Blog

Trail running can be peaceful, exciting, and demanding on your feet. The right trail-running shoes can improve comfort and control when pavement gives way to dirt. Road-running shoes can work on a smooth park path, but they are not built for loose gravel, roots, or sharp rocks. Trail shoes have deeper tread for grip, stronger materials for protection, and a firmer base for stability. Some also have a rock plate, which is a thin layer inside the sole that shields the foot from pointed objects. It is important to choose a shoe that matches the ground you expect to cover.

Fit matters as much as trail type. Your toes need room to spread, yet your heel should stay secure on climbs and descents. A shoe that is too short can press the toes against the front, especially when running downhill. A loose shoe can let the foot slide and create painful rubbing. Cushioning should feel comfortable without making the shoe unstable. Heel-to-toe drop means the height difference between the heel and forefoot. A podiatrist can explain which drop, support level, and shoe shape best fit your feet and running style.

Light-trail shoes suit packed dirt and well-kept paths. Rugged-trail shoes provide more grip and protection on rocky or muddy routes. Off-trail models are built for rough ground where stability matters most. No shoe prevents every injury, so notice pain, numbness, or repeated blisters. A podiatrist can examine your feet, study how you run, and identify problems that affect shoe choice. The foot doctor can also recommend inserts made for your needs and guide a safe return to running after an injury. Bring your current running shoes because their wear pattern can offer useful clues. If you have foot pain after trail running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment tips and guidance on what shoes to purchase.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Foot stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve the way the feet support the body during standing, walking, and physical activity. The feet contain many small muscles that contribute to arch support, balance, and controlled movement. When these muscles become weak or underused, the feet may have difficulty maintaining stability. Short foot exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that support the arches without requiring complicated equipment. Regular foot exercises may also help improve mobility and body awareness. People who spend long hours standing, participate in sports, or experience certain foot mechanics may benefit from adding simple strengthening exercises to a healthy foot-care routine.

One useful exercise is the short foot exercise, which focuses on gently drawing the ball of the foot toward the heel without curling the toes. This movement activates muscles that help stabilize the arch while keeping the foot relaxed. Another helpful technique is an independent toe lift. During this exercise, the big toe is lifted while the other toes remain down, followed by lifting the smaller toes while keeping the big toe down. Independent toe lifts can improve foot control and mobility by teaching the toes and smaller foot muscles to work separately. These exercises should be performed slowly and without forcing uncomfortable movement.

Strengthening the feet may improve stability during everyday activities because stronger arch-supporting muscles can help control how the foot contacts the ground. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, joint movement, muscle strength, and walking mechanics before recommending exercises. 

Consistency is important when developing stronger and more mobile feet. Short sessions performed regularly may be more useful than occasional intense workouts. Exercises should never cause sharp pain or significantly increase existing symptoms. If you want to learn more about foot stretches and strengthening exercises, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendations.

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

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Ankle pain without a direct injury can seem unexpected, but several conditions can cause discomfort without a clear accident or fall. Arthritis, gout, and Achilles tendon injuries are among some of the problems that can all affect the ankle. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and tenderness when the joint changes. Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain when crystals build up inside a joint. Bursitis develops when small fluid-filled sacs near the ankle become irritated. Fallen arches can also place extra stress on the feet and ankles. In addition, repeated activity can irritate the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle to help determine what is causing the pain. The evaluation can include checking the ankle's movement, looking for swelling, and examining areas of tenderness. A podiatrist can also review your symptoms and ask about your activity level, previous foot or ankle problems, and other health conditions that could relate to the pain. Imaging tests can provide additional information when a structural problem is suspected. X-rays can show changes in bones and joints, while an ultrasound can help identify problems involving tendons. Finding the cause is important because treatment depends on what is behind the ankle pain.

Once the cause has been identified, a podiatrist can recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment can include wearing supportive shoes or inserts, bracing, or medication, when appropriate. Some conditions require more specialized treatment, while severe tendon or joint problems can sometimes require surgery. A podiatrist can also monitor your progress and make changes to treatment based on your symptoms and examination findings. Ankle pain that appears without a direct injury should not be ignored, particularly when it is persistent, severe, or accompanied by swelling or stiffness. If you have ankle pain without direct injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. 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 Midtown, Manhattan New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone that develop from repeated force instead of a single injury. They frequently affect the bones of the foot because these bones absorb pressure with every step. Running, jumping, or suddenly increasing activity can place more stress on the bones than they can safely handle. Wearing shoes that lack proper support can also contribute to the problem. Symptoms include pain that gradually becomes worse during activity, tenderness over one area of the foot, and swelling. The pain usually improves with rest at first but can become more constant as the injury progresses. Early evaluation is important because untreated stress fractures can become more serious injuries. Healing can take several weeks, depending on the location and severity of the fracture.

A podiatrist evaluates the foot, walking pattern, and areas of tenderness to determine whether a stress fracture is likely. Imaging tests can help confirm the diagnosis when necessary. Treatment includes protecting the injured foot, reducing pressure on the affected bone, and recommending shoes that provide proper support. A podiatrist also identifies factors that contributed to the injury, including abnormal foot mechanics or uneven pressure. Regular follow-up visits help monitor healing and guide a safe return to normal activities. Care is tailored to the location of the fracture and the patient's daily activity level.

Ignoring a stress fracture can increase the risk of a complete fracture and delay recovery. Some stress fractures heal on their own, while others require closer monitoring because of their location or severity. Early podiatry care helps protect the injured bone, improve foot function, and reduce unnecessary stress on surrounding tissues. Prompt diagnosis also supports better healing and lowers the chance of long-term complications affecting mobility. If you have symptoms of stress fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

A broken toe can happen after a heavy object lands on the foot, the toe strikes a hard surface, or the foot twists during sports. Repeated pressure can also cause a stress fracture. Pain usually starts near the injured bone and can worsen while standing or walking. Other signs include swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The toe can look bent when the broken ends have shifted. A cut, bleeding around the nail, or bone showing through the skin needs prompt medical attention. The big toe plays an important role in balance and push-off, so an injury there can strongly affect movement.

It can be hard to tell a toe fracture from a sprain based on appearance alone. A podiatrist will ask how the injury happened and examine the toe for pain, position, and skin damage. This foot doctor can also check blood flow and numbness. X-rays can show where the bone broke and whether the pieces remain lined up. More detailed imaging is sometimes useful when the break is hard to see or extends into a joint. An accurate diagnosis matters because a poorly aligned bone can lead to stiffness, pain, or trouble fitting into shoes.

Treatment depends on the toe involved, the break's location, and how far the bone has moved. A podiatrist can stabilize a simple fracture by securing the injured toe to the toe beside it. The doctor can also provide a stiff-soled shoe or walking boot to limit painful motion and offer protection. When bone fragments are out of line, the podiatrist can return them to the proper position. Serious open, crushed, or joint-related fractures may require surgery. Seek prompt care after treatment when pain is severe, the toe appears crooked, or numbness develops. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment tips.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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