Foot Health Resources

Generally, you should replace walking shoes every 300-500 miles or running shoes every 300-500 miles. This typically means replacing them every 6-12 months, depending on your activity level. Signs that it's time for new shoes include visible wear on the soles, decreased cushioning, or new aches and pains in your feet, knees, or hips.

For small blisters, it's best to keep them covered with a bandage and avoid popping them to reduce infection risk. For larger, painful blisters, clean the area with soap and water, sterilize a needle with alcohol, make a small puncture at the edge to drain the fluid (leaving the skin intact), apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage. See a podiatrist if the blister appears infected or isn't healing properly.

Custom orthotics are prescribed by a podiatrist and made specifically for your feet, providing targeted support for your unique foot structure and specific condition. Over-the-counter insoles can provide general cushioning and support but aren't tailored to your specific needs. For mild discomfort or preventive care, over-the-counter options may be sufficient, but for specific foot conditions or chronic pain, custom orthotics are typically more effective.

You should consult a podiatrist if you experience: severe pain or swelling, pain that doesn't improve after several days of home treatment, recurring foot/ankle pain, signs of infection (redness, warmth, tenderness), an open wound that isn't healing, symptoms of diabetes with any foot concerns, or decreased ability to walk normally. Early intervention often leads to more effective treatment and prevents complications.