Walking shoes and running shoes are built differently to match specific movement patterns and impact levels. Walking shoes often feature a flexible upper, stable midsole, and durable outsole that supports a smooth heel-to-toe motion. Running shoes typically include enhanced cushioning to absorb repeated impact and a more responsive midsole for forward propulsion. Shoe stability is important in both types, and proper fit should include checking for heel slippage and allowing enough toe room. Wearing the correct footwear may help prevent painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, recommend proper shoes, and provide custom orthotics. If you are experiencing foot pain after walking or running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your desired activity. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes of heel discomfort and develops when the strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or overstressed. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, supports the arch and helps absorb the force created during walking and standing. When the fascia becomes strained, tiny tears can develop that lead to inflammation and heel pain. Many people first notice discomfort when stepping out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long period. The pain may feel sharp at the heel and sometimes spreads across the bottom of the foot. Causes include overuse, tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, or shoes that lack proper support. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot structure, identify the source of the irritation, and guide treatment. Care may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to ease tension. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, natural changes in muscle strength, joint flexibility, and balance can affect how they walk. Walking, also called gait, should be smooth, even, and steady. After about age 70, walking speed often slows as steps become shorter, often the result of weaker calf muscles that help move the body forward. Older adults may also keep both feet on the ground a little longer with each step to feel more stable. While some changes in gait are expected, others are not. Uneven steps, shuffling, dragging the toes, leaning forward, or trouble starting to walk may signal problems. These may involve joints, nerves, or certain areas of the brain that control movement and coordination. Arthritis, poor sensation in the feet, and balance disorders can all affect gait. A podiatrist can carefully assess how you stand and walk to help to identify abnormal patterns. Solutions include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or other treatment to improve stability and comfort. If you experience problems walking normally, 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 one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running injuries often develop when training demands exceed what the body can handle. Looking at injury risk through a cause-and-effect lens helps identify why problems occur and how to prevent them. Factors such as previous injuries, muscle weakness, limited flexibility, and foot mechanics all influence how stress moves through the body. Recent changes in mileage, speed, or terrain also play a major role, especially when increases happen too quickly. By understanding both personal risk factors and current training load, runners can adjust routines before pain develops. Gradual progression, appropriate recovery, and wearing supportive footwear help reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and joints. Early attention to discomfort allows small issues to be addressed before they become injuries. If foot or ankle pain continues despite training adjustments, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.