What are Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are insoles that go in your shoes. They are designed to correctly align the position of your feet to optimize comfort and your health. As opposed to insoles you can get at the store, custom orthotics are molded and made to fit just your foot. This is beneficial because they are able to target your foot specifically and correct any misalignment.

What do Orthotics do?

Since orthotics are tailor made, they help your feet in many different ways. They not only help with foot pain, but they also help with back pain, hip pain, knee pain, and so much more. They even help with diabetes and plantar fasciitis. If you’re not quite sure if custom orthotics are right for you, talk to your podiatrist! They’ll have all the answers you’re looking for.

What Does the Process Look Like?

Getting custom made orthotics is quite simple. You’ll first want to make an appointment with your podiatrist to talk about your options and what the best treatment is for you. Once you decide orthotics are right for you, your podiatrist will make scans of your feet during your consultation. After that, those scans are sent off to be made. After just a few short weeks, you’ll come back into the office to try them on and make sure they are a good fit.

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Ingrown toenails occur when the side or corner of your toenail grows into the flesh at the border of your nail bed. While they are most common on the big toe, they can occur on any toe.

Ingrown toenails are very common. About 20% of all people in the United States will have one at some point in their lives. They can vary in terms of severity. Some will go away on their own and others will need to be treated by a specialist.

Symptoms

You might have an ingrown toenail if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Tenderness and pain in the effected toe
• Redness
• Swelling
• Infection

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing an infection because diabetes limits the blood flow to the foot. If this applies to you, contact our office to get on the schedule ASAP.

Causes

There are several things that can cause ingrown toenails. Below is a list of the most common causes.

• Curved toenails
• Tight-fitting shoes
• Toenail injuries
• Cutting your nails at an angle
• Cutting your nails too short

Treatments

If you’re waiting for your treatment at the Foot & Ankle Specialists or your ingrown toenail isn’t severe, you could try soaking your foot in warm water. This will help relieve irritation and inflammation. It will also temporarily eliminate pain and tenderness.

When you come into Foot & Ankle Specialists, your doctor might perform a gutter splint. A gutter splint aims to free up the edge of the toenail that is digging into your tissue to avoid it from going deeper.

In some cases, your doctor might need to remove a section of the nail bed or nail to clear the way for your nail to grow back correctly. But no need to be scared! This procedure is often painless and noninvasive. If you know you’re sensitive to pain, your doctor can give you a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort.

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What are hammertoes?

Hammertoes happen when a toe joint bends upwards. They typically begin as a minor deformity but can quickly get worse. You’ll know you have a hammertoe if you notice an unusual bend in the toe that is accompanied by discomfort and pain. You can also develop corns and calluses around the hammertoe.

Causes

Hammertoes have several causes. One common cause is wrong fitting shoes. If a shoe is too tight or puts too much pressure on the toes, it can cause deformity. Along the same lines, high heels cause hammertoes. This happens because the angle of heels puts a lot of pressure on the toes. Another cause of hammertoes is a foot injury. The trauma to the toes can develop into hammertoes.

If these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to get it looked at by a podiatrist. When you come in to one of our offices for a hammertoe, the doctor will go through a thorough exam of the foot as well as take x-rays before diagnosing the problem.

Treatment

The earlier a hammertoe is caught and treated the better. Before it gets worse, there are a few non-invasive options that can heal them. If caught early, hammertoes can be treated with a change of shoes that ease the pressure on your toes, corn and callus pads to keep your toes comfortable, pain medication, corticosteroid injection, and other non-invasive treatments. If caught later, the doctor can perform corrective surgery on the effected toes to relieve pain. The surgery is done by removing excessive bone and realigning the toe and any other issues.

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Some people might not seek care from a podiatrist because they don’t even know what a podiatrist does. If that sounds like you, we’re here to help. You might have the letters DPM next to our providers' names on our website. DPM means Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatric medicine refers to treating and preventing foot and ankle problems. To become a podiatrist, people go through the process of getting a bachelor’s degree first. Following a bachelor's degree, they would move on to their DPM program, which is another 4 years. Once that is completed, they move onto a residency program.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a doctor who can diagnose and treat problems related to the feet and ankles. They have consultations with patients to assess their needs. After that, they’ll do a thorough exam of one’s feet and ankles. This exam can consist of x-rays, biopsies, and an inspection of the affected area.

