Selecting the appropriate footwear for physical activity is critical for support and protection. Knowing when to choose walking shoes versus running shoes depends on various factors, including foot mechanics, activity level, and personal comfort. Walking shoes are designed with a flexible sole, providing cushioning and support for the foot's natural rolling motion during each step. In contrast, running shoes feature additional cushioning in the heel and forefoot to absorb impact forces and support higher-intensity activities. Key distinctions between the two types of shoes include differences in shape, support, heel drop, and arch support. Also important to consider are flexibility and durability. If you are trying to determine the best shoe type for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess foot biomechanics, recommend appropriate shoe types, and provide custom orthotic devices to enhance comfort and prevent injuries during walking or running activities.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. 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 Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Buerger's disease is a vascular condition primarily affecting the feet and hands, characterized by inflammation and clotting of small and medium-sized arteries and veins. It is strongly associated with smoking, with tobacco use being a significant risk factor. Symptoms of Buerger's disease, also termed thromboangiitis obliterans, include pain, numbness, tingling, and discoloration in the affected extremities, worsening with activity and improving with rest. Typically afflicting young to middle-aged individuals, especially heavy smokers, diagnosis involves a medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as a Doppler ultrasound or angiography. Treatment focuses on smoking cessation, lifestyle adjustments,  and medications to alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as bypass surgery or amputation to improve blood flow and prevent tissue damage may be needed. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical in managing Buerger's disease and reducing the risk of complications. If you are experiencing foot pain as described above, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and potential infection. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or genetic predisposition. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to cut nails straight across and avoid rounding the edges. Wearing properly fitted shoes that allow for ample toe room can also reduce the risk. Allowing toenails to breathe by wearing open-toed shoes occasionally promotes healthy nail growth and reduces pressure on the toes. If you have an ingrown toenail and the pain worsens or it appears infected, it is suggested that you seek prompt treatment from a podiatrist. This foot doctor can provide professional care, such as lifting the nail edge, prescribing antibiotics for infection, or performing a partial nail avulsion procedure if necessary. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.