Running shoes play an important role in protecting feet and supporting a comfortable stride during exercise. Well-fitted shoes should provide proper cushioning to absorb impact and reduce stress on joints and muscles. Good arch support and reliable stability help maintain balance and reduce the risk of strain or overuse injuries. Breathable materials allow air flow that helps keep feet cool and dry during long runs. Additionally, the toe box should feel roomy while the heel remains secure to prevent slipping and friction. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and gait to recommend foot-friendly shoe features that match individual needs. If you experience foot pain after running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Idiopathic toe walking is a condition in which a child continues to walk on the toes without a known medical cause after the age when a typical heel to toe gait pattern should develop. This walking pattern can place excessive strain on the muscles and tendons of the foot and ankle, leading to tight calf muscles, limited ankle motion, and imbalance. Signs may include persistent toe walking, difficulty standing flat footed, and frequent tripping. Risk factors can include family history and developmental factors, and it most commonly affects young children. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, recommend stretching, bracing, or other supportive treatments. If your child is toe walking, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor your child's foot health.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM of Colorado. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

A dancer's ankle is a remarkable structure that provides strength, flexibility, and control while supporting the entire body on tip toes. During movements such as en pointe and plie, the ankle, forefoot, and midfoot must work together with exceptional coordination and stability. Dancers require extra range of motion in the forefoot and midfoot to achieve proper alignment and graceful extension. At peak activity, up to three times body weight can pass through the feet, placing significant stress on bones, ligaments, and tendons. Without proper conditioning and alignment, overuse injuries may develop. A podiatrist can assess biomechanics, recommend supportive care, and guide injury prevention strategies. If you have injured your foot or ankle while dancing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Athlete’s foot and fungal infections are common skin conditions that affect the feet and thrive in warm, moist environments. They are often caused by exposure to fungi in locker rooms, showers, and tight footwear. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling skin, and cracking, especially between the toes or along the sole of the foot. In some cases, the skin can appear white, scaly, or soggy and may feel tender or painful when walking. Fungal infections can spread to the toenails or other areas, if left untreated. A podiatrist can begin care with a careful examination and may take a small skin sample to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include prescription topical or oral medications, hygiene education, footwear guidance, and follow-up care to prevent recurrence. Early treatment helps reduce discomfort and limits spread of the infection. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM from Colorado.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Exercises that focus on the feet can improve strength, flexibility, and overall stability. Yoga foot stretches gently lengthen muscles and tendons, helping improve balance and support proper alignment. Stable feet create a strong foundation in yoga and bring greater awareness to the entire body through controlled movement and grounding. Rolling the bottom of the foot on a firm surface provides myofascial release, which helps reduce tension in the plantar tissues and improve circulation. Through yoga, toe stretches improve mobility and reduce stiffness by lengthening the small muscles of the forefoot. Plantar fasciitis stretches focus on easing strain along the arch and heel to reduce pain and inflammation. A podiatrist can guide proper technique, recommend personalized exercises, and treat underlying conditions. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Gordon P. Rheaume, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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