Once the exam is completed, a podiatrist will diagnose the problem and choose the best plan to move forward. The plan could include a prescription, physical therapy, orthotics, a walking boot, or many more options for treatment.

Podiatrists can also specialize in certain areas. Those areas include diabetic care, wound care, sports injuries, surgeries, and much more. Our podiatrists are highly skilled in any of these areas. Whether you need to come in for a quick consultation or need more extensive care, our doctors are trained and ready to help in any way they can.

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There can be a lot of anxiety about seeing a foot doctor. There are a lot of unknowns that come with it. It’s our goal to ease anxiety about podiatrist visits by informing our patients of the treatment options so they know what to expect.

What is it?

A Neurostimulator is used for people with chronic pain. When people have exhausted all other efforts. A Neurostimulator is different than frequent injections or oral medications. It is a surgically placed device that disrupts the pain signals going from your body to your brain. There is a handheld programmer that can be used to change the strength of the stimulator.

Why is it a Good Option?

• A Neurostimulator is a more long-term treatment than painkillers and injections
• The patient can control the simulator’s strength depending on how they feel
• You can experience the neurostimulation and see if it relieves your pain before committing to the long-term therapy
• Instead of circulating through your entire body, the Neurostimulator targets the precise area where you feel the pain
• The Neurostimulator can provide relieve when other treatments such as medications and injections haven’t

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With the weather warming up outside, running is a great way to get some fresh air, enjoy the sun, and get some exercise. Whether you’re an avid runner or a beginner, these tips will help you avoid injuries and have a more enjoyable experience.

Seek Advice from a Professional

If you’re a beginner or starting a new training plan, it’s a good idea to speak with a foot specialist. They’ll give you the best tips on where to start and be able to answer any questions you might have.

Make Sure You Have the Right Shoes for Your Feet

Proper shoes are key to preventing injuries and blisters. There are different types of running shoes depending on the shape of your foot and where your weight is distributed when you step. Running shoes also wear out faster than normal shoes and need to be replaced more often.

Start Every Training Session with Stretching

Stretching is another great way to prevent injuries. If you start your run before warming up, your muscles won’t have time to adjust to the increased movement, and they could become overworked or hurt. A proper stretch will give your muscles time to prepare and will allow you to run farther and longer.

Don’t Add Too Many Miles Too Fast

When you start out running, it can be tempting to go as far and as often ask you can. It’s exciting to push your body and see how far it can go. While this is a great feeling, you don’t want to overwork your body or your feet. It’s important to ease your way into it and work up to the added miles.

Do a Proper Cool Down

Just like proper stretching is so important to the quality of your run, a proper cool down stretch is important for your recovery. It’ll help you not be as sore as you would be without a proper stretch. By stretching and cooling down, it’ll let your muscles recover quicker and better.

Listen to Your Body

Possibly the most important thing for any runner to remember is to listen to your body. No one knows your body like you do. When you begin your running journey, pay attention to what your body is telling you and listen to it. By doing these things, you’ll have your best chance of success!

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What do you think of when you hear the word podiatrist? For many people, they just don’t know what a podiatrist does or what they treat. It’s common to think they just fix broken bones and sprained ankles. But they actually do so much more! Here are just a few reasons you would want to see a podiatrist.

Toenail fungus

Toenail fungus is a very common problem that can be easily treated by a podiatrist! While they can be treated by over-the-counter medications, these take a couple months to a full year to properly heal. Here at Foot and Ankle, we can treat a toenail fungus much quicker.

Flat feet

Flat feet can cause discomfort while standing or walking and can even lead to plantar fasciitis which can become very painful. Luckily, this can be easily treated with some custom orthotics. Our doctors make them fit to your individual feet, so you’ll be back to walking comfortably.

You have a wound that won’t go away

Most wounds start improving within two weeks. If you have a wound that hasn’t made any progress in two weeks or more, it’s time to seek professional help. Our doctors will provide you with a personalized treatment plan that could include debridement, compression therapy, skin grafting, or negative pressure wound therapy.

You have diabetes

Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve and blood vessel damage. This damage can get worse and become very painful if not treated by a professional. Lots of insurance companies will cover podiatry checkups for patients with diabetes. After checking your coverage with your insurance company, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to stay on top of your foot care.

