Orthotics and Your Foot Health Clinic

If you’ve been dealing with pain in your feet, ankles or legs, it’s time to find out what orthotics are and how they work. These small, lightweight, comfortable devices can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall foot, ankle and leg health, as well as prevent them from returning in the future.

Understand What Your Foot Doctor Does

The first step in a podiatrist’s diagnosis is to conduct a physical examination and take a look at your feet. This includes looking for deformities or areas that are painful, such as a bunion or hammertoe. They’ll also ask you questions about your symptoms and how they’ve become worse.

Next, your doctor may recommend certain tests or imaging to help them pinpoint specific problems in the structure and function of your feet. These may include an X-ray, bone scan or MRI. They may also ask you to walk and perform other activities to determine how your feet strike the ground as you move.

Your doctor may use a device called a pressure sensor to measure the pressure points and arch height of your feet. This helps them determine what type of orthotics to recommend for you.

Using this information, they can create custom orthotics Northside that are designed specifically for you. This allows them to address the specific needs of your feet and the way you move, which is essential for preventing further damage from occurring in the future.

How Your Podiatrist Treats You

Your foot doctor will likely recommend that you begin with conservative treatments, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or other pain relievers. They’ll also likely suggest changes in your lifestyle, including wearing shoes that fit properly and stretching exercises to strengthen your leg and foot muscles.

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Once your podiatrist has identified the root cause of your pain, they will prescribe a treatment plan. This may involve a combination of medication, shoes that support your feet and ankles, physical therapy and a shoe insert called an orthotic.

A good foot doctor will also offer tips for you to keep your feet healthy, like using a mirror or asking a family member to help you inspect your feet for cuts, bruises, sores, corns and calluses. These can be caused by overuse or injury, so it’s important to take care of them quickly and correctly.

If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to make sure your feet are always healthy. A diabetic foot exam can identify conditions that could lead to complications, such as foot ulcers or gangrene. It’s vital to see a podiatrist if you have any signs of skin breakdown, as they can provide effective treatment that’s safe for people with diabetes.

At the Foot Health Clinic, our team of board-certified podiatrists specializes in treating a wide range of foot conditions and injuries. They’re dedicated to delivering compassionate, professional and personalized care for all of their patients, regardless of their age or medical history.

Our physicians specialize in a broad range of podiatric care and treatments, including preventing amputations, treating wound infections, and performing reconstructive surgery to correct biomechanical foot disorders, such as arthritis and bunions. Their approach to podiatric medicine is based on the principles of patient education and responsible, ethical care.