foot while running. To protect the toes and forefoot from foot pain our podiatrists suggest looking for sneakers with additional padding in the front of the shoe. 

The next time you go for a run pay attention to which part of your foot makes contact with the ground first. This will help determine which running style you have and which areas of the foot may need more cushioning. 

Choose the Right Running Shoe and Prevent Foot Pain

Investing in the right shoe will pay off in the long run. With the right running shoe, you can prevent and alleviate both foot and heel pain, enhance your overall performance, prevent injuries, and most importantly enjoy your runs. 

If you are unsure about your arch type, or running style, or suffer from flat arches consult with your local podiatrist. Our experienced team of podiatrists at Physicians Footcare is here to offer guidance and answer any questions regarding your foot and ankle care. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started on your foot care journey!

Summer calls for beach outings, strolls in flip-flops, and time outside enjoying the warm weather. The last thing anyone wants to deal with during the summer is athlete’s foot, as it will only take away from the fun of summer.

To help you steer clear of athlete’s foot this summer, our team of expert podiatrists at Physicians Footcare has put together a list of the top five tips for preventing athlete’s foot. By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your feet remain healthy throughout the season, allowing you to fully savor every moment of summer!

Causes of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection affecting those whose feet become sweaty in tightly fitting shoes. The infection usually begins between the toes and causes cracking, peeling, and redness. As the condition spreads you may feel itchiness and irritation after removing socks and shoes. 

Athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread through personal contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. To help minimize the spread, foot doctors recommend familiarizing yourself with the infection's common risk factors: 

• If you frequently wear tight-fitting footwear
• Sweating heavily during physical exercise and day-to-day activities
• Sharing linens, towels, shoes, or rugs with someone who has athlete’s foot
• Walking barefoot in areas where infections spread such as locker rooms, communal showers, and pool decks. 

If left alone, athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of the body or lead to other bacterial infections. To prevent the condition from affecting your summer plans, follow our podiatrist's essential prevention tips. 

Athlete’s Foot Prevention Methods

If you have had athlete’s foot in the past the inflection may reoccur. Follow these prevention methods to minimize the spread and stop the infection from developing in the first place. 

Practice Good Foot Hygiene

Keeping your feet clean is essential to any foot care routine, but it is even more important when working to prevent infection. Podiatrists recommend using warm soapy water to clean the feet and toes. Once your feet are clean be sure to thoroughly dry your feet especially in between your toes, as athlete's foot develops in moist areas. 

Foot doctors also recommend applying a medicated foot powder once your feet are thoroughly washed and dried. Podiatrists specifically recommend Gold Bond, Tinactin, Lotrimin AF, and Zeasorb foot powders.  

Wear Summer-Friendly Footwear 

To prevent this infection this summer make an effort to wear breathable footwear. Shoes made from plastic and vinyl hold onto moisture and make the feet warm and sweaty. 

Podiatrists recommend wearing supportive sandals that will air your feet out and keep them dry and cool to prevent sweating. We also suggest alternating your chosen footwear throughout the week. This will allow your shoes to dry and air out after each use. 

Keep Your Shoes To Yourself 

Athlete’s foot can spread through physical contact or contaminated surfaces, which makes sharing shoes much more risky. So to avoid the condition it's best to keep your shoes, socks, linens, and towels to yourself. 

Clean and Take Off Your Gym Shoes

After the gym or activity where you worked up a sweat, it is important to change out of your shoes especially if you are not able to shower immediately after. You should also change out of your sweat socks, and replace them with a clean dry pair or opt for a pair of breathable sandals.

It is also a good idea to clean and disinfect your gym shoes after each use if you are prone to athlete’s foot. Foot doctors recommend using soapy wash clothes or disinfectant spray to clean your shoes after a sweaty workout. Do not forget to thoroughly dry your shoes after cleaning! 

Do Not Go Barefoot 

In the summertime, it is tempting to go barefoot by the pool, in the locker room, at the spa, or even in a hotel bathroom. To minimize contact with contaminated surfaces this summer we suggest wearing slippers, flip-flops, or water shoes rather than going barefoot in public places. The key to preventing athlete’s foot is understanding risks, and public spaces will be the most risky this summer. 

See a Podiatrist at the First Sign of Athlete’s Foot

As the weather warms up, it's important to keep an eye out for the early signs of athlete's foot, such as itching, redness, and flaking skin between the toes. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to contact your podiatrist right away to prevent the condition from disrupting your summer activities. With the increased sweat and moisture in your shoes during the summer months, the risk of developing athlete's foot is higher, so taking preventive measures is key to enjoying a healthy and fun summer.

