Choosing the right running shoes helps protect your feet and lowers the chance of painful injuries. A properly fitted shoe gives your toes enough room to move. Meanwhile, the midfoot and heel should be snug but not tight. About a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe helps prevent bruised toenails and pressure. Shoes that are too narrow can cause tingling, numbness, and painful rubbing. Shoes that are too short can lead to bruised toes. Additionally, shoes that are too wide can allow your foot to slide, increasing the risk of blisters on the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can examine your feet, identify your foot shape, and recommend running shoes that match your needs and running style.

Finding the best fit takes more than trying on the first pair that feels comfortable. Shop later in the day because your feet naturally become slightly larger by evening. Wear the same socks you plan to use while running. Bring custom orthotics if you use them because they affect shoe fit. Always fit the larger foot first because one foot is usually a bit bigger than the other. Foot size also changes with age, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and previous surgery.

After buying running shoes, pay close attention to how they feel on your first few runs. Blisters on top of or between the toes usually mean the shoes are too small. Heel blisters can mean the heel area is too loose. Tingling or numbness points to shoes that are too narrow or lack enough space. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to ongoing discomfort and foot problems. A podiatrist can evaluate your running gait, recommend appropriate shoe features, and determine whether orthotics would improve comfort and support. If you have foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Flat feet occur when the arches on the inside of the feet are very low or absent. As a result, most or all of the sole touches the ground while standing. Most babies are born with flat feet, but in time, the arch develops properly. If arches never develop, or if they collapse later in life, flat feet can cause pain or other problems with walking. Flat feet can be flexible, meaning an arch appears when the foot is not bearing weight. They can also be rigid, which means the arch is absent at all times. Because the arches help absorb shock and support body weight, changes in foot structure can place extra stress on muscles, tendons, and joints.

Flat feet can lead to a variety of foot and ankle problems. Common symptoms include foot aching in the arch, heel pain, and ankle discomfort. Some people notice fatigue in their feet after standing for long periods of time. Others develop swelling along the inside of the ankle. Flat feet can also change the way a person walks. This altered movement pattern can place added strain on the knees, hips, and lower legs. In some cases, the feet roll inward too much while walking, creating uneven pressure across the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, examine walking patterns, and determine whether flat feet are contributing to pain or instability.

Identifying the cause of flat feet is an important part of treatment. Options include custom orthotics, supportive footwear recommendations, and other measures designed to improve foot function. Some patients benefit from bracing to provide added support. Severe cases can require surgery when pain is persistent and foot function is significantly affected. Early evaluation can help reduce strain on the feet and improve comfort while walking. Proper treatment can also help prevent related problems involving the ankles and lower limbs. If you have flat feet that cause discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and management solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. A fungus is a tiny living organism that grows best in warm, damp environments. The infection can spread to other parts of the foot, and, in some cases, to the toenails. Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling skin. Some people also develop redness, cracking, or small blisters. The skin can become sore and uncomfortable while walking, especially when the infection worsens. Because several skin conditions have similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist carefully examines the affected skin and determines whether another condition is causing the problem. In some cases, a small skin sample is examined to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Athlete's foot spreads through direct contact with the fungus or by touching contaminated surfaces. Places like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pool areas can increase the chance of exposure. The infection is also more likely to develop when feet remain warm and moist for long periods. Wearing shoes that lack proper support can increase pressure on irritated skin, making walking more uncomfortable, although these shoes do not cause the infection itself. Without proper treatment, athlete's foot can spread to other areas of the foot or lead to bacterial infections. A bacterial infection develops when harmful bacteria enter cracked skin, causing increased redness, swelling, and pain.

A podiatrist provides treatment based on the severity and location of the infection. Care includes confirming the diagnosis, prescribing medications to eliminate the fungus, and monitoring the skin as it heals. If the infection has spread to the toenails or becomes persistent, additional treatment helps prevent further damage. Prompt care also lowers the risk of complications and reduces the chance of the infection returning. Professional podiatric treatment helps restore healthy skin and allows people to return to normal daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment tips, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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