Choosing the right running shoes is essential to enhancing performance and preventing injury. The type of running you do plays a significant role in determining the best shoe for you. If you are a long-distance runner, look for shoes that offer plenty of cushioning to absorb impact over extended periods. For speedwork or short-distance running, lightweight shoes with a more responsive feel will help improve your pace. Trail runners require shoes with durable outsoles and better grip to handle uneven, rough terrains. Consider your foot arch and pronation as well. Those with flat feet or overpronation may benefit from shoes with added support, while high arches may need shoes with more flexibility and cushioning. Proper fit is key, so make sure there is enough room in the toe box and that the shoe feels snug without causing discomfort. If you have endured a foot injury from wearing the wrong running shoes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on choosing the right running shoes.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. 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 office located in Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists perform vascular testing to assess blood flow in the feet and legs, vital for diagnosing and managing conditions that impact circulation. These tests are particularly important for individuals with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, abbreviated PAD, or chronic foot wounds, as poor circulation can hinder healing and lead to severe complications. Common vascular tests include the ankle-brachial index, or ABI, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to the arm, and Doppler ultrasound, which visualizes blood flow in arteries and veins. Vascular testing helps identify narrowed or blocked vessels, allowing podiatrists to develop targeted treatment plans. Early detection of vascular issues is essential in preventing serious outcomes, including ulcers and, in extreme cases, amputation. If you have cold feet, numbness, or non-healing wounds on your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for this kind of testing.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a condition characterized by the growth of benign nodules or lumps in the connective tissue of the foot. These nodules form along the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. The primary symptoms of plantar fibromatosis include pain, discomfort, and the visible appearance of lumps on the bottom of the foot. In some cases, the lumps may become large enough to limit movement or cause difficulty walking. The exact cause of the condition is not fully understood, although genetics may play a role, as it tends to run in families. Other factors such as trauma or repeated injury to the foot may also contribute. If you have developed nodules on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis and effective relief tips.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Donald Manger, DPM of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.