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December 2020

Monday, 28 December 2020 00:00

What to Look for in Orthotics

Orthotics are special shoe inserts designed to give your feet support and make standing, walking, and other daily activities more comfortable. Orthotics can be bought in most major drug stores, or they can be prescribed and custom made by a podiatrist. When looking for orthotic inserts, it is important to consider your needs. For example, if you experience foot pain due to prolonged standing, you may want to look for orthotics that have extra cushioning. If you participate in sports that require you to frequently put weight on the balls of your feet, such as running, look for inserts that support the metatarsal arch at the front of the foot. If you suffer from heel pain, it suggested that your orthotics offer extra shock absorption in the heel area and have firm arch support. To learn more about orthotics and which ones 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 Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. 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 contact our office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot Orthotics
Monday, 21 December 2020 00:00

Tips for Happy Feet

Your feet support your weight and help you move throughout the day. Taking care of your feet can play a big role in maintaining your overall health. One of the most important aspects of good foot care is making sure that the shoes you wear are comfortable, supportive, and properly fitted. The right shoes can prevent a variety of painful injuries and foot conditions. Look for shoes that protect, cushion, and support your feet, and avoid shoes like flip flops, which are often flimsy and can increase your risk of foot pain. Proper hygiene is an important part of foot health as well. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet daily to avoid fungal infections, and trim your toenails straight across and not too short to help prevent ingrown nails. For more tips on everyday foot care, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Monday, 14 December 2020 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Monday, 14 December 2020 00:00

What Is a Sprained Toe?

A sprained toe is a very common foot injury that can affect anyone at any time. The more frequent causes tend to be stubbing the toe or injuring it during a sporting activity. A sprained toe means torn ligaments, and this can hinder completing daily activities, not to mention the pain and discomfort that often coincides. Sprained toes are classified into three categories and the healing time is governed by which area they fall into. A mild sprain takes the least amount of time to heal, and the patient may be fully recovered within two weeks. The ligaments may be partially torn in a moderate sprain, and the toe may be unstable. The healing time with this type of sprain can extend to up to five weeks. The full healing time with a severe sprain can take six weeks or longer, and can require the most amount of care. If you have a sprained toe it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the severity of your injury and guide you toward proper treatment techniques.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

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Monday, 07 December 2020 00:00

Understanding Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome is a partial dislocation of the bones in the middle of the foot. While cuboid syndrome is typically the result of overuse or injury, pronated feet (feet that turn inward when walking), training on uneven surfaces, poorly fitted shoes, and climbing stairs can all be contributing factors as well . A common sign of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot near the little toe. Pain may also be felt in the middle of the foot, or at the base of the fourth and fifth toes. Since the pain is sometimes difficult to pinpoint, cuboid syndrome is often confused with a stress fracture. Other symptoms can include difficulty walking, swelling, pain that becomes worse with weight-bearing, and increased pain when lifting the heel and pushing off the toe. If you are experiencing any pain in the foot it is highly recommended to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome
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