Ankle-foot-orthoses (AFO) are supportive devices, or braces, that help a person with lower limb, ankle, or foot disability. AFOs function mainly to prevent deformity, increase mobility, reduce pain, and protect and support a healing injury. They can be custom made for children as well as adults to protect the foot, ankle, and leg, finishing at the knee. They can be made hinged to bend at the ankle, or solid with no ankle movement. There are several types of AFOs that are prescribed based on the precise needs of the wearer. Factors include length of time it will be worn, amount of lateral stability needed, and how the device fits into shoes. For more detailed information on ankle-foot-orthoses, please consult a podiatrist, who can help determine which AFO is best for you. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth 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 feel free to contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Big toe pain can be caused by a variety of different things – some requiring medical interventions and some not. Causes of toe pain include an injury, such as a fracture or turf toe, or an underlying medical condition like arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, or gout). Other reasons are an ingrown toenail, sesamoiditis, a bunion, a nail infection, or Morton’s neuroma. If one is suffering from pain in their big toe, resting the foot, elevating it, icing the toe, and wearing firmer soled shoes may help. However, to properly determine the underlying cause of your big toe pain, or when your pain is unexplained or sudden, see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer treatment options. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Heel pain is a common complaint among many patients visiting a podiatrist. Although there are several possible causes of this heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the likeliest. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot. This tissue connects the heel with the forefoot and can suffer damage from overuse, complications due to abnormal foot structure, improper footwear, and more. Plantar fasciitis can affect all people from athletes to ordinary people leading fairly sedentary lives. Older or obese individuals, those who stand while working, or who have flat feet or a shortened Achilles tendon, have a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. There are many treatment modalities that your podiatrist may discuss with you if it's determined that plantar fasciitis is the cause of your heel pain. If it's chronic and does not respond to more conservative treatments, your podiatrist may suggest corticosteroid injections. This type of anti-inflammatory medicinal treatment is believed to help reduce pain and inflammation in many patients. If you are suffering from heel pain, have a podiatrist examine you. If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, consider all of the treatment options your podiatrist suggests and ask for information about whether corticosteroid injections might be right for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

An elevated blood sugar level in the body may lead to a condition known as diabetes. It can damage the nerves in the feet and it can be difficult to feel existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes. An infected cut on the bottom of the foot could evolve into a foot ulcer, and the foot may have to be amputated if it is not promptly treated. It is important to perform proper diabetic foot care and this is done by using a mirror to check the bottom of the feet. Additionally, when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly, they will generally feel better. This can be followed by trimming the toenails straight across instead of curved. Many diabetic patients understand the importance of refraining from walking barefoot and this is an added measure in protecting the feet. Shoes are to be worn with socks that are well-padded and both need to be comfortable and fit properly. It is beneficial to purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Patients who have diabetes are suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist who can help them properly treat and manage their foot care issues.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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