When Does an Ingrown Toenail Require Professional Care?
Ingrown toenails are fairly common. Though painful, they usually aren’t serious cause for concern. However, there are exceptions. If you have an ingrown toenail, here’s when you need an expert.
Beyond Foot Pain: 5 Ailments That Can Be Alleviated With Custom Orthotics
Your shoes might be the pièce de résistance of your outfit, but if your feet hurt 一 no matter how glamorous or well-fitting your shoes are 一 it’s time to consider podiatric care. An estimated 77% of Americans report foot pain, but only 33% of them seek medical care for it.
There’s no need to suffer from foot pain. Custom orthotics can help alleviate pain associated with common foot ailments so that you walk confidently in your favorite shoes sans pain.
Our award-winning team of podiatrists here at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists create custom-molded orthotics for people in Bradenton, Ellenton, and University Park, Florida, who are struggling to overcome common foot ailments.
Below, we explain how custom orthotics can provide relief from the top five foot ailments.
5 ailments alleviated with custom orthotics
You might benefit from accommodative orthotics if you have:
1. Foot pain
“Pain” tops the list when it comes to common foot complaints. Pain can be the result of arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and so much more. The good news is that custom-molded orthotics can help alleviate pain caused by many different conditions.
Depending on which underlying condition you have, custom orthotics alleviate pain by reducing the amount of stress on your feet. Not only do custom orthotics shift pressure off your trouble spots, but they also redistribute your weight to further alleviate discomfort.
2. Arch issues
The arches of your feet are located between the balls of your feet and your heels. They help to maintain balance in your body as you walk, and they also provide a spring in your step. If your arches are too high or too flat, they can cause foot pain. Orthotics alleviate arch issues (either too high or too flat) by supporting your feet how they need it most.
3. Joint issues
Orthotics can support all of the joints from your smallest toe joint to your ankle. Orthotics can alleviate pain associated with bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, and ankle instability.
4. Diabetic foot problems
Custom orthotics are also beneficial to people struggling with common diabetic foot problems, such as calluses, ulcers, and nerve damage. Because diabetes can contribute to slow-healing wounds, any blisters or calluses can become a risk factor for ulcers. Orthotics can help keep weight distributed evenly to help reduce calluses and blisters.
5. Sports injuries
Sports injuries can occur on any part of your body, and your feet are no exception. Sports injuries can vary in severity and can include plantar fasciitis 一 a common running injury 一 ankle fractures, and blisters.
If you have a sports injury that affects your foot or ankle, custom-molded orthotics can alleviate post-injury soreness by providing your foot and/or ankles with extra support. Even as you recover from the initial injury, custom-made inserts stabilize your ankle joint and may decrease pain during recovery.
Custom orthotics provide the relief you need
Unlike one-size-fits-all inserts, custom inserts are designed with your unique foot anatomy in mind. Not only does this make them more comfortable, but it also means they’re more effective. For instance, studies show that orthotics are one of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis.
Ready to say goodbye to foot pain? To learn more about custom orthotics (as well as other treatments that complement orthotics), call one of our offices. You can also request an appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Common Signs of Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Promo: Arthritis can affect any joint in your body, but it’s especially painful when it develops in the feet and ankles because they bear our weight. Keep reading to learn about common signs of arthritis and what you can do to manage your symptoms.
Common Foot Problems During Pregnancy and What You Can Do About Them
Pregnancy puts significant strain on your body, particularly your feet. Here are some of the most common foot problems women experience during pregnancy, and how to treat them.
How a Better Pair of Shoes Can Prevent Ankle Sprains
You’ve just recovered from a sprained ankle and you have no desire to repeat that unpleasant and inconvenient experience. In addition to strengthening your ankle through rehab and daily exercises and stretches, be sure to find the right shoes, too.
Does Toenail Fungus Resolve on Its Own?
The medical world hates to say “never” because everyone is different. So, there’s a slight chance it could, but most experts agree that toenail fungus probably won’t resolve on its own. Learn why that is and why you shouldn’t ignore fungal nails.
How Soon Can I Drive After Breaking My Foot?
Your broken foot slows you down when walking. But does that mean you have to take your foot off the pedal of your car, too? How can you get anywhere if you can’t walk or drive? Be patient. Your foot needs time to heal.