Running Shoe Construction Factors to Consider

If you’re a runner, you know a good pair of running shoes can make all the difference in how you run. Additionally, the construction of the shoes can also affect your performance and comfort levels.   While all running shoe manufacturers construct their shoes...

Got Arthritis? Occupational Therapy Can Help!

About 1 in 5 adults endure arthritis in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over 100 inflammatory and non-inflammatory medical conditions are classified as arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia...

Bike Safety Tips for Kids

Now that spring is finally here (at least according to the calendar), your kids are probably clambering to get outside and play. Often, one way they burn energy is to ride their bikes around the neighborhood. While bike riding can be a lot of fun, accidents can...

Changes in Foot Size during Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you probably expect changes to occur to your hips and waistline. But did you know that pregnancy can also change the size and shape of your feet? It’s true. According to a research study done at the University of Iowa, pregnancy can lead to...

How to Avoid Skateboarding Injuries

As parents, we worry whenever our kids do something that seems dangerous. Most kids, especially teenagers and young adults, think we’re being over-protective. After all, to them “riding the rail” or “catching air” is fun. To parents, it’s a possible trip to the ER....

10 Tips to Combat Cabin Fever

Are you getting cabin fever from all of this snow and cold? I know I am. I can’t wait for spring – only 33 more days until the official start. If a trip to Florida isn’t in your budget any time soon, here are 10 suggestions to help you survive cabin fever until the...

Measure Your Feet for Proper Shoe Fit

Did you know that Thursday (Jan. 23) was Measure Your Feet Day? No?? Well, I didn’t know it either. And, yes, it really is a recognized holiday. Although no one seems to know how it originated. But why not have a holiday recognizing the importance of measuring your...

Overcoming 5 Common Weight Loss Pitfalls

Did you set a goal to lose weight this year? How’s it going? Are you still working at it or have you given up? If you’ve given up, don’t beat yourself up about it. A lot of dieters get derailed. While every diet and dieter is different, there are some common pitfalls...

How to Overcome Holiday-induced Gout

If you’ve been eating a lot of fatty holiday meals containing red meats, poultry or shellfish and drinking beer or alcoholic beverages, all of this overindulgence may lead to an episode of gout and a not-so-merry holiday season. Gout is a type of arthritis that’s...

Relieve Your Tired, Aching Feet for the Holidays

After a long day of Christmas shopping or working and ringing up everyone else’s purchases, your feet can feel really tired and sore. Any time you spend long time periods standing, walking or running, you’re putting excess pressure on your feet which can result in...

Sooth Your Eczema Symptoms This Winter

Winter means snow, woolen sweaters and crackling fires in the fireplace, but it also can mean the return of dry, itchy skin. Cold temperatures, along with overheated homes, cars and offices, cause low humidity which can dry out your skin and worsen eczema symptoms.  ...

Tips on Cutting Down Your Christmas Tree

For some people, an artificial Christmas tree just won’t do. They want a REAL Christmas tree. While some people may head to the nearest tree lot to pick out their tree, traditionalists believe “lot trees” won’t do either. After all, the majority of the trees on lots...

8 Ways to Pump Up Your Energy

With the holidays rapidly approaching and our schedules likely getting busier, you may feel your energy slumping more often. So what can you do to beat the mid-afternoon doldrums? And keep yourself from falling asleep at your child’s holiday program? Here are 8 tips...

Give Thanks for Your Feet

Ok, you may be asking yourself, “My feet? Why should I be thankful for them?”Well, whether you realize it or not, your feet play a vital role in your daily life. They fulfill the important task of supporting your entire body as you stand, walk or run. How do they do...

Hallux Rigidus: A Painful, Stiff Big Toe

Has the joint at the base of your big toe caused you pain and stiffness? Has it progressively gotten worse that you now have lost all motion in the toe and it’s rigid? You likely have hallux rigidus. A form of degenerative arthritis, hallux rigidus causes pain and...

Preventing Children’s Sports Injuries

Fall sports are in full swing now that the kids are back to school. Team sports can provide a variety of benefits for children and teens, including a reduced risk of obesity, improved coordination and balance, and better cardiovascular fitness. But did you know that...

Myths about Aging

September is Healthy Aging Month – a month that provides ideas and inspiration for people, ages 50 and over, to improve their physical, mental, social and financial well-being. When many people think about getting older, they focus on many of the negative aspects or...

Stinky Feet? Pee-Yew!

After you’ve been on your feet all day, when you kick off your shoes, does everyone clear the room? Unfortunately, stinky feet can have that affect. However, bacteria are to blame for your feet’s odor. Bacteria love to live on your moist, warm feet and hide in the...