Starting an intense training plan such as a marathon

If you’re starting a new training plan, it’s important to see an expert even if you don’t have any pain in your feet. They will be able to give you advice specifically for your feet and make any adjustment to your training that needs to be made. They’re able to work with you in preventing injuries which lets you succeed in your training plan.

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What is plantar Fasciitis?

People who suffer from plantar fasciitis will feel stiffness or sharp pain in their heels. It’s usually felt after long periods of rest, such as sleep, or long periods of standing. The sharp pain and stiffness can be present when someone starts walking after these long periods but usually goes away after walking for a few minutes.

Causes

There are several things that can cause someone to develop plantar fasciitis. One cause is an abnormal foot structure. Someone with flat feet or high arches are more likely to have plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is also common among athletes. This is because athletes are constantly on their feet, putting lots of pressure on their heels, and causing constant stress on their feet.

Like athletes, teachers are another group of people more prone to plantar fasciitis because they spend a lot of time on their feet. Individuals who are spending long amounts of time on their feet should be aware of the signs of plantar fasciitis and invest in a good pair of shoes.

Treatments

There are several different treatment options for people with plantar fasciitis. These treatment options include rest, ice, exercise and supportive footwear. If those don’t work, we offer more treatments such as custom orthotics, injections, night splints and physical therapy. If you are experiencing any type of sharp heel pain, it’s time to come to see our specialists and find a treatment option that works for you.

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If any of these signs or symptoms sound familiar to you, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists TODAY and get back to living your best life! For more tips, tricks, and helpful information, be sure to check out and follow our popular social media accounts!

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What’s your reasoning for the shoes you choose in the morning? Is it a style choice? Maybe you have a go-to pair that you wear for everything. Or maybe you don’t put much thought into your shoes at all. It’s our hope that this article will influence you to be more mindful of the shoes you wear and how they aid in your health.

Prevents Blisters and Calluses

Whether a shoe is too big, too small, or the wrong fit, it can lead to blisters and even calluses. The wrong pair of shoes will rub on your foot causing pain. It can be so uncomfortable but is easy to prevent with a good fitting pair of shoes.

Decreases the Chance of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by flat feet or feet with high arch. We recommend people with these symptoms to get general or custom-made orthotics to balance that foot shape. This aids in comfort while also preventing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Improves Posture and Decreases Back Pain

Poor posture and back pain are some things people suffer from every day. But not everyone correlates this pain to their shoes. Our feet hold up the rest of our bodies so it’s important to have a good foundation for them to rest on.

Prevents Injury

Wearing the wrong pair of shoes is one of the easiest ways to get injured. On the other hand, wearing the right pair is one of the easiest ways to prevent injury. A good fitting pair of shoes is so important for all types of activities.

Protects Against Infection and Injuries

With school ending and the temperature increasing, people are more active. With a variety of activities to take part in this summer, don’t forget to protect your feet. Going barefoot or with sandals on can expose your feet to bacteria and fungus. By prioritizing taking care of your feet, you’ll be able to avoid exposure and continue having a fun summer.

Come Get Orthotics!

While not every foot problem can be solved by wearing proper shoes, it can certainly help improve and prevent all kinds of foot pain! If you’re ready to start walking comfortably, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. They can steer you in the right direction for shoes. They can also recommend generic or custom-made orthotics to get that perfect fit.

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If any of these signs or symptoms sound familiar to you, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists TODAY and get back to living your best life! For more tips, tricks, and helpful information, be sure to check out and follow our popular social media accounts!

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Any type of new doctor's appointment has the potential to make a person nervous. A person might not know what to expect or prepare for. If this sounds like you, don’t worry! We’ve got all the information for you to make your visit as seamless as possible.

Before Your Visit

Before it’s time to see one of our doctors, there are a few things that need to be taken care of. Be sure to bring in copies of your insurance cards so they can be scanned into your chart. Next, you will need to fill out some new patient paperwork. Once these things are taken care of, it’s time to wait to be seen by one of our providers.

During Your Visit

When they’re ready, one of our medical assistants will take you back for an assessment. Depending on the reason for your visit they might [insert what the MA does]. After that, it’s time for you to meet with a podiatrist. The podiatrist will look over what the medical assistant documented, answer any questions you might have, and then discuss and carry out a treatment plan. If you’re feeling nervous about your treatment, that’s okay! Our doctors are very patient and understanding. They’re there to help you in any way they can. They work very hard to find the correct solution for each individual patient.

