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Items filtered by date: March 2015
What Are Ankle/Foot Orthosis?
Ankle-foot orthosis are braces worn at the ankle that encompass some or all of the foot. Diseases that affect the musculature or weaken the affected area require orthosis to strengthen the muscles or rehabilitate them and other joints of the foot and ankle. Tight muscles that need to be lengthened and loosened also benefit from orthosis.
When we think of diseases that affect the musculature we think of the big boys: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio and multiple sclerosis. We rarely think that arthritis and stroke can affect the musculature, but these are both conditions that can negatively affect the muscles in your foot and ankle.
However, the good news is that whatever trauma there is that affects those muscles, there is a way to correct it. The orthosis helps to control range of motion, provide support by stabilizing walking, correct deformities, and manage pain loads. A podiatrist would be consulted for those who have experienced direct trauma to the foot or ankle, have an arthritic condition that is affecting their joints, or has developed another kind of muscular disease.
Before the advent of modern orthosis devices, it wasn’t uncommon to see polio victims wearing metal braces from mid thigh to the bottom of the foot, or children wearing metal braces around their ankle and foot. However, both designs and materials have improved dramatically, allowing for new levels of comfort, functionality, and appearance. Many orthosis are now made from plastics in the shape of an L and designed to fit inside a corrective shoe. These can be rigid, buckling at the calf and extending the length of the foot to support the ankle. This same design except with a hinged ankle provides support while walking by normalizing the gait. In the past, boots lined with leather and fiberboard provided the rigidity needed for correction and support. Now corrective shoes are available with built up soles to correct the gait or manage pain by sharing it with another area when the foot spreads during walking.
The podiatrist would prescribe this orthosis in the rigid L shape because the foot moves on a hinge. If the hinge isn't functioning as intended due to an injury or malformation, the muscles tighten up, thus making it difficult to flex the foot. When we walk, the foot flexes and muscles stretch. This brace or orthosis would support the ankle and musculature during flexion of the foot, in much the same way a knee brace works. Corrective shoes are for people whose feet hit the ground backward, causing tight muscles and arch problems. Wedges and rocker bars on the heels correct the step to heel first and rock onto the ball of the foot, resulting in relaxed musculature and strengthened ankles.
Appearance also counts when we consider a particular support device, especially if the item is intended for regular, daily wear. The L shaped orthosis is contoured to the calf and flesh-colored, fitting into a sneaker or dress shoe. At present, corrective shoes are more attractive than past models, enabling patients wear such devices with greater comfort and confidence.
CJ Miles Discusses His Use of Orthotics for Sore Flat Feet
Indiana Pacers’ forward CJ Miles was feeling spasms in his feel while participating in his pregame routine, when he decided to go back to the locker room for treatment. The cramp-like feeling in his feet was due to his flat feet locking up during training. Miles has even stated that his feet are so flat he has suffered from calf strains. The forward has been working with trainer Josh Corbeii to find the right fit of orthotics to reduce the unpredictable cramping of his feet during games and practices.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 over arched 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 issue, 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 more severe 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 on 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 feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and holistic treatment protocols for all your individual foot and ankle needs.
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Proper Supportive Footwear can Prevent Long Term Foot Problems
Whether you were born with perfect feet or have every ailment possible in your lower extremities, it is necessary to have the proper footwear to avoid future pain and practice every day foot care. Often time many common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and hammertoes occur because of ill-fitting and unsupportive footwear. By having your foot fitting for the best type of shoe that suits your needs, you are treating and preventing foot complications.
Finding shoes with the proper fit and support is only one portion in maintaining everyday foot care. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
Every Day Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.
For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.
Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot ankle injuries.
About Plantar Warts
The term plantar means relating to the foot, which is why plantar warts are only found on the feet. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) getting into open wounds on the feet. These warts are recognizable by a hard bump on the foot. They are mostly found heels or on the balls of the feet. Plantar warts are basically harmless, and may be ignored unless they cause pain or embarrassment.
If you have a plantar wart you may notice some pain when standing, or just some tenderness on the sole of your foot. You will be able to see a fleshy wart, unless it has grown into the foot behind a callus. Since plantar warts are not cancerous and not dangerous, a podiatrist only needs to be seen if there is excess pain, the warts come back often or persist for some time, or if it affects walking. It is extremely important that people suffering from compromised immune systems or diabetes seek out a physician’s care immediately upon finding a plantar wart on their foot.
Doctors can usually easily diagnose plantar warts. The doctor will scrape off a tiny bit of the rough skin to make tiny blood clots visible that make up the inside of these warts. If the doctor is unsure of a diagnosis they may do a biopsy to be certain. Though plantar warts don't often call for treatment, there are many options for combating them if need be. They can be frozen using liquid nitrogen, removed using an electric tool or burned using laser treatment. For a less invasive treatment a topical cream can be used which is available only through a prescription. Over the counter wart medications may help, given enough time and patience.
If you prefer to use home remedies an apple cider vinegar soak is believed to help remove the wart. This treatment takes time. Soak your infected foot in the vinegar for 20 minutes before using a pumice stone to remove any loose skin from the wart. Keep the wart covered for protection in between daily treatments.
The best way to avoid contracting plantar warts is to avoid walking barefoot in public areas. This includes wearing shoes in public showers also. It is also important to avoid direct contact with warts, as they can be contagious. This means not touching your own warts, as well as those on others.
