February 2022

Did you know that you can only walk in a pair of shoes for approximately 500 miles before the cushioning, tread, and insole get worn out? Wearing shoes for longer than that can be bad for your feet and may even lead to an injury like plantar fasciitis or even an ankle sprain. Here are a few pointers for getting your next pair of walking shoes. Be sure to get your feet measured properly so you can ensure the right fit. Pro tip: you’ll generally want to go up a size from your regular shoes to accommodate for feet that can swell from at least a half hour of walking. Lacing your walking shoes using a “runner's loop” will allow your toes to expand while keeping your heel in place at the heel cup. Make sure your socks fit properly too—and aren’t too big or too tight—and are made of a synthetic, moisture wicking material that draws sweat away from your feet. If you like to alternate your walking shoes to allow them time to dry out between use, try to use the same brand and style so you don’t confuse your muscles. For expert advice on walking shoes to support and cushion your particular feet (while addressing any gait issues you may have), consult with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis, an inflammation of the two tiny sesamoid bones located just beneath the big toe, can cause foot pain in the ball of the foot. A bone scan or MRI, in addition to a physical examination, are typically needed to diagnose this condition. There are various means for managing sesamoiditis. These include immobilizing and resting the affected foot, wearing orthotics, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain, applying ice to the area, and going to physical therapy. If these management strategies don’t provide adequate relief, corticosteroid injections directly into the foot may help. If you are suffering from foot pain, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

When you stretch the rest of your body, your feet can seem like an afterthought. However, there are many benefits to stretching your feet. Did you know that keeping your feet strong and flexible can prevent pain and injuries? Exercises that increase foot flexibility can improve the range of motion in your feet, making it easier to walk, run, stand, and exercise. Strengthening exercises improve the health of your foot muscles, allowing them to provide stronger support and protection to the feet as a whole. Most foot stretches are simple, usually requiring very little time and special equipment. To learn more about stretching your feet, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people experience the sensation of “pins and needles” in their feet when they cross their legs for too long. Generally, it recedes once the blood flows to the affected area. However, when the occurrence of this sensation becomes more frequent, it can affect your ability to walk or stand safely. This condition, known as paresthesia, may be experienced as tingling, itching and burning, aching pain, or numbness. The cause is likely to be peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a buildup of plaque in your arteries. The result is poor circulation due to the reduced flow of blood to the feet. Other contributing factors include having diabetes, being overweight, overindulgence in alcohol, and possible vitamin deficiency. Some actions that might help are eating healthy foods, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and taking short walks daily. If you have noticed an increase in the frequency of a pins-and-needles sensation in your feet, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a complete examination and suggested treatment plan.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.