Not all walking shoes are alike, and selecting the right pair is essential for maintaining healthy feet, toes, and ankles. A good walking shoe should offer proper arch support, cushioning, and stability to reduce the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. People with flat feet often require shoes with enhanced arch support, while those with heel pain may benefit from extra cushioning to minimize strain on the feet and ankles. Poorly fitted shoes can contribute to problems like blisters, bunions, or ingrown toenails, making it important to prioritize both comfort and durability. High-quality materials and a secure fit ensure that your walking shoes maintain their structure and support during regular use. A podiatrist can provide a professional assessment of your foot structure and gait, guiding you in selecting footwear that will reduce discomfort and support healthy movement. If you have foot pain after walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and help in selecting the right shoes.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Spending long hours on your feet can lead to several issues, from foot pain and fatigue to more serious conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and joint discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back. Constant standing and walking place stress on the feet and lower body, increasing the risk of muscle strain, joint misalignment, and poor posture over time. Custom orthotics offer a solution by providing targeted support and cushioning to reduce these risks. By redistributing pressure more evenly across the feet and enhancing arch support, orthotics help maintain proper alignment, reducing strain on the entire lower body. They also absorb shock, which minimizes the impact on joints, helping to prevent pain and injury. If you work on your feet and experience foot discomfort it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to learn how custom orthotics can improve your comfort, support, and long-term physical health.

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts are not just for cushioning the soles; they are about supporting the foundation of our body - our feet. The advantages extend far beyond immediate relief from discomfort. These personalized solutions, that Our doctors can prescribe, can significantly impact a person’s posture, alleviate pain in various parts of the body, and even enhance athletic performance.

As we lace up our shoes each day, having the right support can make a world of difference. Custom orthotics are like tailored suites for our feet, offering a bespoke solution to address our unique biomechanical needs. They provide stability where it is lacking, correct imbalances, and ensure that every step is a confident and pain-free one. 

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts offer long-term health benefits. By addressing issues such as overpronation or underpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, etc. orthotics can help prevent injuries and mitigate the progression of existing conditions. It’s an investment not just in the present, but in the future health of your feet and consequently, your overall well-being. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bruised heels, often resulting from repeated impact or sudden injury, cause significant discomfort and can hinder daily activities. This pain typically stems from overuse, such as prolonged standing, running, or wearing unsupportive footwear on hard surfaces. Activities that place high pressure on the heel’s fat pad, such as jumping or high-impact sports, can also lead to bruising. In some cases, a direct injury, such as landing awkwardly, may cause trauma to the heel’s soft tissues. For treatment, rest and reducing weight-bearing activities are essential to allow healing. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bruise, recommend supportive orthotics, and provide guidance on footwear. If you have a bruised heel, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor for appropriate care.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. This condition most commonly affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. The main causes of ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, where the nails are cut too short or rounded at the edges, and wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toes. Injuries to the toe, such as stubbing, can also lead to an ingrown toenail. Prevention involves trimming toenails straight across to avoid sharp edges that can dig into the skin. Wearing shoes that fit properly and allow for adequate toe room is also essential. Keeping the feet clean and dry, and avoiding excessive pressure on the toes, can further help prevent ingrown toenails and reduce the risk of infection. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.