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A walking boot is an orthotic device used to protect the foot or ankle after an injury. The boot helps keep the foot stable and in the right position so that it can heal properly. Walking boots can also help keep weight and pressure off of an injured area. Injuries that may require wearing a walking boot include broken bones, tendon injuries, severe sprains, and shin splints. Most walking boots have two to five adjustable straps that hold the boot in place over the injured leg. How long you will need to wear the walking boot will depend on your specific injury and its severity. For more information, please consult with a podiatrist.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. 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 Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to falling. Among the most common are foot problems – such as bunions, corns or ingrown toenails – which can change the way you walk and affect your balance. Footwear that is inappropriate for certain activities, and weak muscles caused by inactivity, arthritis, or lack of exercise, can also put you at risk. Numbness in the feet, which may be a result of diabetes, can be a further risk for falling. Other factors include drinking too much alcohol, medication that may cause dizziness, poor balance, and even vision problems. Many of these risk factors can be common among older adults, but may be apparent in people of all ages. If your foot problems are causing you to lose your balance frequently, it may be time to see a podiatrist for treatment options that can help you live a safer life.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
If performing your job duties requires you to stand on a regular basis, you are more at risk of developing painful problems in your feet and legs, as well as other parts of your body. These problems can lead to and exacerbate chronic disorders and decreased mobility. If possible, certain modifications should be made in your workstation that can provide you with more flexibility and the ability to take a variety of body positions throughout the day. Included are adjustable worktables and benches, footrest/rails, ergonomically positioned controls and tools, and anti-fatigue mats. A seat should also be nearby to allow periods of rest whenever possible. Proper footwear is critical to the standing worker’s comfort and safety as well. Features of a good working shoe include a proper fit, sturdy support in the heel, plenty of room in the toes, a specific heel height that is not too low or high, a straight inner side from heel to toe, and shock-absorbing insoles. A podiatrist can provide more details on fit and style and can also create custom orthotics to improve body alignment and gait.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a medical condition characterized by poor blood flow to the lower limbs. Though often asymptomatic in its early stages, PAD can eventually result in leg cramps and pain while walking, muscle weakness, coldness or numbness in the feet, and the formation of ulcers on the feet and lower legs. There are two types of PAD, occlusive and functional. Occlusive PAD occurs when something physically blocks or narrows the arteries. The most common cause of occlusive PAD is a buildup of a fatty substance, called plaque, along the artery walls. Functional PAD occurs when the blood vessels are not working properly. This is often caused by abnormal contractions, or muscle spasms, in the walls of the arteries. To learn more about PAD, please consult with a podiatrist.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
