Items filtered by date: December 2021

Custom orthotics are prescription devices that fit in shoes and are designed to distribute weight more evenly across the feet and minimize pressure on any given area. They can also correct an abnormal gait, reduce pain, and improve foot alignment. Since they are designed to address specific conditions and the individual foot structure of the patient, fit is critical. After a podiatrist examines the patient and diagnoses their underlying condition, they may determine that orthotics can be beneficial. They will then take an impression of the patient’s foot, usually with a 3D laser scan or plaster cast. Specific materials will be chosen to address the patient’s particular condition, and the orthotic will be created. The patient will come in for a fitting and any further customizations needed to ensure the device fits the patient’s shoes and is comfortable will be made. Orthotics can be prescribed for conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, high arches and more. If you have any of these conditions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if orthotics may be beneficial for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. 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 Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have injured your toe and notice that it is red, bruised, swollen, painful, or difficult to walk on, you may have broken your toe. A mild toe fracture may respond to conservative treatments, such as resting and icing the foot, taking pain medication, wearing comfortable shoes or orthotics, and taping the broken toe to the healthy toe next to it. A more severe fracture, however, will require more serious medical intervention. If you have injured your toe and have pain or swelling that lingers after two or three days, have difficulty walking up to six weeks after the initial injury, or if you have diabetes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. If you have an open fracture, with the broken bone poking through your skin, please seek medical attention immediately to prevent permanent damage and infections. For more information, please consult with a podiatrist.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists are doctors who are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and ankles. The feet are vulnerable to a variety of issues because they have a quarter of all the bones in the body along with a variety of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Podiatrists are important because they are trained to understand the structure and movements of all these parts. Patients who notice pain in their heel or foot, or have ingrown toenails, discolored toenails, rashes, or recently sustained a foot injury should consult with a podiatrist. Additionally, podiatrists are able to help with foot ailments that are caused by conditions such as arthritis, poor blood flow, and diabetes. Podiatrists can even evaluate the way a patient walks (biomechanics) to see how it impacts other parts of the body. Ultimately, if you have any questions or concerns about your feet, don’t hesitate to visit a podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you suffer from arthritis in your feet and ankles, doing gentle foot exercises regularly can help reduce or prevent symptoms like joint stiffness and pain. You can stretch your calves by placing a book on the floor and standing on it with just the balls of your feet, leaving your heels on the floor. Keep your knees straight and lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calves. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Exercise your ankles by sitting in a chair and lifting your foot slightly off the ground. Trace the letters of the alphabet in the air. Repeat on the other foot. For more helpful foot and ankle stretches, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.