The Importance of Being Fitted for Running Shoes

And just like that 2018 is fading away and a new year is about to come into existence! We’ll go out on a limb here and guess that one of your personal goals for 2019 is to ‘get in better shape’ or ‘join that gym’ or ‘be more active’. Did we get it right?

It’s no phenomenon that all of us want to lead and live healthier lives. We want to avoid being stagnant so we come up with resolutions for the new year, but then what happens? We work hard for a month (if that) and ferociously stay the course, but then something “comes up”. Maybe it’s a cold, maybe it’s discouragement, but something happens that causes us to slowly give up. While there are bigger issues at hand, believe it or not, sometimes the thing that makes us stop is pain. And we aren’t talking about the good type of pain. We mean the pain that literally just prevents you from wanting to be active at all. Did you know that so much of this can be simply due to your footwear? From blisters to bruised toenails, the shoes you decide to wear while being active and how they fit will make or break your consistency and desire to stay the course.

Results of Ill-Fitting Shoes

Proper running shoes should not be reserved for just ‘elite runners’. Everyone should be properly fitted for the right type of running shoe whether you are a magazine reading-elliptical guru or a long distance sprinter. Because running causes a significant amount of strain on the feet, knees, and ankles, an ill-fitting shoe could result in the following injuries:

Blisters

The repeated rubbing between the skin of your foot and the running shoe irritates the skin and causes a fluid to collect under the skin forming a blister. Even with a perfect fit, the poor workmanship of the inside of your running shoes could cause blisters, therefore, it’s important to buy from a reputable brand.

Bruised toes or toenails
Apart from blisters, narrow or tight shoes could result in bruised toes or toenails. Wearing shoes that have formed bruised toenails could also result in the development of corns, ingrown toenails or even a complete loss of your toenail.

Plantar fasciitis 
While there are other factors, the most common cause is ill-fitting shoes. When shoes don’t fit properly, they overload the connective tissue running from the heel to the toes, causing it to become inflamed. Wearing running shoes with sufficient arch support reduces the likelihood of this condition.

Shin splints
Shin splints occur when the muscles and tendons on your shinbone swell as a result of too much impact. It is important to wear running shoes that are built to absorb impact from the toe to the heel and are designed in such a way that they distribute pressure evenly.

How to Find the Perfect Fit?

At Da Vinci Foot and Ankle, anyone can be fitted by one of our Podiatrists with the right shoe for them (even if you are not a patient). We believe that Brooks Running Shoes are the best on the market and offer an amazing variety that cater to every active type. From walkers, to joggers to gym goers, Brooks has specifically designed a shoe for you!

If you would like to be fitted for this New Year please make an appointment here and visit one of our offices.

Shoes should never be what stops you from your journey, they should be what keeps you going!

Don’t forget to use ALL of your HSA/FSA dollars before the year is over! Did you know you can put this spending towards Vionic Shoes, Orthotics and many other products/treatments in our office? Call today with any questions!

You don’t have to live with pain. Da Vinci Foot and Ankle can help!CLICK HERE to book your next appointment at Da Vinci Foot and Ankle.

Lake Oconee, GA 706-999-9994

West Augusta, GA 706-597-0102