Items filtered by date: September 2024

Custom foot orthotics are designed to improve foot function and comfort, particularly during acute or long-term injuries. Their primary aim is to increase the efficiency of foot movement and reduce strain by providing personalized support tailored to individual needs. These orthotics can aid in gait and balance retraining, helping to correct abnormal walking patterns and enhance overall stability. By addressing issues such as misalignment and uneven pressure distribution, custom orthotics can help to prevent further injury and facilitate recovery. Whether used to manage chronic conditions or to support healing from recent injuries, these devices play a vital role in restoring optimal foot function and improving overall mobility. If you have specific foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if custom-made orthotics will provide the relief you are seeking.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom 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. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and 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, custom 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're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gait retraining is an increasingly popular intervention for distance runners experiencing pain or injury due to improper running mechanics. This specialized training focuses on altering a runner’s movement patterns to reduce stress on tissues and redistribute forces more evenly across joints. Common techniques include visual feedback, step rate manipulation, and foot strike adjustments. Each method of gait retraining aims to correct specific biomechanical issues that contribute to running-related injuries. While gait retraining has proved effective, it is essential to tailor the approach to the individual’s needs and abilities. A podiatrist can help a runner make an informed decision about which gait retraining methods will be most beneficial. Given the complexity of running mechanics, a thorough evaluation by a podiatrist ensures that the method chosen will address the root cause of pain without introducing new issues. If you experience foot pain after long distance running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine if gait retraining is needed.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis marked by sudden, intense joint pain, often starting with the big toe. This condition occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation. Symptoms typically include severe, throbbing pain that may begin unexpectedly, often at night. The affected joint becomes swollen, red, and warm to the touch, and even light pressure from clothing or bedding can be excruciating. Warning signs of an impending gout attack include persistent joint discomfort, frequent episodes of pain, or swelling without a clear cause. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.