Ways to Beat the Heat if You Work Outside

  This week we’ve seen the temperatures surge over much of the U.S. into the mid-90s. And when you add in humid air, heat indexes have risen to over 100 degrees in some places. Working outside in scorching temperatures like these can be challenging and even...

Relieve Pain – Get a Massage

There’s nothing like pampering yourself with a day at the spa by having a relaxing massage. Massage can reduce stress and anxieties, improve sleep, alleviate PMS symptoms, and boost your immunity. However one of the greatest benefits of massage is its ability to...

Are You Having a Flip-Flop Foot Fiasco?

From the pool to the office to an evening out on the town, flip-flops have become a summer staple. But wearing flip-flops for an extended period of time can cause you long-term orthopedic problems like plantar fasciitis.   Plantar fasciitis is a common, chronic...

How to Treat Neuropathic Pain

Does your skin ever feel like it’s burning or numb? Or, do you experience a pins-and-needles sensation.   This condition is likely due to an injured nerve. Healthy nerves only send signals when they’re stimulated. For example, the nerves in your big toe will send pain...

Stay Safe at the Pool this Summer

It’s Memorial Day weekend and you know what that means – the outdoor swimming pools are opening for the summer. There’s nothing more enjoyable than a day at the pool – where you can soak up the sun and beat the heat with a cool dip. But did you know that about 10...

6 Things You Shouldn’t Keep from Your Doctor

Let’s be honest. Have you ever been to the doctor and you didn’t tell him/her about something you know you should have? I think we’re all guilty of this at some time or another. It could be that you’re embarrassed. Or you feel rushed. Or you’re afraid of what your...

How to Stay Safe While Gardening

The nurseries, home improvement stores and discount stores have been busy the past couple of weeks selling flowers, plants, shrubs and trees for the spring and summer. Gardening and yard work can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise, beautify your home,...

Morton’s Toe: A “Classic” Foot Disorder

Do you have a second toe that is longer than your big toe? If so, you have Morton’s toe, a common forefoot variation that’s found in up to 20% of the population. This disorder is also known as “Greek toe,” since the ancient Greeks considered a longer second toe to be...

25 Tips for Getting Healthier

Have you been a couch potato all winter? Maybe you know you need to do something to get fit, but you’re just not sure what. Maybe it seems too overwhelming to figure out what to do. Well, before you head back to your couch and the remote, check out these 25 easy tips...

Finding the Perfect Shoes for Prom

Your high school prom can be a magical time. But the days leading up to it can be stressful with trying to find the perfect dress, shoes and accessories. While you may put more emphasis on finding the right dress, you also need to make sure you find the right shoes....

Participate in National Walking Day on April 3

Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S.? One contributing factor is that we’ve become more inactive due to working more hours. However, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by exercising for at least 30 minutes every day. For this...

How Many Arches Do You Have?

Cue the game show music … Do you know how many arches you have in your foot? One? Two? Three? If you answered three, you’re correct. Most people think they have a single arch in their foot, but you actually have three. These arches are the: Medial Longitudinal Arch...

Training Tips for Running a Half-Marathon

Did you know that it’s only 48 days to the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon? This race is the largest half-marathon in the U.S. with 35,000 participants from Indiana, across the U.S., and around the world. On May 4, runners and walkers hit the streets of...

6 Reasons for Hiring a Personal Trainer

So did you make a resolution to exercise more this year? How’s that been going? Perhaps it’s time to consider working with a personal trainer. A fitness professional can create an individualized program designed to help you reach your health and fitness goals. They...

WalkEZStore to Be at the Flower and Patio Show

Are you tired of winter? Are you ready for spring? Then come to the Indianapolis Flower and Patio Show where you can check out over 40 extravagant showcase and exhibitor gardens. Plus, you can see the latest in hot tubs, swimming pools, water features, decks, outdoor...

Don’t Let Metatarsalgia Sideline You from Your Game

Since the NCAA men’s basketball tournament is nearing, I thought we would talk about a common foot ailment found among basketball players – both professionals and amateurs. It’s called metatarsalgia. It’s a type of neuralgia or pain found in one or more nerves in the...

Yoga: How You Can Benefit

Yoga has been around for over 5000 years. It’s a popular form of exercise in the United States, practiced by about 11 million Americans. There are over 100 different schools or types of yoga. However, most sessions involve breathing exercises, meditation and the...

Do You Have the Bunion Blues?

