June 2021

Orthotics are devices used on the outside of your body to correct biomechanical problems. Most people are familiar with orthotic insoles, which are over-the-counter or custom-made devices that are placed directly into your shoes. These are often used to treat foot problems such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis. Other types of orthotics include ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), which are used to hold the foot and ankle in the correct positions and support the ankle, and prescription footwear, which are specially designed shoes used to correct various foot problems. To learn more about orthotics, and to see if they may be right for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. 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 Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. Despite its name, this fungal infection does not only occur in athletes. In fact, Athlete’s foot affects 1 out of 10 Americans. Athlete’s Foot is also known as dermatophytosis of the foot or tinea pedis. The fungi that are responsible for this condition feed on skin proteins called keratin, and love hot and steamy environments such as locker rooms, swimming pools, non-breathable footwear, and blisters and cuts on the feet which allow them access into your system. Getting a proper diagnosis is important in order for your podiatrist to rule out other conditions such as eczema and pso­ri­a­sis, and to provide proper treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical procedure that can be used to treat plantar fasciitis, a common foot problem that can cause heel and arch pain. Many cases of plantar fasciitis respond to more conservative treatment such as activity and footwear modifications. However, in some cases plantar fasciitis pain persists and requires more intensive intervention. ESWT can help. During this procedure, a wave of sound energy is delivered into the affected foot to stimulate blood flow and the release of inflammatory mediators. This is thought to help heal the area and reduce or relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If you have chronic plantar fasciitis that is not responding to other treatments, consult with your podiatrist whether ESWT may be an option for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

After a long winter, the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and you can finally wear your favorite flip-flops every day. Or, maybe not. Flip-flops, while relatively comfortable and easy to slip on, are not good for your feet. When you wear flip-flops, you may notice that you have to clench your toes around the edge of the shoe to keep it in place as you walk. This action is bad for the muscles in your feet and calves. The constant tension in your toes needed to keep that flip-flop on your foot can change your pattern of walking, make the toes stiff, and lead to foot and ankle injuries. Frequent flip-flop wearers may be more at risk of plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes stabbing heel pain and makes walking uncomfortable. Instead of flip-flops, try sandals that have a back and straps to keep your foot in place. If you have any foot or ankle pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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

Gout is a very painful type of arthritis that is caused by a building up of uric acid. Gout most commonly forms in the big toe but can impact other joints in the body. When there is an excess amount of uric acid in the blood, the acid will crystallize around the joints, and they will become stiff, irritated, and painful. A healthy lifestyle is key to preventing gout. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding foods with high purines, and eating plenty of vitamin C. Patients who are struggling with gout pain in their big toe should be under the care of a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to help provide pain relief options that may include pain medications as well as footwear that helps alleviate the pain. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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