Items filtered by date: August 2022

Orthotics are defined as insoles that go into the shoes. They are also known as orthoses and can help to improve foot structure. There are specific foot deformities that may benefit from wearing orthotics. These include flat feet, arch conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, and certain types of arthritis. There are three categories of orthotics, including rigid, soft, and semi-rigid. Foot function is typically controlled by wearing rigid orthotics, and they may help to eliminate existing foot pain. They generally fit snugly to correct any abnormalities. Shock and pressure can be reduced when soft orthotics are worn, and walking may be more comfortable. The orthotics that are known as semi-rigid are often worn by athletes, and they can provide the support that is necessary as their chosen sport is practiced. If you would like to know more information about orthotics, their different forms, and if you are a candidate, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have. Podiatrists can also guide you in the direction that is right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running and walking are two different things and the shoes that are worn for each can vary in many ways. Walking shoes are generally stiffer than running shoes and many people who run, or jog enjoy wearing a shoe that is more flexible. It is beneficial to determine what the style of running is, and this consists of being a toe, midfoot, or heel striker. Running shoes are known for their stability and their ability to help correct overpronation. Comfort is the main reason why people will purchase walking shoes as too much cushioning in the shoe may possibly cause the legs to become stiff. A shoe that is flexible, lightweight, and flat is the type of shoe that fitness walkers prefer, and it is important to ensure the foot does not slide as each step is taken. Runners prefer additional cushioning in the heel and forefoot as this can make striking the ground with force more comfortable. If you would like more information about the many different types of running and walking shoes, in addition to the differences between them, please confer with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

Most runners have some form of foot pain at some point. Complaints range from blisters to plantar fasciitis, and even stress fractures. Taking care of the feet is sometimes overlooked by runners who concentrate more on other body parts. For trail runners who traverse uneven, wet, or slippery terrain, attention to foot health can be paramount. First and foremost for any runner is proper footwear. Be sure to find shoes that are made specifically for natural terrain and fit well. Socks can be just as important as shoes. Look for socks that wick moisture and prevent blisters. Try to keep your feet dry, if at all possible. Some runners tend the calluses on the sole of the feet with a pumice, but it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist if they cause pain or gait problems. Orthotics may be a solution to avoiding them. Other ways that trail runners can care for their feet are to keep toenails carefully trimmed, give your feet a massage, and pamper them after a run. If you experience foot pain or problems caused by running, please visit a podiatrist for more information. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

When we are born, our feet are soft, supple, and beautiful. As we age, the softness decreases and the skin on our feet can become thick, hard, and our heels can crack. It is when the thick, dry skin on our feet and heels become cracked that problems can arise. A heel crack is also known as a heel fissure. The skin cannot bear the pressure of our body if it is too dry, thick, and flaky, which creates cracks. It is an unpleasant and unsightly condition and sometimes severe cracks can bleed and become infected. Initially, the skin on the heels will look yellow or dark brown. Then thread-like cracks will appear. Skin on the feet and heels can become cracked from internal and external causes. Internal causes include lack of moisture, dehydration, poor nutrition, aging, obesity, genetics, some skin diseases (such as psoriasis, corns, eczema), and other health disorders, like diabetes. External factors causing cracked heels include prolonged standing, weight put on the feet (from lifting something heavy), poorly fitting shoes or shoes with open backs or hard soles, poor foot hygiene, excess contact with water (even bathing too frequently), exposure to winter weather, using harsh, drying soaps, or scrubbing too much. If you have cracked feet or heels and they are creating discomfort that is not mitigated by tending to the factors that created them, consult with a podiatrist who can treat the condition and teach you ways to prevent this from happening again.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Taking care of your feet is an integral component of maintaining your overall well-being. However, there are a number of rare foot conditions that can make it especially difficult for you to care for your feet. Although these conditions are rare, it can be helpful to learn more about them in case you ever must identify them in yourself or a loved one. Kohler’s disease is one kind of rare foot condition. This affliction is most common in young boys between the ages of 2 and 10. It occurs primarily when the navicular bone, located between the ankle and heel, does not grow properly. Specifically, the navicular bone can become essentially flattened, which can lead to swelling and pain, sometimes making it difficult to walk. Typically, a child with Kohler’s disease will only exhibit this condition in one foot, as opposed to both feet. To properly diagnose Kohler’s disease, a medical professional might have to perform an X-ray. Treating Kohler’s disease might involve using a cast and, if the child is old enough, giving the child crutches to walk on while the condition subsides. If you think that your child might have Kohler’s disease, it may be a good time to contact a podiatrist. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.