Foot pain during exercise is a common complaint and can stem from several underlying issues. Repetitive impact from walking, running, or court sports places stress on bones, muscles, and soft tissues. Wearing poorly fitting shoes or footwear without proper support may increase pressure and strain, especially during high-impact activity. Overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis, tendon irritation, and stress reactions often develop gradually and worsen with continued exercise. Structural factors like flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns can also affect how force is distributed through the foot. Sudden changes in activity level, intensity, or surface may overload tissues that are not yet conditioned. Addressing foot pain early helps prevent more serious injury. Rest, activity modification, stretching, and wearing supportive footwear are often helpful first steps. Orthotics may improve alignment and reduce strain during movement. When foot pain continues during or after exercise, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Ankle arthritis is a condition defined by inflammation and degeneration of the ankle joint, leading to pain and reduced mobility. It commonly develops from wear and tear, previous injuries, or excess stress placed on the joint. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, cracking or grinding sensations, and pain that may worsen with activity. As the condition progresses with time, joint movement can become more limited, and daily activities may feel increasingly difficult. Being overweight can increase pressure on the ankle joint and accelerate joint breakdown. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle arthritis, confirm a diagnosis, and recommend treatments to reduce pain, improve function, and slow progression. If you have symptoms of ankle  arthritis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Drop foot is a condition where lifting the front of the foot becomes difficult, leading to dragging toes and changes in walking pattern. Specific exercises can support muscle activation and nerve communication involved in ankle and toe movement when guided by a medical professional. These exercises focus on strengthening muscles that lift the foot, improving ankle control, and enhancing balance to reduce fall risk. Gentle resistance movements, controlled ankle lifts, and coordinated gait drills help retrain proper motion. Stretching tight calf and foot muscles can improve foot positioning during walking. A podiatrist identifies the underlying cause, evaluates nerve and muscle function, and creates a structured treatment plan that may include supervised exercises, bracing recommendations, and ongoing monitoring to prevent secondary foot problems. If you have symptoms of drop foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right running shoe plays an important role in foot comfort and preventing injuries. Start by considering where you run, as road, trail, and treadmill surfaces place different demands on the feet. Proper fit is essential, with enough room in the toe box to prevent pressure on the toes, while still holding the heel securely. Cushioning should match your body weight and running style, because too little may increase impact stress and too much can affect stability. Pay attention to shoe flexibility and how the sole bends, since this influences foot motion. Replacing running shoes is important because worn materials reduce protection for the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, gait, and running habits to recommend features that support movement and reduce strain. If you experience foot pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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