Fall Color Hikes – Enjoy the Beauty but Don’t Forget Your Feet!

If you have a love for nature, fall is one of the best seasons to get out and truly appreciate its beauty! Hiking is a great way to find spectacular and colorful views. Do a search for “fall color hikes” and you will find a plethora to choose from! Around New York some favorite places include Black Mountain Loop at Harriman State Park, Cranberry Lake Preserve in Westchester County, and Clifftop Ramble at Minnewaska State Park.

Take in the scenery but protect your feet!

Before you head out hiking, take a moment to assess your footwear situation.  Planning ahead will ensure your trek is a success and free of injury. No matter how easy the hike may appear, it is essential to wear the right kind of shoes. It is truly a decision that will make all the difference. There are many styles of boots and shoes to pick from but they are categorized as hiking shoes for a reason. A regular pair of running shoes may not provide the support and protection your feet need.

A good pair of hiking shoes will offer greater support, stability and durability for your feet. Look for some that are waterproof with a material such as GoreTex. The last thing you want to deal with on the trail is cold, wet feet. Try on your shoes with the socks you will wear and make sure they are comfortable from the start. A long hike in shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause painful blisters. If you have a foot condition or structure that needs extra support, buy shoes with removable insoles and get a pair of custom orthotics to slip in instead.

Honor the rules of being outdoors – be prepared and let others know where you are going. Also, if you have any foot pain prior to hiking or come hobbling back with a foot problem, please contact Dr. Tejas Pandya for diagnosis and treatment. Make an appointment today by calling Capital District Podiatry with locations in Troy and Clifton Park, NY at (518) 273-0053. Happy hiking!

Finding a Perfect Running Shoe – Not Hard but Necessary!

Do you live in New York and love to run? If you are looking for a race to compete in this fall, there are scores to pick from including Sitrin’s Stars and Stripes Run-Walk, October 5^th, 2013 in Utica, NY or The Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K/10K on October 19^th, 2013 in Saratoga Springs, NY. After you’ve picked the race, the next thing on the to-do list needs to be your shoes.

Adding a custom orthotic with your shoes will add additional support

You may have your favorite go-to running shoes, but they may not be the shoe that is going to keep your feet healthy to the last mile. Picking the right running shoe takes effort, but the benefits outweigh your time and investment. Your foot has a particular shape and a certain way that it functions while you run. Your shoe needs to be a perfect match in order to have continued success as a runner and stay free of injury.

Go to a reputable sports store and bring your last pair of worn-down running shoes with you. A knowledgeable staff person can look at the wear patterns and determine what type of shoe is best for your feet. If you have a high arched foot or a flat foot, you will need a specific shoe to accommodate for your foot structure and provide cushioning and support where you need it. If you are not sure what type of foot structure you have, Dr. Tejas Pandya is a foot specialist who can explain exactly what kind of feet you have and what shoes would be best for your foot health.

You also want to find a shoe that will protect any current problems, such as bunions or hammertoes. Constant pounding on the pavement with a bad pair of shoes will only further aggravate problems such as these. Go shopping later in the day, bring your socks with you, and try on shoes until you find the right ones that are comfortable from the start! Don’t settle for the wrong shoes due to time or cost, because your feet will pay the price.

If looking for the perfect shoe only leaves you empty handed, contact Capital District Podiatry. We can offer great tips and suggestions to keep you running at full speed with feet that feel great. We have locations in Troy and Clifton Park, NY. Make an appointment today by calling us at (518) 273-0053.