Do you suffer from bunions? It’s a funny word, but bunions are no laughing matter. If the joint that connects your big toe to your foot has a sore, swollen bump, it’s likely a bunion. Maybe you inherited incorrect foot mechanics from a grandparent, but bunions themselves are not hereditary. Bunions are most likely caused by tight and constricted footwear. But rest assured there are some shoes for bunions available to ease your pain!

Women tend to be bothered with bunions more than men, because of tight, pointy, high-heeled shoes. So, ladies, those cute heels with a sloped foot bed and narrow toe box might be great for a Saturday night out, but try to limit wearing those regularly to avoid potential bunion problems.

Runners can also experience bunion pain. Miles of pounding pavement and poorly fitting shoes can seriously aggravate bunions. Our very own Dr. Shoelutions recommends a few different New Balance shoes for bunions. A great running shoe is the New Balance 1080 with maximum cushioning and forefoot flex grooves that provide extreme flexibility. If walking is more your speed, try the New Balance 812, a cornerstone in the walking shoe category, which has a fuller fit and roomy toe area.  Another great option would be the Pressure Relief Insole with Metatarsal Pad to reduce pressure and friction that can cause discomfort. One more product that can alleviate pressure on the bunion joint would be our Gel Toe Spacer.

New Balance shoes for bunions are recommended not only for those who currently have bunions, but those roomier toe box styles will work well to prevent bunion development too. Remember, you probably don’t need a bigger shoe size, but a deeper, wider shoe. Find out more here or email Dr. Shoelutions with any foot condition questions at DrShoelutions@BrownsCatalog.com.

Tendons are fibrous tissues that characteristically connect a muscle with a bone. The posterior tibial tendon originates in our calf muscle and stretches down the back of the ankle and into the foot where it then attaches to the long inner arch of our foot. This important tendon helps support arch height and a normal or neutral gait. Posterior tibial tendonitis or PTTD develops when the tibial tendon becomes inflamed or torn. Pressures from overuse, over-stretching, injury, and even heredity can contribute to PTTD. An examination by your medical professional is advised to determine a diagnosis and posterior tibial tendonitis treatment.

When the posterial tibial tendon becomes inflamed or torn, its ability to hold up the arch of the foot is impaired, resulting in the lowering of the arch and flattening of the foot. Symptoms can include:

• Lowering of the arch, flattening of the foot, pronation in the ankle.
• Pain and swelling in the inside ankle area.
• Pain in the inside area of the knees.
• Knock-kneed stance.
• Pain on the outside of the lower ankle and foot.

What you should do:

1. Begin with good shoes for posterior tibial tendonitis. Good STABILITY or MOTION CONTROL shoes with medial posting can offer relief for mild cases of posterior tibial tendonitis. The denser posting material shores up and strengthens the medial side of the shoe, resists breakdown on the inside, and holds up the foot and ankle to take strain off the inflamed tendon. New Balance ROLLBAR® and STABILICORE™ technology biomechanically controls heel motion and supports a natural stride.
2. Proper insoles like the Motion Control Insole counteract the early stages of posterior tibial tendonitis by fortifying both feet with healthy foot alignment. The New Balance Performance Orthotic Insole features a unique arch design with medial posting for a slightly more aggressive approach. For the most aggressive over-the-counter posterior tibial tendonitis treatment, the Flat Foot Insole provides support for severe over-pronation and collapsed arches. Don’t be surprised if this insole feels a bit different at first. The Flat Foot Insole actually changes the alignment of the feet and ankles for healthier biomechanical movement.
3. Custom orthoses are recommended when over-the-counter solutions don’t provide relief. Our ABC certified pedorthists can fill your medical professional’s prescription for custom orthoses and support your recovery plan for posterior tibial tendonitis treatment
4. Orthaheel sandals, endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association, are clinically proven to reduce pronation and offer easy-to-wear comfort. A built-in orthotic reduces pronation and helps with heel pain, knee pain, back pain, and aching legs.
5. Our Step Stretch system can be used daily to improve muscle strength and endurance. Exercise your feet to strengthen and condition these flexible muscles and tendons.

Men's Shoe Recommendations>>

Women's Shoe Recommendations>>

Insole Recommendations>>

Accessories Recommendations>>

What’s it all a GOUT? I’ve personally never had gout, but my grandmother gets it occasionally, and in the words of an 85 year-old, I can safely say it is NOT a pleasant experience. One of my best friend’s husband gets it too, (let’s just say he’s a lot younger than 85) and can barely walk when he gets a flare-up. No matter what your age, or if you are male or female, there’s no doubt gout can be a very painful condition.

Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the joints that eventually forms sharp crystals. Those crystals often times collect around the big toe and even the ball of the foot; causing inflammation and pain. Gout pain is frequently felt at night while resting; some claim even a sheet touching your foot can feel like it’s on fire.

If you think you have gout, you should seek medical attention. Lowering your uric acid is a key priority, as will be a lower fat diet to include more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and a regular exercise regimen. Meanwhile, correctly fitting shoes with a wider forefoot will help provide extra room and comfort.

Dr. Shoelutions recommends four New Balance Shoes for Gout including the 927 for walking; and the 840, 1123 or 587 for running.

Gout pain may be hard to ignore, but there are some shoes for gout and suggestions for relief. Click here for more information.

Are you training for a marathon this fall? Dr. Shoelutions recommends the New Balance 1080 as a great high-mileage neutral running shoe for anyone looking for extra cushioning during training.

And the ultra-lightweight New Balance 890 REVLite is perfect for race day because of response and heel cushion for marathon distance. Dr. Shoelutions warns not to walk barefoot for a few days post-race, so after you cross the finish line, slip into the cushiony New Balance 801 while you recover in comfort AND style.

It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced marathoner or beginner, your overall health includes your feet, so be sure you are lacing up with the best shoes for the greatest success. Work hard, have fun and good luck!

A common running-related injury, Shin Splints involves pain or tenderness along the inside border of the shinbone (tibia). This is the large bone in the front of the lower leg. Shin Splints can encompass a spectrum of disorders, from tendinitis to severe stress fracture.

What to Do:

Properly fit shoes is a top priority. Allow extra room in the toe area, from 1/2-3/4 inches of space from the tip of your toes to the end of the shoes.

Your stride is also important in alleviating this painful condition. Whether walking or running, try to take SHORTER strides with a midfoot strike in which the heel and forefoot hit the ground at the same time. In other words the bottom of the foot lands more parallel with the ground surface, as opposed to a heavy heel strike in which most of the force is absorbed by the heel. Longer strides encourage the lead foot to dorsiflex with toes pointing upwards. This motion then puts too much strain on the shin muscles and soft tissue, resulting in shin splints.

While the inflamed areas are healing, try to walk or run on flat or downhill areas, including roads and treadmills. This will reduce dorsiflexion and allow tissues to heal properly. After healing occurs, always proceed slowly, building your way up to longer strides and higher mileage, even on hills.

For more info, New Balance shoe recommendations and insole suggestions click HERE.

 
For more info on how to treat the injury click here.

Footwear and insole recommendations are not based on scientific evidence, but rather based on biomechanical principles relative to fit, function and need.  These recommendations do not take the place of consulting with your health care professional.