Are you singing the blues due to foot pain? Do you have an unsightly bump on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe? Is it red and inflamed? Does it cause you pain when your shoe rubs against it? If so, you may have a bunion. About 55% of American women...

Make Your Fitness Routine Fun

Did you make a resolution to exercise more in 2013? So, how are you doing now that we’re halfway through January? Are you sticking with it? Or, do you just feel overwhelmed by the prospect of fitting it into your schedule and sticking to your goal? Well, staying fit...

Are Growing Pains Real?

Do you remember the TV show, “Growing Pains,” which aired from 1985 to 1992? In the show, the kids, Mike, Ben, Carol and Crissie, caused all sorts of mayhem for their parents Jason and Maggie Seaver, but the family always managed to sort everything out and...

What’s on Your Christmas Wish List?

Dear Santa, December 4 is Santa’s List Day. While I know your elves have been busy keeping track of whether I’ve been naughty or nice, I want you to know that I’ve been especially good this year. So I’m hoping you’ve included me on the “Nice” list. For Christmas...

Proper Shoe Fit for Better Comfort

When you go shopping, you often buy items because they “fit your eyes” first. That is, you like the style of the piece of clothing or footwear first. But you really need to try on the item to tell if it fits well. For example, you may buy a pair of jeans because you...

Treatment of Common Soccer Injuries

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. But it can be really hard on your feet and ankles due to all the running, side-to-side cutting, sliding, ball kicking, or collisions with other players. Some common soccer injuries and their treatments include: ...

Defend Yourself against the Flu this Season

Every pharmacy you pass these days has a sign reminding you to get your flu shot now. Well, flu season is almost here – it normally occurs from late November through March. Unfortunately, the flu is a contagious virus. And flu germs can thrive on any surface for two...

How to Treat and Prevent Hammertoe

Do you have a toe or toes that curl? Do these toes resemble a hammer or claw? Do these toes have corns and calluses on them from rubbing the inside of your shoes? Do you have a hard time moving these toes? Do these toes give you pain when walking or performing other...

Overpronation: What Is It and What Can You Do for It?

The Normal Gait Cycle   As you walk, your feet and legs propel your body forward. During a normal gait cycle, your feet land on either side of an imaginary line that moves forward in the direction you’re traveling. You begin to walk with one leg extended in front of...

9 Tips for Healthy Aging

People are living longer today; and life expectancy is anticipated to continually increase due to the numerous advances in medicine and science. However, it’s not a given that you’ll automatically live longer. But instead of focusing on all of the negative aspects...

#%&*$!!! Did I Just Break My Toe?

Have you ever walked through your home barefoot, thinking about something else, and, suddenly – bam – you run into a piece of furniture? The next second, you’re yelling or cursing in pain because you’ve stubbed your toe. Stubbing your toe can be very painful...

#%&*$!!! Did I Just Break My Toe?

Have you ever walked through your home barefoot, thinking about something else, and, suddenly – bam – you run into a piece of furniture? The next second, you’re yelling or cursing in pain because you’ve stubbed your toe. Stubbing your toe can be very painful...

Detoxifying Foot Baths: Healing or Hoax?

Have you heard of ionic or detoxifying foot baths? An acquaintance was telling me about visiting a spa and having one of these foot baths done. I had never heard of it, so I decided to do some research. These baths are considered to be a naturopathic, or holistic,...

Be Safe When Walking

With the weather getting cooler, many people will probably start walking outside more. Walking is great exercise, and you can do it almost anywhere. But did you know that 4,280 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2010?   According to data from the...

How to Prevent and Treat Bunions

So you found a cute pair of heels – on sale. But they’re a tad bit too tight. And the store doesn’t have the shoes in a bigger size. Oh well, you think, I’ll get them any way. They’ll stretch. But did you know that you can develop bunions from wearing shoes that are...

Eating Right for Good Bone, Joint and Muscle Health

Are you aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has replaced the old food pyramid with the MyPlate guidelines? These new guidelines are designed to help you eat healthier and to consume the right amount of calories for you. When you improve the way you eat, you...

Is Your Child’s Backpack Causing Them Pain?

Once again it’s back to school time. And your child is probably lugging their backpack to and from school. But if your child’s backpack looks like it’s packed for a week of camping rather than a day at school, your child is probably carrying way too much....

Vibram FiveFingers Sued for False Health Benefit Claims

Last year we featured a blog post on what you needed to know about barefoot running. As we stated, advocates for barefoot running claim it leads to better foot biomechanics and lessens the risk of injury. However, the American Podiatric Medical Association and other...

