Items filtered by date: July 2019

One of the ways a podiatrist can treat a foot problem is with something called an orthotic. What is an orthotic? An orthotic is a specific type of foot insert that helps correct the conditions your feet suffer from. Not all conditions can be treated with an orthotic, but some can. The best way to determine if an orthotic can help you is to make an appointment with your podiatrist.

There are 2 main types of orthotics. They are:

Flexible – made of soft compression materials they usually provide some type of cushioning for your feet.

Rigid – made of more solid material like plastic or carbon fiber. A rigid orthotic is best used with walking shoes or low-heeled, closed toe shoes to help with back, leg or thigh pain.

While shoe inserts can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy, an actual orthotic is usually custom crafted by your podiatrist and designed to treat your specific medical condition. Because of this, they are usually more expensive. To build your orthotic, your podiatrist may want to take a mold of your feet and watch how you walk.

Conditions an orthotic can help include:

• Bursitis – painful condition that affects the fluid filled sacs called bursae in the joints
• Arthritis – inflammation and pain usually located in the joints
• Plantar Fasciitis – inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone and toe bones
• Heel spurs – painful calcium deposit on the heel bone
• Bunions – a bony bump on the bottom of the big toe
• Diabetes – too high a level of sugar or glucose in the body can damage nerves and lead to amputation
• Back, leg or thigh pain – helps with gait and walking motion
• Flat feet – a foot with little or no arch support
• High arch – often shoes do not support an extra high arch causing foot pain

If you believe you need an orthotic or have any other concerns about your feet, make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill or 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine or 2211 NC Hwy 105 Boone, NC. We are a proud member of the Instride Foot and Ankle Partnership, a statewide partnership of doctors dedicated to providing State of the Art care to our patients. Drs. W. Aaron Broyles, Robert L. Van Brederode and Thomas Verla and their staff will be happy to see and treat you. Contact us today!

One common foot ailment is something called athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a condition caused by a fungus. Also known as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot can affect the skin and spread to the hands and toenails. The fungus lives in warm, moist areas and is contagious. You can catch athlete’s foot at public showers, pools and locker rooms.  Sharing contaminated towels or shoes, having moist feet, wearing tight and closed-toe footwear increases your chances of contracting this common foot ailment.

If you suspect you’re developing athlete’s foot, contact your podiatrist for treatment.

While treatments for athlete’s feet vary, they can be divided into four categories. The first is to use a topical steroid which will reduce pain and swelling. The second is to use an oral antibiotic. The third is to use a topical non-steroid, anti-fungal medicine and the fourth is an oral anti-fungal medicine like Sporanox or Lamisil. Any of these should help, but the best person to determine which is most appropriate is your podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot can be a big problem, so the best suggestion is to avoid contracting it. Wash your feet using soap and water and make sure to dry them thoroughly. Another is to consistently use an anti-fungal powder on your feet especially after washing. This will help keep your feet clean and dry. Wearing sandals, especially in public places like showers or pools accompanied with dry socks, will also help. Going barefoot at home will also help as it airs out accumulated moisture. These are just a few suggestions, all of which will go a long way to keeping your feet healthy.

If you believe you are developing athlete’s foot or have any concerns about your feet, make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill or 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine or 2211 NC Hwy 105 Boone, NC. We are a proud member of the Instride Foot and Ankle Partnership, a statewide partnership of doctors dedicated to providing state of the art care to our patients. Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode and Dr. Thomas Verla and their staff will be happy to see and treat you. Contact us today!