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.

As people age, several common foot problems may develop due to natural changes in skin, circulation, and joint health. One significant change is that the fat pads on the feet become thinner, reducing cushioning and increasing sensitivity to pressure. This can lead to discomfort, calluses, and a higher risk of skin breakdown. Protecting elderly feet involves staying active to promote circulation and mobility, inspecting feet daily for cuts or changes, using moisturizer to prevent dryness, and wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support. These habits help maintain comfort and reduce complications. A podiatrist can assess foot health, manage existing concerns, and recommend preventive care. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on additional elderly foot care tips.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone, often developing gradually due to repeated stress on the foot. They are commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, high impact activities, wearing poor footwear, or excess weight that places pressure on the heel. Symptoms may include sharp or aching pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The heel may look normal from the outside, although tenderness or swelling can be present, and the pain can feel like a stabbing or deep ache when standing or walking. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination and imaging when needed, to confirm the presence of a heel spur and identify contributing factors. Treatment often begins with shoe modifications, custom orthotics, targeted exercises to reduce stress, and anti-inflammatory care. If you have heel spurs, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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.