10 Injury Prevention Tips for Marathon Runners

If you have been following the Olympic Games, today is when the women’s marathon will be run. However, the current women’s world record holder Paul Radcliffe won’t be participating in this event due to a foot injury caused by osteoarthritis. Running can be hard on...

Gymnasts: Protect Your Feet

Today marks the beginning of the gymnastics competition at the 2012 Olympics in London. As TV viewers, we marvel at the jumps, twists, and dance moves gymnasts perform, as well as their sheer strength and flexibility. But it is these same maneuvers that place these...

13 Shopping Tips for Childrens Shoes

Back-to-school time is on us. Besides shopping for your child’s school supplies, you’ll likely be purchasing new childrens shoes for them to wear to school and gym class, too.   If your kids are like most kids, they probably don’t like to go shopping for shoes....

Even Olympic Athletes Suffer from Foot Pain

On Friday, July 27, the 2012 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad, will begin in London, England. Over 10,000 athletes from 204 countries are expected to participate in the 26 sports with a total of 39 disciplines. The first ancient...

Don’t Let Foot Pain Ruin Your Vacation

Summer is a popular time to take a vacation. Some people want nothing more than to lounge around the pool or lie on the beach the whole time they’re away. Other people pack their vacation time with a constant stream of historical sites, museums and other places of...

12 Tips for Visiting Amusement Parks

Are you planning a trip to Disney World, Universal Studios, Cedar Point, Six Flags Great America or some of the other great amusement parks this summer? While an amusement park can be great time for people of all ages, the crowds and long lines can make a fun trip...

Cycling: Rules for the Road

Each year, over 500,000 Americans receive emergency treatment and over 700 people die due to bicycle-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Therefore, it’s important to ride responsibly in order to protect yourself and others....

Heel Fissures: “Heeling” Your Foot Pain

Now that summer is here, you’ve probably been wearing sandals or flip-flops. Have you noticed your sandals rubbing against the bottom outer edge of your heels, causing calluses to form? Over time, if you don’t treat these calluses, the skin can become thick, hard, dry...

10 Strategies for Successful Weight Loss

Swimsuit season is here. Did you manage to lose that extra weight you put on over of the winter? If not, you’re not alone. About 68 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. But it’s not too late to lose those excess pounds. In order to successfully lose weight,...

Be on Your Guard for Basketball Injuries

According to the National Sporting Goods Association, more Americans play basketball than any other team sport. Maybe that’s because basketball can be an incredibly exciting, fast-paced game. However, whether you play professionally, in a league, in a pick-up game or...

8 Tips for Treating an Ingrown Toenail

If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you know they can be painful. Your toe can become red and swollen around the nail. While you may be able to treat your ingrown toenail at home on your own, if you develop an infection (or if you have diabetes or a circulation...

The Cost of Fashion Shoes – Foot Pain and Injury

Recently, someone sent a link to me about these L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stafani sandals. And the note read, “Not exactly an ‘arch support.’” Well, you can say that again! I feel shoes like these need to come with a tag saying, “Buyer Beware.”   These shoes are nothing more...

Is It Time to Change Your Running Shoes?

Now that the weather is getting warmer, chances are you’ve probably started running again. But are you still wearing last year’s running shoes? If so, it’s time to check your shoes for wear and tear. Over time, with use, your running shoes can lose cushioning, shock...

Weed Out Foot Pain While Doing Yard or Garden Work

It’s spring! Depending on where you live, the trees and shrubs may be budding; the flowers may be blooming; and the grass may be growing greener and higher. Usually that means it’s time to start doing yard and garden work – mowing the lawn; putting down fertilizer;...

Boomers: Tips on Cycling for Fitness

Do you remember how much fun you used to have riding your bike as a kid? Well, it can still be just as fun as an adult. Cycling can be a great way to add more exercise into your daily routine. It provides you with a low-impact aerobic workout that’s great for toning...

Seniors: Increase Quality of Life with Proper Shoe Fit

Are you one of the 87% of older adults who suffer from foot pain? If so, then check your shoe size. At least a third of older individuals who have foot pain are wearing shoes that are either one size too big or too small. By wearing properly fitted shoes, you’ll not...

Got Arthritis? Do Yoga

If you suffer from arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid), then yoga can help relieve your symptoms and promote relaxation. Dating back 5,000 years to ancient India, yoga blends physical exercise and mental relaxation or meditation practices. During yoga, you go...

