Orthotics are shoe inserts made in order to relieve pain resulting from a foot condition such as corns and calluses, tendonitis, bunions, heel pain, or recurring stress fractures. Orthotics can be made of a variety of materials that include rubber, plastic, leather or even metal. While many orthotics can be purchased over the counter, they can also be custom made by a podiatrist for a specific issue. A podiatrist will account for the function and structure of the foot as well as its biomechanics to help determine what the best fit is for each patient. Patients who are interested in getting orthotics should consult with their podiatrist, who will be able to either prescribe custom orthotics or suggest which over the counter orthotics will work best.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. 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 contact our office located in Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more toes bend upwards at the middle joint, with the ends of the toes pointing downwards. This creates the characteristic claw or hammer shape associated with this condition. Hammertoe often causes stiffness, rigidity, or reduced flexibility in the affected toe joints. It is also associated with pain and the formation of corns at the top of the affected toes due to shoes rubbing against the toes, pain at the base of the toes, and redness and swelling in the affected area. Hammertoe tends to worsen over time if left untreated. If you have hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Childhood obesity can precipitate a host of childhood development and health issues, with foot pain being high on the list. A child carrying extra weight is more prone to developing flat feet, calf or arch pain, stress fractures, and problems with the heel such as plantar fasciitis, hairline fissures, and inflammation where the growth plate and Achilles tendon meet (Sever’s disease). Some children may have foot conditions they inherited or were born with, which can be exacerbated by excess weight. However, losing weight can be difficult for obese children because physical activity can make their foot pain worse, making regular exercise difficult or even impossible. A podiatrist may be able to help with orthotics and other strategies to relieve foot pain, correct alignment, and treat any underlying foot or ankle disorders.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Fungal infections of the toenails are a common problem, affecting at least 10% of the adult population. One of the reasons that this type of infection may be so common is because it is contagious. Within an individual, fungal infections can spread from one infected nail to another nail, and from infected nails to the surrounding skin. Having poor foot hygiene, wearing old shoes made with unbreathable materials, sharing personal items like pedicure tools or towels, and walking barefoot in public places can put you at a greater risk of contracting toenail fungus. If you notice the symptoms of a fungal infection in your toenails, such as the nails thickening, changing shape or texture, or becoming discolored, please see a podiatrist for treatment.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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