After Your Visit

Once all your questions are answered and you and the doctor have chosen your next steps, you will return to the front of the office where you can set up a follow-up appointment. In the weeks following your appointment, you’ll receive a bill for the services provided during your visit. You can either pay for that online, pay over the phone, or pay it on your next visit.

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If any of these signs or symptoms sound familiar to you, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists TODAY and get back to living your best life! For more tips, tricks, and helpful information, be sure to check out and follow our popular social media accounts!

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I’m sure you’re just as excited as we are for it to be warming up outside. As school ends and the days get longer, there is so much to go out and do. With all the fun activities, it’s important not to forget to care for our feet. Here are 5 things you should be doing this summer to keep your feet heathy.

Don’t go Barefoot

With so many outdoor summer activities coming up, it can be tempting to go barefoot. You might be at the pool, lake, playing in your backyard, or even at a park. In all those situations, it’s important to be wearing shoes. Keeping your shoes on lowers the risk of getting a cut on your foot or developing a fungus.

A better alternative to going barefoot would be to bring sandals or water shoes to your next outdoor activity.

Apply Sunscreen to Your Feet

Most of us remember to apply sunscreen on our face, shoulders, and back. But the feet can get forgotten about. To prevent the tops of your feet from getting a nasty sunburn, make sure to be thorough when you apply your sunscreen and don’t forget your feet!

Don’t Forget to Moisturize

Just like when it comes to sunscreen, our feet can get neglected when it comes to moisturizing. For those of us living in a desert, warmer temperatures don’t mean our air is any less dry. It’s still just as important to moisturize our feet in the summer as it is in the winter.

Keep Band-Aids and First-Aid Kit with You

No matter how prepared you are, accidents are going to happen. It is so common to step on something accidentally. To avoid any hiccups in the road, make sure to always be prepared with a first-aid kit with you.

Rest/Ice When You Need to

A lot of peoples’ physical activity naturally increases as the temperature increases. Because of this, your body and your feet might not be used to the level of activity you’re doing. As you are enjoying everything that summer has to offer, don’t forget to rest and ice your feet when you need to.

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If any of these signs or symptoms sound familiar to you, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists TODAY and get back to living your best life! For more tips, tricks, and helpful information, be sure to check out and follow our popular social media accounts!

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Lots of questions can arise when it comes to podiatry. It can be hard to know if a problem will go away on its own or it’s time to seek professional help. Here at Foot and Ankle, we have board-certified podiatrists and surgeons who are ready to answer all your questions and get you back to living a happy and active life. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms below, call us to schedule an appointment

Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are more common than you think. While they can be treated at home, it’s always great to seek professional help, especially if it keeps coming back. If you’re feeling tenderness, redness, swelling, or pain in any of your toes, it might be time to see a specialist. Our professionals can get you the care you need to ensure your ingrown toenail doesn’t come back.

Numb Feeling in Your Feet

Do you have a numbness or tingling feeling in your feet? What about burning pain or having a hard time standing for long periods of time? This could be caused by a neuroma. This might sound scary but it’s not. A neuroma is an irritation or inflammation of a nerve in your foot. This irritation causes swelling which makes you feel that burning and tingling feeling.

You Have Chronic Pain in Your Feet

Have you had pain in your feet for months or even years that hasn’t gone away? It might be time to come in to talk with one of our foot doctors. They can give you the care you need and find answers and solutions that work best for you. No one should be living with constant pain.

You’re on Your Feet All Day

Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, doctor, construction worker, or any other physically demanding job, you’re probably on your feet a lot. If that includes you, it’s important to wear proper shoes that give you the support you need. Our doctors can help you get custom made orthotics and consult you on appropriate shoes for your profession.

Swelling of Your Foot or Ankle

If you recently tripped, rolled your ankle, or were involved in any other accident that caused your foot or ankle to swell, it’s important to get it treated by a doctor that specializes in sports- related injuries. Here at Foot and Ankle, we will take care of you through protective footwear, corticosteroid injections, and stretching exercises to get you back to your best.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If any of these signs or symptoms sound familiar to you, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists TODAY and get back to living your best life! For more tips, tricks, and helpful information, be sure to check out and follow our popular social media accounts!

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