May 2021

Why Are Walking Shoes Different Than Running Shoes?

Walking shoes and running shoes are designed to accommodate different types of weight distribution, impact, and strides. Walking is a low-impact activity where an individual’s body weight rolls from heel to toe—distributing it evenly throughout the feet. Running is a high-impact activity requiring the body to absorb approximately three times its weight in various parts of the foot, depending on the running style and speed of movement. Walking shoes have a thick outsole and are generally more structured than a running shoe. They offer cushioned midsoles, stability and support for the heel, ankles and calves, and wide toe boxes. Running shoes come in a range of styles to help alleviate the force various running strides put on different areas of the feet. They are typically lighter weight than walking shoes to allow airflow, but provide extra cushioning at the heel and toe. Running shoes also have varying levels of support but are typically more flexible than walking shoes. A podiatrist can suggest walking and running shoes and create custom orthotics that are best suited for an individual’s specific foot structure and needs.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Why Do My Foot Wounds Heal Slowly?

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing wounds on your feet. These wounds often heal slowly due to having this condition. A number of factors may cause poor wound healing. When your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, as is frequently the case in people with diabetes, the immune system does not function as efficiently, nutrients and oxygen are prevented from energizing the cells, and there is increased inflammation. All of this can slow down wound healing. Peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage often seen in diabetics, can lead to a loss of sensation in the lower limbs, making it harder to detect and treat wounds in their early stages. Poor circulation, another complication common in diabetics, reduces blood flow to the feet. Without an adequate blood supply, wounds cannot heal properly. When foot wounds go undetected or are left untreated, the risk of infection significantly increases. If you have diabetes, inspecting the feet daily for any abnormalities can help prevent wound infection and other serious complications. To learn more about the effects of diabetes on the feet, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

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Foot Care and Footwear During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes many changes in your body, including your feet. Swelling in the feet or ankles (edema) may occur, especially at the end of the day or after spending time on your feet. You can help alleviate this discomfort by elevating your feet whenever you get the chance, keeping yourself hydrated, wearing comfortable shoes with low heels, exercising your feet by rotating them and flexing them up and down, and sleeping on your left side to help circulation. While edema will normally subside after pregnancy, an increase in your foot’s size may not. A hormone called relaxin is released during pregnancy to prepare your body for birth, which can also relax the ligaments in your feet, causing them to lengthen and widen. To keep your feet as comfortable as possible during pregnancy, wear flat or low-heeled shoes with good arch support. As you advance in your pregnancy, you may want to avoid laces and opt for slip-on shoes, and always check your foot size before buying new shoes. For more information on how to properly care for and dress your feet during pregnancy, consult with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Read more about Getting the Right Shoe Size: To Keep Your Feet Happy

The Different Types of Ankle Injuries

There are several components that make up each ankle. These include numerous bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. An injury could affect one or all of the parts of the ankle, and this may cause severe pain and discomfort. There are various injuries that can occur which may hinder completing daily activities. These can consist of bruises, deep cuts, fractures, and sprains. Additionally, many patients can experience pain in the back of the calf, and this may be indicative of an Achilles tendon injury. If your ankle is swollen, or you find it difficult to walk and stand, speak to a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat your ankle pain.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

 

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