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I have a yellow discoloration of my toenails.
I have tried a few over-the counter creams with no success.
Any suggestions?
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I have a hammertoe. What can be done to fix it without having
surgery ?
A hammertoe is a retracting and “humped-up” appearance
of a toe. It is usually caused by an imbalance of the muscles in the
foot and improper mechanics of the foot. The easiest, non-surgical
treatment would be to purchase a shoe with a “deep” toe
box to prevent rubbing on the top of the toe. There are also multiple
cushions you can purchase to protect the toe from shoe pressure.
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I have had planter’s warts for several years. I
have used acid plasters, freeze-off medications, and duct tape. If
there anything that can be done without having them surgically
removed?
Warts are a virus and can be very difficult to cure. There are many treatment
options available for planter’s warts including salicylic
acid therapy, CO2 laser, pulse dye laser, as well as combinations of
therapies. There are also higher strength acids, such as trichloroacetic
acid and cantherone. Success rates vary based upon the case. There
is, however, no guaranteed wart therapy – including surgical
removal.
If you suffer from warts, contact Podiatry Affiliates today for a
careful diagnosis and discussion of the options available to you.
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I have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. I had 2 cortisone
injections and still have pain. What else can be done?
Plantar fasciitis is due to the inflammation of the band on the bottom
of the foot that attaches into the heel bone. Try stretching exercises
of the calf muscle (wall push-ups); or, try bending the front of the
foot upwards with a towel around the toes, to stretch the bottom of the
foot; or try rolling the foot over a golf ball or rolling pin for one
to two minutes.
Always wear a good supportive shoe and try an over-the-counter
arch support.
If all that fails, seek the advice of a podiatrist who may recommend
a custom made orthotic for better results. At Podiatry Affiliates, we
would be happy to examine your situation and discuss the best options
available to you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
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I get a tingling and numb sensation in
my toes when I walk. What could cause this?
We’ll perform a careful
examination and present your options for treatment. Contact us today
to schedule your appointment.
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What is a Custom Orthotic?
A custom orthotic is a shell or support made out of various materials
which, when placed within the shoe, supports the foot and maintains normal
foot function. It usually extends from the heel to just behind the ball
of the foot. Custom orthotics should not be confused with prefabricated “arch
supports”. A custom orthotic is made specifically for your foot.
When you are seen by one of our podiatrists, he may suggest a
custom orthotic based upon your specific problem. This includes a biomechanical
evaluation and a plaster cast mold taken of your feet.
Based on your evaluation, the doctor will write a prescription detailing
the choice of materials (rigid or flexible), the proper biomechanical
alignment or tilt of the orthotic and modifications which take into consideration
your complaint, occupation, sport, and preferred shoe. The mold is sent
with the prescription to an orthotic laboratory and the finished product
is shipped back and fitted to your foot in the office.
If you have a concern with your current custom orthotic – or feel
you may have a need for one – let the professionals at Podiatry
Affiliates ensure you get the best fitting orthotic possible. Contact
us today.
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Do I Wear My Orthotic All the Time?
You should wear your orthotics as often as possible to properly
treat your condition. When you first receive your orthotic, there may
be a break-in period where the joints and muscles will function in new
positions. When patients first receive their orthotics, they are
asked to wear them for a few hours each day – gradually working
up to a full day of usage.
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Can I Use Orthotics in All My Shoes?
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Ideally, orthotics fit best in a closed-in shoe. This includes
dress shoes, athletic shoes, hiking shoes, work boots, ski boots, golf
shoes, or walking shoes. You may have some difficulty fitting them in
loafers and high heels. There are specific, slim orthotics for
high heeled shoes. If you are casted in our office for a standard orthotic,
a pair of slim orthotics can be made from the same mold.
Orthotics will not work in sandals, flip-flops, sling backs or
clogs. If the heel is allowed to rise off the orthotic in gait, the effect
of the device is negated.
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What Materials Are Used in the Orthotic?
Some orthotics are made from soft materials such as semi rigid,
air cell foams or leather and cork (used for runners or diabetics). These
have more give, but require more room in the shoe than rigid orthotics.
Rigid orthotics are made from hard plastic that comes in different thicknesses
(to vary the stiffness) or graphite (high rigidity, yet light and thin).
Orthotics can be covered with leather, vinyl or durable foam
rubber that can cover just the orthotic itself or extend full length
to the toes.
Do you have a question about the materials used in your orthotic? Contact
Podiatry Affiliates today for dependable answers to your questions.
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Are Orthotics Covered By My Insurance Plan?
Coverage depends upon the specific benefits in your insurance plan.
Some insurance companies require prior authorization. Many insurance
companies do not cover custom foot orthotics, meaning the patient
would be responsible for the cost.
This can be determined before fabrication of the devices.
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What Are Prefabricated Shoe Inserts?
Prefabricated shoe inserts are stock arch supports that can be used
as replacement insoles for your shoes. They are not personalized. They
are an inexpensive option for mild foot problems.
What Are Shoe Modifications?
In situations where a custom device is not feasible or useful, we can
alter the patient’s shoe itself. We can place pads directly
in the shoe to lift the arch, raise the heel or reduce pressure off
of bony prominences.
We can also pad the tongue for patients with bone enlargements on the
top of the foot, or narrow the heel for patients with large bunions and
narrow heels. We can place metatarsal pads in pumps for ball-of-the-foot
pain.
For modifications such as drop-foot braces, rocker soles or limb length
discrepancies, we will refer you to a pedorthist (a specialist in orthopedic
shoes).
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What Are Diabetic Extra Depth Shoes?
Diabetics are at risk for foot infection and/or amputation due
to changes in the foot secondary to circulation abnormalities and/or
diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy leads to the foot becoming
insensitive to pain and temperature changes. This leads to foot deformities.
The deformities and numbness together lead to foot ulcers (wounds in
the skin) that may result in bone infections.
Diabetic Extra Depth Shoes are a covered service for diabetics
that meet certain medical criteria if they are Medicare Part B beneficiaries.
Most HMO Medicare plans also cover this service.
We have a wide selection of Diabetic Extra Depth Shoe styles for
both men and women on display in our offices. They
are not custom molded shoes that, usually, can be less than aesthetically
pleasing. They look like normal shoes. The extra depth shoe is available
to fit a custom orthotic into the shoe with plenty of room for the
toes and width of the foot.
A foam box impression is made of each foot and your foot is carefully
measured by our staff. The inlay is molded specifically for your
foot based on the impression and foot measurement. This is a custom
device with the option of the patient choosing the style and color of
shoe they want.
If you suffer from Diabetes and are looking for additional information
Diabetic Extra Depth Shoes, contact Podiatry Affiliates today.
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