Many people wear the wrong shoe size without realizing it, often because feet change over time. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, and medical conditions can cause the feet to spread or flatten, altering both length and width. Wearing shoes that are too small can lead to blisters, bunions, corns, and chronic pain, while shoes that are too large may cause instability or friction that leads to calluses and nail problems. Manufacturers’ sizing also varies, meaning your size can differ between brands or styles. It is helpful to have your feet measured regularly, especially if you notice discomfort, shifting toenails, or uneven wear on your shoes. If your shoes no longer feel supportive or you are developing foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to assess your foot structure and ensure proper fit and comfort of shoes.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. 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 office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to biomechanical imbalances that affect how weight is distributed across the feet. Flat feet are often associated with poor posture, reduced stability, and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, or lower back. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the condition and determine how it influences your gait and alignment. Treatment options may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and exercises to strengthen the foot muscles. If you have flat feet and experience pain or balance issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. 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 office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain and inflammation. It most commonly affects the big toe because uric acid crystals form more easily in cooler areas of the body, such as the extremities. The pain is often described as distinctive and unlike anything felt before, with redness, swelling, and tenderness so intense that even light touch can be unbearable. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, recommend dietary and lifestyle changes, prescribe medication to reduce inflammation, and provide long-term management strategies. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you in dealing with this often debilitating condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, as the top of the toe angles inward toward the lesser toes. This deformity can lead to pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint, making it difficult to find comfortable shoes. As the bunion grows, it can cause the other toes to become misaligned, leading to additional discomfort and potential problems with walking. The primary cause of bunions is often hereditary, but wearing tight, narrow shoes, especially high heels, can make the condition worse. Foot deformities, such as flat feet, can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can help diagnose and manage bunions. Conservative treatments include custom orthotics, padding, or recommending footwear changes to reduce pressure. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgery to realign the joint and alleviate pain. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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