Relief from Foot Pain – Is it time to replace your shoes?

The American Podiatric Medical Association estimates that an average American takes between 8,000 and 10,000 steps every day.   Each step accepts the full weight of your body as you shift from foot to foot.  Now think about how much your body weight is amplified as you run and step down on each foot.  Whether your running style prefers a heel strike or toe strike, it is important to have the proper cushioning that footwear supplies to your foot. That new heel pain that has been creeping up on you may be a case of too many miles on your shoes.

You may have heard that you should replace your running shoes every 6 months.  This number is based on a runner logging 3 to 5 miles a day, 4 days a week or an average of 300- 500 miles in a 6 month period.  Since loss of support and cushioning can lead to pain and discomfort during and after your run, you need to discover where in this recommendation you fall.  Obviously, a 120 pound person doesn’t exert they same wear on a pair of shoes as a 200 pound person.  The speed and style of your run can also increase or decrease the time it takes to wear down a pair of shoes.

Consider keeping a log of your miles for each pair of running shoes you have.   You can then correlate any new aches or pains that may occur as you put more miles on a pair of shoes.  If you notice that you get ‘shin splints’ after only 250 miles, then you are wearing out your shoes quicker than the average.  While it may take a bit of organization, it is a good idea to rotate through several pairs of shoes.  In addition to the benefits we mentioned in the previous blog, you can prevent shocking your feet with a new pair of shoes by having various pairs at different stages of wear.  No one wants foot or heel pain to limit their ability to run.  Keep this simple idea in mind when assessing your running shoes!

The Right Shoes Can Make All the Difference

Having the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in your running or walking routine.  These two activities place different requirements on your foot and ankle making it important to put the right kind of shoe underneath them.  Running shoes are designed with more cushioning and control because of the forces placed on them.  Walking shoes should still be sturdy but are not as controlling as running shoes.  Obviously, wearing a walking shoe for running can lead to unnecessary stress and problems to your foot and ankle.  The wrong choice in foot wear can have you abandoning either activity pretty quickly.

It is a good idea to find several pair of running shoes that work for you. Having several athletic shoes to switch between from day to day offers many advantages.  One is the small differences in manufacturer design.  These little differences can provide enough change to keep your feet from falling into the same motion or strain on one tendon or area.  Just like you alter the distance or speed of your run to constantly challenge you body, wearing different running shoes can challenge your feet in the same positive way.  Switching pairs every day can also give each pair adequate time to dry out.  “Athlete’s foot” can be especially problematic as the temperatures rise, but allowing time for your shoes to dry out is a sure way to avoid it.  Keep in mind that your running shoes should be replaced approximately every 300-500 miles.  The amount of body weight you have can vary this number.  It is important to pay close attention to the wear pattern and structure of the shoe.

If you have any question about what type of sneaker is best for you, or you can’t seem to find an athletic shoe that works well, consider having your foot assessed by an Austin podiatrist.  You can set up an appointment by calling 512-328-8900 or clicking here.  A thorough exam of you foot will indicate arch height and positioning, amongst other things.  This exam will identify what types of shoe designs work best for your feet.  Getting into the right shoe can keep you running Austin!