Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is a painful condition that can be made better by wearing orthotic insoles. There are several different types of orthotics on the market. Soft orthotics are made of soft materials, such as foam. They are flexible and offer support and cushioning for the foot. Hard orthotics are made of plastic, carbon fiber, or other rigid materials. They are designed to reduce strain on the lower limbs and provide more control over the feet. To figure out which type of orthotic is best for you, it is suggested that you 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.
You may have once heard that it is better to stand than sit, however, this may not be entirely accurate. While it might be true that sitting too much can have ill effects on your overall health, standing all day is also not great. Standing for prolonged periods of time has been linked to muscle strain, fatigue, swelling, varicose veins, leg cramps, joint problems, plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, and corns. If you must stand for long periods of time, it is suggested that you frequently change the position you stand in, wear comfortable and supportive shoes, walk around and stretch your feet, and take occasional breaks to sit and rest. If you are suffering from foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
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.
Fractures in the toes and metatarsals (long bones in the midfoot that connect to the toe bones) can be quite painful and should not be taken lightly. Breaks can either be traumatic (acute) that occur instantly due to an injury, or can be stress fractures which develop over time. Traumatic fractures can cause a bone to become misaligned in certain cases. You may hear a snap at the moment of impact and you may even notice that the toe is crooked or misshapen in some way. Pain may be felt at the site of the injury, and bruising and swelling may occur the following day. With a stress fracture, any pain felt while using the affected foot may subside when you rest, and although you may notice swelling there should be no apparent bruising. It is important to see a podiatrist for any broken bone in your toe or metatarsal, even if you have been treated initially at an emergency room. Proper treatment and rehabilitation will help avoid future complications like an improperly healed bone, mobility issues, difficulty wearing shoes, deformities, chronic pain, or arthritis in the joint.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. 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 Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
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.
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Indulgent foods are everywhere during the holiday season, and while you might be well aware of their effects on your waistline, you may be less aware of their effect on your foot health. If you have previously experienced a gout attack, or are at risk of gout due to family history or underlying conditions, it is very important to watch what you eat and drink during the holidays. Food and drinks rich in purines, such as red meats, shellfish, and alcoholic or sugary beverages, can lead to increased uric acid levels in the bloodstream. An overabundance of uric acid can cause urea crystals to form and lodge in the joints of the feet, leading to painful gout flare ups. To learn more about the connection between nutrition and foot health, speak with a podiatrist today.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If your active child is suddenly complaining of foot pain, walking on their tippy toes, or limping, they may have Sever’s disease. Though the name can sound frightening, Sever’s disease is actually an injury. It occurs when the growth plate in your child’s heel bone is damaged due to repetitive strain from running, jumping, and other athletic activities. At home, you can help your child find relief by resting and icing the affected foot (it often affects both feet at once) and encouraging them to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Seeing a podiatrist, who can prescribe orthotics, suggest exercises to help relieve symptoms, and rule out any other potential causes for your child’s pain, can also be very beneficial.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
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 injuries.
