Last updated 3 months ago
Take a look at these additional resources about types of orthotics and the causes of heel pain. If you are experiencing heel pain or other foot-related pain or injury, visit American Foot & Leg Specialists. Give us a call today at (678) 666-1806 to learn more.
- Visit this page from the American Podiatric Medical Association to learn more about orthotics and the types of orthotics available.
- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this article about orthotic devices and medical conditions associated with orthotics.
- The Mayo Clinic explores the most common causes of heel pain.
- You can find more information on plantar fasciitis, one common cause of heel pain, in this article.
- Take a look at this online pamphlet from the American Podiatric Medical Association to learn how to deal with heel pain.
Last updated 3 months ago
Treatment options exist for managing and eliminating toenail fungus, but one of the best tactics is prevention. In fact, if you contract toenail fungus once, you are more likely to have future infections. For this reason, it’s important to avoid dealing with a fungal infection in the first place.
In this video, a doctor of naturopathic medicine discusses how fungal infections occur in the feet. You will also hear details about a method for using tea tree oil in your shoes to prevent contracting fungal infections. Find out how this oil can also help treat existing infections with this full clip.
If you suspect that you may have contracted toenail fungus, schedule an appointment with American Foot & Leg Specialists. Call us at (678) 666-1806 to address any foot, ankle, or heel pain issues.
Last updated 3 months ago
A great deal of foot and heel pain is caused by either high or low arches. Your foot is designed to work best when you have a gently curving arch on the inside of your foot, from the ball to the heel, to balance weight and pressure. Orthotics are specialized shoe inserts that help correct foot posture to reduce high or low arches. If you schedule a visit with a podiatrist at American Foot & Leg Specialists, you will be diagnosed to see if orthotics are an appropriate treatment for your condition. A variety of orthotic devices exist to treat many different types of foot-related medical conditions. Here are some of the common uses of orthotics for treatment:
Low or fallen arches result in a flat-footed footprint. Your ankle and foot structures are not designed to support weight in such a manner, and this condition can cause the ripping of small tendons and muscles in the heel, leading to plantar fasciitis. Rigid or hard orthotic devices are used to provide support to your arches to give your foot a more normal weight distribution.
High arches put too much pressure on the outside of the foot, causing tenderness and the development of callouses. Softer orthotics designed to cushion your footfalls take some of the pressure off sore spots and correct your foot posture.
Another set of orthotic devices are designed to provide overall foot balance for walking or playing sports. These semi-rigid orthotics are composed of soft cushion materials and reinforced with more rigid structural material.
Orthotics are not appropriate for every case of foot pain. Seek the advice and diagnosis of an experienced podiatrist to learn if orthotics are right for you. At American Foot & Leg Specialists, we aim to educate patients to help them prevent foot and heel pain. Call us today at (678) 666-1806 to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 4 months ago
Heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis stems from an inflammation of the band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. This may result from poor arches, either high or low, heavy body weight, and tearing of the small muscle fibers near the heel. If you experience significant heel pain for an extended period of time, seeking diagnosis and treatment from a podiatrist is recommended. American Foot & Leg Specialists offers individualized diagnosis and treatment to remedy your specific condition. Here are a few common treatment options for plantar fasciitis:
Orthotic devices may be an appropriate treatment for plantar fasciitis. Orthotic devices of various designs are used to provide arch and heel support while cushioning tender areas and distributing weight placement. Most orthotic devices are shoe inserts, but some may comprise a brace or splint.
Some cases of heel pain may be resolved with specific stretching techniques. Podiatrist-recommended stretching exercises will relieve muscle stress and allow for better foot posture.
Your podiatrist may prescribe medication to alleviate heel pain and reduce inflammation. Often, medication will be used in tandem with other treatment methods such as stretching and icing of the area.
New treatment options are becoming available with technological advancements. One such treatment option is shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses a sound wave-producing device to induce a healing response in the body by penetrating the tissues in the heel. This procedure eliminates the need for more invasive and time-consuming surgical procedures.
At American Foot & Leg Specialists, we treat patients on a case-by-case basis and will find the right treatment for your condition and comfort. We offer these and more treatment options and will work with you to relieve heel pain. Schedule an appointment with us to begin treatment and prevention. Call us at (678) 666-1806 today.
Last updated 4 months ago
If you enjoyed our recent posts about foot and ankle conditions and how you can take steps to improve your foot health, check out the following websites for more information. Be sure to call American Foot & Leg Specialists at (678) 666-1806 to schedule an appointment.
- For an in-depth look at ankle sprains, visit this informative page.
- Learn about ankle fractures and common treatments at this website.
- Check out this article from the National Library of Medicine for a closer look at the cause and treatment of toenail fungus.
- Foot fungus, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is fairly common. Learn more by visiting the University of Maryland Medical Center online.
- Find out more about physical therapy for foot and ankle problems by reading this publication.