Enjoy your summer without the hassle of athlete’s foot, by making an appointment with the team of expert podiatrists at Physicians Footcare. Whether you are looking to learn more about the risks and preventative measures for this condition or are concerned about your general foot health, our team can help. Schedule an appointment with our team today.

If you are an avid follower of natural wellness trends you may be aware of the recent wave of people opting to forget their shoes and spend their day-to-day lives barefoot. Advocates of barefoot walking claim that it strengthens foot muscles and promotes a greater sense of balance and connection to the ground. But, those with knowledge of podiatry and the function of the feet feel otherwise. 

Our team of expert Georgia and South Carolina-based podiatrists are here to debunk these podiatry myths and shed light on the importance of traditional footwear and proper foot care for maintaining optimal foot health.

Podiatry Myth: Going Barefoot is Always Best

Despite current trends and beliefs, going barefoot is not the best choice for maintaining and optimizing foot health. While it is true that going barefoot can strengthen the foot muscles, barefoot walking also leaves you more susceptible to injury and foot pain. Keep reading to learn exactly how going barefoot can affect your overall foot and physical well-being. 

Going Barefoot Leaves Your Feet Vulnerable 

Shoes in their most basic form are meant to provide protection for the feet and serve as a barrier against potentially harmful objects on the ground. Even the most basic of footwear prevents scrapes and cuts on the bottom of your feet. Imagine dropping something heavy and having it land on your bare feet. I’m sure we can all agree that the foot pain we would feel would be much less severe had we had a pair of shoes on. 

Podiatrists say that uncovered feet are also more susceptible to picking up fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and plantar warts. We always recommend wearing sandals or shower shoes when walking barefoot in damp areas. As a bonus, shoes will help prevent you from slipping in addition to warding off infections. 

Going Barefoot Weakens Your Gait

The way you walk, or your gait, can be impacted by walking on rough or uneven surfaces, which can lead to weakening of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the feet. This can affect the overall health of your feet and the way you walk. Without the support of shoes, the musculature in the feet will loosen. Walking barefoot specifically affects the plantar fascia which is the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. 

To maintain optimal foot health opt for supportive footwear when walking or participating in physical activity. Walking on hard surfaces will only weaken your gait and lead to foot pain. Shoes will provide support to the muscles and reduce ankle and foot pain.  

Going Barefoot Will Worsen Pre-Existing Conditions

Walking barefoot on hard surfaces like concrete can exacerbate foot pain, especially for individuals dealing with constant foot pain or pre-existing conditions. This can potentially worsen existing pain and lead to overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma, and flat feet. 

Therefore, individuals with such conditions need to avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces to prevent the worsening of these issues. Individuals with pre-existing foot conditions should prioritize support as walking barefoot can be excruciating. 

Going Barefoot Increases Risk For Diabetics 

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot-related problems and should avoid walking barefoot whenever possible. Due to the impact of diabetes on nerve function in the feet, it can be more challenging to detect cuts, scrapes, or bruises. 

Because of this, diabetics should wear properly fitting shoes and consult with a podiatrist to determine which style is best. Individuals with diabetes should also make regular appointments with a podiatrist to ensure their foot health is monitored and any issues are addressed promptly. 

Safe Occasions To Go Barefoot 

Now you may be wondering, when is it safe to go barefoot? Our podiatry team says that it is safe to go barefoot in the comfort of your home. With soft carpet surfaces and couches to rest your feet, there is not much to worry about. However, even in the home, it's important to remember the effects of going barefoot. 

If you plan to be standing in the kitchen for hours or deep cleaning your home consider throwing on a pair of supportive shoes or sneakers. Even standing barefoot for a few hours can contribute to foot pain and irritation. 

Consult With A Podiatrist Before Going Barefoot

Understanding the common misconceptions about walking barefoot trends emphasizes the significance of wearing supportive footwear. The role of supportive footwear cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining foot health and reducing foot pain. Going without shoes can make you more vulnerable to developing foot-related issues or worsen existing conditions.  

At Physicians Footcare we treat an array of foot and ankle conditions such as heel pain, diabetic foot care, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis. For all foot-related questions and concerns please feel free to contact our expert team of podiatrists. With offices throughout Georgia and South Carolina, we can tackle your foot pain together. Schedule an appointment with our team today!