Finding the right running shoe begins with understanding your foot type and gait. Pronation refers to how the foot rolls inward during movement. Neutral pronation occurs when weight is evenly distributed, providing balanced support. Overpronation happens when the foot rolls inward excessively, increasing strain on joints. Supination occurs when the foot rolls outward, reducing shock absorption. Stability running shoes are designed to support overpronation by controlling motion and improving alignment. Neutral running shoes provide cushioning and are best for those with balanced gait or mild supination. Risk factors for improper fit include foot structure and activity level. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, recommend proper footwear, and help with  injury prevention tips. If you enjoy running and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat foot and ankle conditions and guide you on what type of running shoes to buy.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. 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 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a foot condition where the big toe gradually shifts inward while the joint at its base becomes enlarged and prominent. It often appears as a visible bump on the side of the foot, which may become red, swollen, and painful over time. The condition develops slowly due to pressure and imbalance in the foot structure, often influenced by genetics, wearing improper footwear, or abnormal walking patterns. Symptoms can include aching pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes comfortably. Risk factors include wearing tight or narrow shoes, family history of bunions, flat feet, and prolonged standing. As the condition progresses, the deformity may become more noticeable and discomfort may increase. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity, monitor progression, and offer treatment options to reduce pain and improve alignment. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions. It is strongly suggested that if you have a bunion, you visit a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Paul Drucker of NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle popping can happen while walking, exercising, or rotating the foot. The sound is sometimes caused by tendons sliding across the ankle bones or small gas bubbles releasing inside the joint. Tight muscles, weak ankle support, and previous ankle sprains can also lead to popping sensations. In some cases, the tendons on the outer side of the ankle move out of place and create a snapping sound. Exercises that improve ankle strength and flexibility can help reduce stress on the joint. Helpful exercises include ankle circles, calf raises, and balancing on one foot. These movements strengthen the muscles that support the ankle and improve stability. Stretching the calf muscles can also help the ankle move more smoothly while walking and being active. If ankle popping is accompanied by pain, swelling, or stiffness, a podiatrist can examine the ankle and recommend proper treatment. If your ankle frequently makes a popping sound, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects the nail and surrounding tissue. The nail may appear thickened, yellow, white, or brittle, and it can become distorted or separate from the nail bed. Some people notice a mild odor or debris beneath the nail. In certain cases, the area may feel uncomfortable, especially in tight shoes. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and infections can develop from walking barefoot in public areas, wearing damp footwear, or having small cracks in the skin or nail. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail and may confirm the infection through testing to guide treatment. Care may include topical medications, oral antifungal therapy, or debridement to reduce thickness and improve medication effectiveness. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Paul Drucker of NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.