How to Relieve Your Aching Flat Feet

For the past few posts, we’ve been talking about overpronation, which causes the arches of your feet to flatten as you walk. If you suffer from flat feet or overpronation, you probably experience pain in your arches and the soles of your feet. Also, overpronation can...

How to Treat Frostbitten Feet

Depending upon where you live, your winter weather may be cold this year. (Here in the Midwest, we’ve had an unusual winter – although it’s been colder in January.) If you have been outside enjoying the winter weather, you need to take care to prevent your feet from...

Uggs Are Ugly to Your Feet

Sheepskin-lined boots, like Uggs and the various knock-offs, may keep your feet toasty in the winter, but they actually harm your feet.  When Uggs were first introduced, they were a favorite among surfers. But in the mid-2000s, celebrities, like Britney Spears and...

Do You Have Flat Feet or Fallen Arches?

How do you know? Have you noticed when walking with wet feet across concrete or sand that your foot’s impression doesn’t appear to have an arch? Or have you had a doctor, podiatrist or certified pedorthist tell you have flat feet?  Your foot actually has three arches...

Keep Your Figure Skating from Spiraling into Foot Pain

Figure skating can be great fun during the winter months. However, all the twists, turns, quick stops, and blade work can put a lot of stress on your feet, which can lead to foot pain and injury. Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, bursitis,...

WalkEzStore.com at Indianapolis Home Show

Come to the Indianapolis Home Show, January 20-29, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and check out the WalkEzStore.com. We’ll be located at booth #338 in the West Pavilion. Show Hours:  Friday, Jan. 20 – 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00...

Are You Resolved to Get Fit?

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to get fit? Maybe you want to lose weight, have a better toned body or be more physically active. Regardless of your goal, your exercise plan doesn’t have to be an intense or painful endeavor. Plus exercise provides many health...

Is Weight Loss Your New Year’s Resolution?

If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, then you’re not alone. About a third of all people who make resolutions want to lose weight as their primary goal. That’s because over 65% of American adults are overweight. Plus, many people pack on a few extra pounds...

Homes, Gardens and Foot Pain Relief

Are you looking for ways to renovate your home? Are you looking for ideas for your garden? Are you looking for foot, knee, hip and back pain relief while doing your home and garden renovations? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then check out the...

Combating a New Year’s Day Hangover and Foot Pain

How are you ringing in the new year? Are you going to a party? Are you planning on drinking? Are you going to dance the night away? If so, you may wake up on January 1st with not only a hangover from drinking too much, but also from dancing too much. You may already...

Even Santa Gets Sore Feet!

The WalkEzStore recently received this testimonial: Dear Kathy,  Each year, my feet and body take a beating during the days leading up to Christmas Eve.  I spend a considerable amount of time standing at my workbench, making toys for all the good little boys and...

Celebrate the Holidays without High-Heel Foot Pain

It’s the holidays and time for holiday parties. You’ve got the cute cocktail dress and a pair of killer high heels. And if you’re planning to dance the night away, more than likely, you’re going to wake up the next morning with foot pain or a “high-heel hangover.” Did...

Is Nerve Damage Causing Your Foot Pain?

Do you have numbness, tingling or pricking sensations in your foot? Do you have muscle weakness in your feet, ankles or legs? Do you experience extreme sensitivity to the lightest touch? Then you may be suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy...

Reebok to Refund $25 Million for False Advertising

You probably remember seeing the Reebok commercial where an obviously fit woman tells you that Reebok EasyTone shoes are proven to strengthen hamstrings and calves by up to 11%. And, they tone the gluteus maximus muscle up to 28% more than regular walking shoes....

Don’t Foul Your Game With Lower Extremity Pain

Are you a member of a recreational basketball league? Or, perhaps you like to play in quick pick-up games? Basketball can be an exciting game to play, but it also exerts a tremendous amount of pressure on your feet, ankles and knees. If you don’t wear the right type...

Travel Tips for the Holiday Season

Are you going to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving, spending Christmas at Disney World, or skiing in Colorado over New Year’s Day? Traveling over the holidays can be expensive, stressful, and tiring on your feet. But with careful planning, your holiday trip can be more...

Obtain Pain Relief in Two Minutes a Day

Do you suffer from arthritis and find it hard to fit 30 minutes of exercise into your day? Well, a recent study shows you may be able to ease pain in just two minutes of exercise daily.  In this study, 198 office workers with frequent neck and shoulder pain were split...

Protect Your Feet While You Protect Your Country

In honor of Veterans Day yesterday, if you are one of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, you know that the difficult training and hard work you do can take a toll of your feet. These activities can lead to a variety of foot problems. Therefore,...