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Walking and running shoes are designed to meet the specific demands placed on the feet during each activity. Walking shoes typically have a more flexible sole to accommodate the natural rolling motion of the foot as it strikes the ground. They offer cushioning in the heel and arch to provide comfort during prolonged periods of walking. In contrast, running shoes are built to handle the higher impact and repetitive force that running creates. They feature more advanced cushioning, especially in the heel and forefoot, to absorb shock and reduce strain on the joints. Running shoes also offer more support in the midsole to help stabilize the foot during high-impact activities. While walking shoes focus on comfort and support for slower, low-impact movements, running shoes are engineered to provide durability and protection for the faster, more intense demands of running. If you have sustained a foot injury from wearing the wrong shoes for your desired sport, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on appropriate shoes to wear.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC 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 one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running can be an excellent way to stay active, but it places repetitive stress on the feet, ankles, and toes, often leading to injuries. Common foot-related injuries in runners include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the broad ligament on the bottom of the foot, leading to heel pain, especially during morning steps. Stress fractures, hairline cracks in bones like those in the foot or heel, can develop from overuse and require proper care to prevent worsening. Ankle sprains, caused by overstretching ligaments, result in swelling, pain, and reduced mobility. Ingrown toenails are also prevalent among runners, often from wearing improperly fitted footwear, causing discomfort and possible infection if untreated. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis of your foot condition and recommend tailored treatment, based on the type and severity of the injury. Early intervention helps prevent minor injuries from progressing to chronic issues. If you have sustained a foot injury related to running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatry plays an important role as the elderly population often faces unique foot health challenges. As people age, they experience changes in their feet such as decreased circulation, joint stiffness, and weakened muscles, which may lead to conditions like arthritis, diabetes-related foot issues, and balance problems. Podiatrists treating geriatric patients can provide tailored care to address these concerns, helping to prevent falls, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Proper foot care is essential for seniors, as untreated foot problems can lead to more serious complications, including infections and disability. Podiatrists also play an important role in educating patients and caregivers on proper foot hygiene, suitable footwear, and exercises to maintain foot strength and flexibility. If you are elderly, or caring for an elderly patient, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can expertly manage foot care for seniors.

If you need your feet checked, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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