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Types Orthotics for Foot and Ankle Pain

Monday, 22 March 2021

Orthotics are specialized shoes or heel inserts that are made to treat various foot and ankle problems. They can be bought over the counter at major retailers or be custom-made by a podiatrist. Different types of orthotics are designed to treat different types of foot and ankle problems. Full support shoe orthotics, such as orthotic inserts, splints, and traction devices, are useful for patients who have injuries associated with overuse, stress, or arthritis. Heel pads are a type of orthotic often used to correct foot overpronation, a type of gait where the foot rolls inward while standing or walking. Traction shoes or traction ankle supports are orthotic devices used to reduce pain and swelling from conditions such as bunions or ankle sprains. To see if orthotics are right for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?

Monday, 15 March 2021

Diabetes is a disease that affects your blood sugar - so how can this condition affect the feet, too? The prolonged episodes of high blood sugar that are characteristic of diabetes often cause damage to the blood vessels throughout your body, including those that supply your lower limbs. Poor blood flow to the feet can lead to complications such as poorly healing wounds and a loss of sensation. Diabetes is associated with multiple conditions that affect the feet, including diabetic neuropathy, Charcot foot, peripheral artery disease, and gangrene. Signs of diabetes affecting the feet include swelling, tingling, numbness, weakness, skin discoloration, and foot wounds, among many others. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist, who can help you manage any foot-related symptoms.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Sunday, 14 March 2021

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Monday, 08 March 2021

Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes injured, inflamed, and painful. Plantar fasciitis has a variety of causes, including spending too much time on your feet, engaging in high-impact repetitive activities like running, and wearing improper shoes that do not adequately support the foot. Plantar fasciitis can be treated conservatively by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain, stretching the feet each day, resting the feet regularly, massaging the feet, and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Excessive running
Non-supportive shoes
Overpronation
Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Treatment Options for a Broken Toe

Monday, 01 March 2021

Stubbing your toe into a piece of furniture or dropping a heavy object on it are common ways to get a toe broken. It is often immediately noticed, and symptoms can include bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. Minor fractures are treated by using the buddy taping method, which is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. An X-ray is generally performed to determine the severity of the broken toe, and it often takes approximately six to eight weeks to heal. If the break is severe, the bone may need to be pushed back into place, or surgery may be necessary for proper healing. If you have broken your toe, please speak with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Swelling
Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
Stiffness
Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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