Items filtered by date: June 2021

Orthotics are inserted into the shoes and are worn to correct issues with foot alignment or relieve pressure for other foot related issues. Orthotics can also help with problems like knee pain and lower back pain. They can be designed to take stress off of certain areas of the feet, and they can also help support and align the feet properly. Orthotics can be made custom by laser scanning the foot, by using a foam box, or by making a plaster cast. Orthotics can be used to delay surgery, particularly when a child needs to wait for their growth plates to close or for their bones to grow to the needed size. Orthotics may also be used post-surgery to help alleviate pain. If you believe orthotics are right for you, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon is a thick band of fibrous tissue located at the back of the lower leg. It connects the calf muscle to the heel bone and allows us to walk by raising the heel off of the ground. Repetitive stress placed on this tendon during activities such as running, playing high impact sports, and working on your feet can cause the tendon to become injured. Initially, the Achilles tendon may become inflamed in a condition known as Achilles tendonitis. An inflamed Achilles tendon can be painful, tender, and stiff. If left untreated, Achilles tendonitis could become chronic and lead to a degeneration of the tendon known as Achilles tendonosis. This condition makes the tendon lose its organized structure and makes it more likely to develop microscopic tears that cause chronic pain and may restrict mobility. Achilles tendonosis can also make a full rupture more likely. If you experience pain in your calf muscles, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition and prevent further injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are several common foot issues that many seniors face. Fortunately, most of these problems are preventable or manageable. Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet, can be prevented by maintaining good foot hygiene, washing the feet and drying them thoroughly, and wearing shoes in public areas like swimming pools or locker rooms. Corns and calluses, which are usually caused by friction, can be prevented by wearing well-fitted, comfortable shoes. Wearing the right shoes can also help prevent hammertoes and ingrown toenails. Certain systemic conditions, such as diabetes, may affect the feet. Complications from diabetes include poorly healing wounds on the feet, nerve damage, and infections. If you have diabetes, checking your feet daily for any abnormalities will allow you to detect any problems early and to seek prompt treatment. A podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health at any age.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are fluid filled lesions that are a result of pressure and friction, and they can be very painful. Blisters can form from a variety of factors that include wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, stiff shoes, wrinkled socks, having too much moisture on the feet, and as a result of various foot deformities. Common methods for preventing blisters include keeping the feet dry, wearing the right sized socks, wearing properly fitting footwear and checking the feet for any rubbing or tenderness. Patients who do have blisters on their feet should make sure not to pop them. Blisters will usually last 3-7 days and clear up on their own. However, if the blisters continue to persist, or if you have diabetes, you should consult with a podiatrist to get proper care for the blister.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.