Treatment for Plantar Wart Sufferers
Plantar warts are typically hard and grainy growths that appear on the heels and balls of the feet. Warts occur when the human papilloma virus (HPV) enters your body through cuts or weak spots on the bottom of the feet. Once plantar warts start to grow, they can take as long as two years to go away if not treated. Luckily there are plenty of treatments to reduce, remove, and prevent the inconvenience. Cryotherapy, also known as freezing therapy, is the most widely used method is removing warts, but it may not always work if the treatment does not reach the entire wart. Over-the-counter salicylic acids and prescription medications are also available aid wart removal process. If a plantar wart is particularly thick, a mixture of cryotherapy and salicylic acid treatments may ultimately do the trick.
Plantar warts can be painful and can worsen if not treated properly. If you would like to be treated for plantar warts, consult with Dr. Sharon Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are found on the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) getting into open wounds on the feet. You can recognize plantar warts by a hard bump on the foot. They are usually found on the heels or balls of the feet. Plantar warts are usually not a sign of anything dangerous but do not ignore them if they do cause pain or embarrassment.
If you do have a plantar wart, you may notice some pain when standing but since these warts are not cancerous or dangerous, a podiatrist only needs to be seen if there is excess pain. Although plantar warts don’t often call for treatment, there are options available. They can be frozen off, removed by an electric tool or burned off using laser treatment.
Home remedies are also available to help with plantar warts. An apple cider vinegar soak can help remove the wart. You can soak your feet in the vinegar for 20 minutes before using a pumice stone to remove any loose skin from the wart.
For more information about Plantar Warts, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
3D Printed Ankle Device EXO-L supports Ankles and prevents Sprains
The Netherlands based Delft University of Technology and the Erasmus Medical Centre has developed a new 3D printed ankle device that will reportedly prevent ankle sprains. The EXO-L (short for External Ankle Ligament) is a patented, 3D printed external ligament that replicates the natural motion and anatomy of the ankle to keep it from twisting. The EXO-L seeks to support the ankle when there is a possibility it may be sprained while simultaneously providing freedom of movement. The device is positioned just above the ankle, over the Achilles tendon, and is kept in place by strapping into a special patch on the outside of the shoe. The EXO-L remains inactivated for as long as the ankle’s ligaments remain within the normal range for the sport or activity being played.
Sometimes the opinion of a healthcare professional is required to ensure a sprained ankle is properly healed. If your ankle is sprained, consult with Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer all of your related questions.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits can aid in prevention
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle..
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office, located in State College, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Women more likely to develop Stress Fractures
Studies have shown that women are at a greater risk of developing stress fractures than men. Reasons for this increased risk include hormonal differences, increased bone density, and higher rates of inadequate nutrition. While athletes in general are at highest risk after changes in intensity, frequency or duration of their workouts; in women, irregular menstrual cycles and weight less than 75 percent of ideal body weight are factors that make for an increased risk for stress fractures. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop in the bone after being stressed, and are most common in the foot, ankle, and lower leg but can occur on bones throughout the body.Stress fractures can become painful if left untreated for an extended period of time. If you would like assistance in treating a stress fracture in the foot or ankle, consult with Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can determine the severity of your condition and provide you with quality care.
Coping with Podiatric Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken as a result of overexertion or underuse. As a result, the ankles and feet lose support when walking or running from the ground. Since these bones are not protected, they receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes the bones to form cracks.
What are Stress Fractures?
Stress Fractures are very common among those who are highly active and involved in sports or activities that make excessive use of their legs and feet. Stress fractures are especially common among:
-athletes (gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players)
-runners/joggers
-osteoporosis patients
-those who engage in high-intensity workouts
Stress Fracture Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be either constant or periodic. The pain is usually sharp or dull, accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will exacerbate the pain.
For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.
Read more about Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures to the Foot and Ankle
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures in the foot and ankle happen when muscles become weak due to too much or too little use. Stress fractures cause the muscles to stop cushioning the foot and ankles from the impact of hitting the ground. Since there is nothing to protect the bones of the foot, they absorb the full impact of each step you take. This additional stress causes little cracks, or stress fractures, to form in the bones that are being pressured.
Stress fractures are common in highly active people, especially athletes. Basketball, tennis or and gymnastics are activities where stress fractures occur more frequently. However, anyone can receive a stress fracture. Normally sedentary individuals who suddenly begin an intensive high impact work out may incur a stress fracture. This is because their muscles are not resistant enough to handle and cushion the intensity of the activity. Osteoporosis patients may also suffer stress fractures because the disease weakens the victim’s bones, making it easier for them to wear and tear.
Pain from stress fractures occurs in the site area of the fracture. It may be either constant or intermittent, causing sharp or dull pain accompanied by swelling and/or tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will only exacerbate the pain. In fact, it can even cause a full fracture, especially when the area is not fully healed. Full fractures are much more serious, and can prevent you from using your foot at all.
Treatment varies depending on the patient and the degree of his or her injury. The most important treatment is to rest the injured foot. Some fractures may heal quicker with brief rest, while others need a longer rest period and utilizing crutches. In some cases surgery is required to install support pins around the fracture to aid healing.
To prevent stress fractures, be sure to get plenty of Calcium and Vitamin-D in your diet. This helps keep your bones strong and fortifies their resistance. If you begin a new regimen that involves high impact activity, set incremental goals on a weekly basis so you can build up the proper muscular strength. For example, if you wish to walk every day, you could ride a bike on some of those days to take stress off your feet. Also, make sure to wear supportive shoes that provide adequate protection.
If you experience any symptoms of stress fractures, you should stop exercising and rest. If these symptoms do not go relieve themselves, consult with an orthopedic specialist. Taking these measures can help prevent stress fractures to your foot and ankle, and allow you to continue the activities you enjoy.