Items filtered by date: August 2023

Foot orthotics are specialized shoe inserts designed to provide support, alleviate discomfort, and address various foot-related issues. These devices are available in different types, each catering to distinct needs. Some orthotics offer arch support, helping individuals with flat feet or high arches maintain proper alignment and reduce strain. Others focus on cushioning, which can provide relief for conditions such as plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia. Additionally, functional orthotics aid in correcting irregular walking patterns and promoting better foot biomechanics. Whether you're an athlete aiming to enhance performance, an individual seeking relief from pain, or someone with a medical condition, foot orthotics can prove invaluable. If you would like more information about orthotics, It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine whether they are right for you and which type would work best for your needs.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathic foot ulcers, commonly occurring in individuals with conditions like diabetes or spinal cord injuries, pose significant challenges to foot health. Ulcers form at the site of wounds that won’t heal, causing redness, pain, and inflammation. Treating neuropathic foot ulcers involves several strategies to ensure successful healing and avoid complications. Wound care is essential, involving regular cleansing, dead tissue removal, and proper dressing application to help prevent infections. Specialized shoes or casts can minimize pressure and enhance the healing process. Medications, such as antibiotics and analgesics, can aid in pain control, ward off infection, and accelerate wound healing. Proper management of underlying medical conditions, like diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, also helps to prevent neuropathic ulcers. Lifestyle modifications, including quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and performing regular exercises, are other ways to reduce risk. A vigilant foot care routine, control of blood sugar levels, and safeguarding the feet against injuries are three important preventative factors. For help with foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist who is trained to deal with this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the toes, causing them to bend or curl unnaturally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer's shape. This condition can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty in finding comfortable footwear. Causes of hammertoe include wearing ill fitting shoes, especially high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box. These types of shoes can force the toes into an abnormal position over time. Genetic factors, arthritis, or nerve damage can also contribute to the onset of a hammertoe. Early intervention can often prevent the condition from worsening. Non surgical treatments include wearing shoes with a wide toe box, custom orthotics, or splints to help straighten the toes. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to straighten the affected toe. If you have developed a hammertoe that is causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails can cause immense discomfort and frustration. Understanding the different types and underlying causes can help prevent and address this uncomfortable foot condition. The edge of a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin is referred to as a distal ingrown toenail and is considered to be the most common type. When the nail grows into either side of the skin, this is known as a lateral ingrown toenail. Common symptoms can include redness, swelling, and it may become infected. If the toenail is not trimmed properly, it may result in a portion of the nail penetrating the skin, which is known as a partial ingrown toenail. People who wear shoes that do not fit correctly, in addition to those with a foot injury, may find they have developed an ingrown toenail. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that may include minor surgery for partial removal. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. It is defined as irritation or tearing of the plantar fascia and can cause difficulty in walking. The plantar fascia is found on the sole and connects the heel to the toes. It is instrumental in pointing and flexing the foot and can become torn for various reasons. These can include standing on hard or uneven surfaces most of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, people who are overweight may develop plantar fasciitis due to the added weight the heels must endure. The heel pain felt with plantar fasciitis may be worse in the morning upon arising and may improve when walking is done, as the plantar fascia is stretched. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact George Tellam, DPM  from Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.