Custom Orthotics for Heel and Ankle Pain – Podiatrist in Union, Springfield and Short Hills, NJ

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Custom Orthotics for Heel and Ankle Pain – Podiatrist in Union, Springfield and Short Hills, NJ

 

Dr. Karyn Goldberg discusses how customs orthotics are used to help treat heel pain and other biomechanical foot problems.

http://www.thepodiatrycenter.net

Orthotics are shoe inserts that correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Generally called arch supports, orthotics allows people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably.

Podiatrists sometimes prescribe orthotic devices to correct an abnormal walk, or gait, and often for patients following surgery.

Orthotic devices come in many shapes and sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.

Rigid orthotics

The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, is often composed of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber, and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. Such orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Rigid orthotics control motion in two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

Soft orthotics

Soft orthotics usually absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are typically made up of soft, cushy materials. Soft orthoses also are worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Such orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Soft orthoses are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet.

Semi-rigid orthotics

Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. Sometimes, different sports call for different kinds of semi-rigid orthotics. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.

Children are sometimes given orthoses to treat flatfoot or intoeing or outtoeing disorders. Athletes often are given orthoses to mitigate pain while they train and compete.

While over-the-counter orthotic inserts help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are made to fit a person with an “average” foot shape.

Visit our website: http://www.thepodiatrycenter.net

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Fleming Island and Palm Coast Fl Podiatrist – Health Park Podiatric

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Podiatry in Palm Coast and Fleming Island

Dr. Jimmy Militello discusses their foot and ankle clinic at Health Park Podiatric.

http://www.healthparkdocs.com

At HealthPark Podiatric, we believe that a doctor and patient become a team for treating an individual’s feet. Our physicians spend most of their time listening to understand your concerns and responding with the best treatment options for you. With the help of our professional staff, they also follow up to make sure that pain is relieved, problems are resolved and your health improves.

We also want our patients to be informed about podiatric problems and treatments, because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well being. That is why we’ve included an extensive section on this web site covering the full array of topics associated with podiatry and podiatric diagnoses and treatments. We encourage you to look through these pages and view videos on our patient education page, whenever you have an interest or concern about your feet.

We also know that convenience in the northeast Florida area is important to your selection of a podiatrist. In these web pages you’ll find information about our office locations, maps, directions, hours, insurance policies and appointment scheduling. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have or to request an appointment. We hope you’ll find our practice offers the accessibility and personal commitment you look for from a physician.

Visit our website: http://www.healthparkdocs.com

Fungal Toenails – Podiatrist in Fleming Island and Palm Beach, FL

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Toenail Fungus – Podiatry Fleming Island and Palm Beach Florida

Dr. Jimmy Militello discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for toenail fungus. – Podiatrist in St. Augustine, FL

http://www.healthparkdocs.com

Fungal nails refers to any number of fungal nail infections that can occur on the foot. Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete’s Foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Note: Please consult a physician before taking any medications. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for tenacious fungal nails. There is also a new PinPointe laser which is cleared for the temporary increase of clear nail in patients with nail fungus.

Preventing Fungal Nail Infections

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, take steps to prevent the infection from recurring. Keeping fungi at bay will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a nonprescription antifungalantifungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other suggestions for preventing fungal nails include:

•Don’t share nail clippers or nail files with others.

•Don’t share shoes or socks with others.

•Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).

•Wear dry cotton socks and change them two or three times a day if necessary.

•Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).

•Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Prevention

Follow basic foot care guidelines and, more than likely, you can head off most common foot fungus problems.

 

Visit our website: http://www.healthparkdocs.com

Surgery Care for Diabetics – Podiatrist in Palm Coast and Fleming Island, FL

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Diabetes and Surgery – Podiatry in Fleming Island and Palm Coast , Florida

Dr. Jerry Weed discusses surgery care for diabetic patients.

http://www.healthparkdocs.com

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Visit our website: http://www.healthparkdocs.com

Diabetic Foot Care – Passaic Podiatrist

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Dr. Anas Khoury of Northern New Jersey discusses why it is essential that diabetics schedule regular visits to their podiatrist. http://www.northeasternfootandankle.com

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

Here’s some basic advice for taking care of your feet:

Always keep your feet warm.

Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain.

Don’t put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace.

Don’t smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.

Don’t soak your feet.

Don’t use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet.

Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.

Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don’t put any lotion between your toes.

Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.

Wear loose socks to bed.

Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.

When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes.

Buy shoes that are comfortable without a “breaking in” period. Check how your shoe fits in width, length, back, bottom of heel, and sole. Avoid pointed-toe styles and high heels. Try to get shoes made with leather upper material and deep toe boxes. Wear new shoes for only two hours or less at a time. Don’t wear the same pair everyday. Inspect the inside of each shoe before putting it on. Don’t lace your shoes too tightly or loosely.

Choose socks and stockings carefully. Wear clean, dry socks every day. Avoid socks with holes or wrinkles. Thin cotton socks are more absorbent for summer wear. Square-toes socks will not squeeze your toes. Avoid stockings with elastic tops.

When your feet become numb, they are at risk for becoming deformed. One way this happens is through ulcers. Open sores may become infected. Another way is the bone condition Charcot (pronounced “sharko”) foot. This is one of the most serious foot problems you can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it doesn’t hurt. Diabetic foot ulcers and early phases of Charcot fractures can be treated with a total contact cast.

The shape of your foot molds the cast. It lets your ulcer heal by distributing weight and relieving pressure. If you have Charcot foot, the cast controls your foot’s movement and supports its contours if you don’t put any weight on it. To use a total contact cast, you need good blood flow in your foot. The cast is changed every week or two until your foot heals. A custom-walking boot is another way to treat your Charcot foot. It supports the foot until all the swelling goes down, which can take as long as a year. You should keep from putting your weight on the Charcot foot. Surgery is considered if your deformity is too severe for a brace or shoe.

Visit our website: http://www.northeasternfootandankle.com