Littlestown, PA
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(717) 359-5300
Orthotics are defined as insoles that go into the shoes. They are also known as orthoses and can help to improve foot structure. There are specific foot deformities that may benefit from wearing orthotics. These include flat feet, arch conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, and certain types of arthritis. There are three categories of orthotics, including rigid, soft, and semi-rigid. Foot function is typically controlled by wearing rigid orthotics, and they may help to eliminate existing foot pain. They generally fit snugly to correct any abnormalities. Shock and pressure can be reduced when soft orthotics are worn, and walking may be more comfortable. The orthotics that are known as semi-rigid are often worn by athletes, and they can provide the support that is necessary as their chosen sport is practiced. If you would like to know more information about orthotics, their different forms, and if you are a candidate, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have. Podiatrists can also guide you in the direction that is right for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care 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 Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that affects the nerves generally between the third and fourth toes. It is defined as a thickening of the tissue surrounding the toes, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can be thought of as a lump of scar tissue in the foot. It may gradually develop from frequently wearing high heels, or if there has been a foot injury. The nerve can become irritated, and there may be a tingling sensation, or a loss of feeling. Some patients feel the pain in the ball of their foot, and this often becomes worse as time progresses. Specific imaging tests may be performed to determine a correct diagnosis, and the foot may be manipulated to reproduce the symptoms. Relief can come from changing the shoes that are worn, and it may help to wear custom-made orthotics which may lessen the pressure from the neuroma. Additionally, it is beneficial to temporarily stop any physical activity, and this may help to reduce the discomfort. If you feel you have developed Morton’s neuroma, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The plantar fascia tissue attaches to the heel bone and stretches out to connect with the toes. When this band of tissue gets excessively and repeatedly stretched, it can stress the heel bone and tear its lining. This type of wear and tear on the heel bone can prompt a response in the body where calcium deposits build up over time creating spurs on the bone that can grow up to half an inch. Heel spurs may or may not be painful. They may go undiagnosed or overlooked because they can occur in tandem with the inflammatory condition known as plantar fasciitis. If your heel spurs are symptomatic, they may create sharp pain, heat, tenderness, and inflammation in the heel. People who are obese or who have osteoarthritis are more prone to developing heel spurs. Older adults and those who wear improper footwear are also more at risk. If you are experiencing heel pain or believe you may have heel spurs, make an appointment with a podiatrist who may need an X-ray to diagnose your heel spurs. Once diagnosed, your heel spur may be treated with rest, cold compresses, anti-inflammatory injections, pain medication, physical therapy, stretching, and more.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Many people who have bunions are concerned that it is a cosmetic condition. There are some patients who are aware they may cause pain, and this can hinder completing daily activities. The medical term for a bunion is referred to as hallux valgus, and it is defined as a bony lump on the side of the big toe. It gradually develops from genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. It will begin as a small bump, and will gradually increase in size if the same type of shoes are frequently worn. It can affect the other toes by pushing against them, and this can cause them to shift. Some patients develop corns and calluses on top of the shifted toes, and bursitis can develop in the affected joint of the big toe. There are protective pads that can be worn over the bunion until larger shoes are purchased. If you see the first sign of a bunion, or if it has increased in size, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can possibly recommend surgery for permanent relief.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Running can be an exciting and invigorating way to maintain your health and keep yourself in good shape. However, if you are not properly taking care of your body before, during, and after the run, you may be setting yourself up for a painful foot injury. One way in which you can be proactive in preventing potential running injuries is by performing foot and lower leg exercises. These exercises might help strengthen muscles and improve the agility of your feet when running, making injuries less likely. One exercise is known as calf stretches. Stand facing a wall and put both hands on the wall. Get into a lunge-like position. Slowly and slightly bend your back knee down so that you can lean into the wall. You will feel a gentle stretch in your upper calf. If you want to stretch the lower parts of the calf, you can perform this calf stretch exercise with both feet closer to the wall. You might consider performing this muscle-strengthening exercise shortly after a run. To stretch and strengthen your toes, you might perform the toe spread exercise. When you are in a seated position, wrap a rubber band around your toes. Spread your toes and hold the spread position for a few seconds. You can repeat this exercise on both feet several times. These are just some exercises that might help you prevent a running injury. For more information, reach out to a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
