Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that improve the way the feet support the body while standing and walking. They help control foot movement, reduce pressure, and improve balance. Unlike simple insoles, orthotics are designed to match a person's foot shape and movement patterns. A podiatrist examines the feet, watches how you walk, and identifies areas of extra stress before recommending treatment. Orthotics can help relieve pain caused by problems like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and arthritis. They also reduce strain on joints by improving foot alignment. Better alignment helps the feet work more efficiently and can make everyday activities more comfortable. Research also shows that properly prescribed orthotics improve function and reduce pain for many patients with foot conditions.

Orthotics come in different designs to meet different needs. Some are custom-made after a detailed assessment, while others are prefabricated and selected for specific foot problems. A podiatrist determines which option provides the best support based on your symptoms, foot structure, and activity level. Custom orthotics provide a more precise fit for complex conditions. Prefabricated devices can also provide meaningful relief for certain patients. Modern materials allow orthotics to remain lightweight, durable, and comfortable while fitting inside many styles of shoes. Proper fit is important because shoes that lack proper support or fit too tightly can reduce the benefits of orthotics.

A podiatrist also checks how orthotics perform after they are prescribed and makes adjustments when necessary to improve comfort and function. Regular follow-up visits help confirm that the devices continue supporting the feet correctly. Orthotics can reduce stress on painful areas, improve stability, and help people stay active with greater confidence. Early evaluation also helps address foot problems before they become more difficult to manage. If you have symptoms of foot pain or a condition that could benefit from orthotics, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what type of orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our specialists from Dr. Lee S. Cohen Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Wearing the right shoes plays an important role in protecting foot health and preventing pain. Shoes that fit correctly help support the feet while walking and standing. Poorly fitting shoes can place extra pressure on certain areas of the foot and contribute to problems, such as bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes. A hammertoe is a toe that bends abnormally at one of its joints. Shoes with a wide toe box give the toes enough room to move naturally. The toe box is the front part of the shoe that surrounds the toes. Proper shoes also help distribute body weight more evenly across the foot, reducing stress on joints and soft tissues.

Several features make a shoe healthier for the feet. Shoes with low heels place less pressure on the front of the foot than high-heeled shoes. A wide and deep toe box helps prevent crowding of the toes. Breathable materials allow air to circulate around the feet. Lace-up shoes usually provide a more secure fit than slip-on styles. A firm heel counter, which is the back portion of the shoe, helps keep the foot stable. The sole should provide cushioning and support. A shoe should also allow the ball of the foot to rest comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, walking patterns, and shoe-related problems. Foot pain sometimes develops because shoes do not match the shape or needs of the feet. A podiatrist can identify pressure points, diagnose shoe-related conditions, and recommend footwear that offers better support and comfort. In some cases, special shoes or custom orthotics worn inside shoes help improve foot function. Professional evaluation can also help prevent existing foot conditions from becoming more serious. If you have foot pain that worsens when wearing shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on how to choose shoes that fit properly. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our specialists from Dr. Lee S. Cohen Associates. Our doctors 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 Marlton, NJ and Ridley Park, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls become a greater concern as people grow older, and the feet play a much larger role than many realize. Foot pain, poor balance, and changes in foot shape can make it harder to stay steady while walking. Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis can affect the way a person walks and increase the chance of losing balance. Reduced feeling in the feet, which can develop with aging or certain medical conditions, also makes it more difficult to sense the ground. Shoes that lack proper support create another risk because they reduce stability. Paying attention to foot health is an important part of lowering the risk of falls and protecting overall mobility.

A podiatrist can identify foot problems that affect balance before they lead to a serious injury. A foot examination checks for pain, loss of feeling, and circulation concerns that could interfere with safe movement. Treatment includes reducing painful pressure, improving foot function, and recommending custom orthotics when they are appropriate. A podiatrist can also address conditions like ingrown toenails, thick toenails, or painful calluses that may change the way people walk. Early care helps improve comfort and supports a more stable walking pattern. Better foot function can also make daily activities feel safer and more comfortable.

Falls can cause broken bones, ankle injuries, and serious foot damage that limits independence. Research has shown that foot pain is linked to slower walking and poorer balance. This makes it an important risk factor that should not be overlooked. Addressing foot problems before they become severe supports safer movement and greater confidence while walking. Taking care of your feet could improve your chances of staying on them. Regular visits with a podiatrist help detect changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, or feel you may be at risk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and prevention tips. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our specialists from Dr. Lee S. Cohen Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Running places repeated stress on the feet and ankles with every step. The impact from training, racing, and long-distance running can lead to foot problems that interfere with performance and comfort. Some runners develop plantar fasciitis, which causes pain along the bottom of the heel. Others experience stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone caused by repeated force. Tendon injuries can also occur when the tissues that connect muscles to bones become irritated or inflamed. Foot pain may begin gradually or appear after a change in training intensity. Running on uneven surfaces can also increase strain on the feet. Shoes that do not fit properly or footwear that lacks adequate support can place additional pressure on certain areas of the foot and increase the risk of injury.

Symptoms vary depending on the condition involved. Runners may notice heel pain, arch pain, or pain in the ball of the foot. Swelling, tenderness, and stiffness can also develop. Some people experience pain only while running. Others continue to feel discomfort after activity has ended. Stress fractures frequently cause pain that becomes worse with repeated activity. Tendon problems often create soreness near the ankle or along the top of the foot. Changes in running form can also contribute to foot problems by placing excess stress on muscles, tendons, and joints. Ignoring symptoms can allow an injury to worsen and make recovery more difficult.

A podiatrist can identify the cause of running-related foot pain through a detailed examination and diagnostic testing. X-rays and other imaging studies help detect bone injuries and soft tissue damage. Treatment includes activity modifications, custom orthotics, and stretching or strengthening exercises designed to improve foot function. Some runners benefit from gait analysis, which evaluates how the foot moves while running. A podiatrist can also recommend appropriate shoes based on foot structure and running style. If you have foot pain during or after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our specialists of Dr. Lee S. Cohen Associates. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Marlton, NJ and Ridley Park, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.