Items filtered by date: April 2024

Our feet work hard to get us from A to B, bearing our weight all the while. It’s no wonder, then, that they’re vulnerable to all kinds of injuries and malfunctions, most of which have far-reaching effects. Worse, issues with balance, posture, and stability translate into aches and pains that migrate from your feet and ankles to afflict your knees, hips, and back.

Problems are often best solved from the ground up, and no treatment method makes that clearer than custom orthotic inserts! These tailor-made tools match your unique foot structure to boost biomechanics and ease pain. For this blog, Alta Ridge Foot Specialists have decided to break down the ins and outs of how orthotics work, then segue into why they solve a few of podiatry’s most painful complications.

3 Pain Points Orthotics Help You Step Past

Here are just a few concerns that custom orthotics can address:

Plantar Fasciitis:

• This inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament stretching from your heel to your toes, is a common cause of heel pain.
• A study published by the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that custom orthotics were significantly more effective in reducing plantar fasciitis pain than stretching and night splints [1].

Overpronation:

• When your foot rolls inward excessively with each step, it can cause arch pain, ankle strain, and knee pain.
• Custom orthotics can provide arch support and correct your gait, promoting better alignment and reducing stress on your joints.

Diabetic Foot Care:

• People with diabetes are more susceptible to foot ulcers due to decreased circulation and nerve damage.
• Custom orthotics can help distribute pressure more evenly, reducing the risk of ulcer formation and promoting proper healing.

Finding Relief with Custom Orthotics

If you’re experiencing foot pain and suspect it might be related to one of these conditions, consulting a podiatrist is a great first step!

At Alta Ridge Foot Specialists, Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, Dr. Thomas Verla, and the rest of our staff at our Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC, offices are here to help with any of your foot concerns. Contact us at one of our three locations today to make an appointment.

Ingrown toenails are more than just a mere annoyance. Left untreated, they can snowball into serious complications impacting your health and well-being. It’s always a shame to see minor aches and pains spiral into major complications, especially when the issue could have been prevented altogether.

At Alta Ridge Foot Specialists, we’ve decided to step in and take a stand against all the nasty infections this untreated problem can cause.

Read on to learn why prompt podiatric intervention is crucial for this underrated ailment:

• Infection Issues: The warm, moist environment created by an ingrown toenail is conducive to bacteria that lead to localized infections, causing redness, swelling, pus, and throbbing pain. Untreated, an infection can even spread to the bone, potentially requiring antibiotic treatment or surgery.
• Painful Progression: Ignoring the initial discomfort won’t make it magically disappear. In fact, the pressure of the nail digging in will only intensify your pain, making walking, standing, and even wearing shoes unpleasant.
• Tissue Damage: As infections progress, they can damage surrounding tissues, including the skin, bone, and nerves. This can cause permanent scarring, nerve damage, numbness or tingling, and even bone deformities.
• Diabetic Dilemmas: For individuals with diabetes, ingrown toenails pose a higher risk. Poor circulation and nerve damage can mask the problem, leading to delayed diagnosis and potential complications like diabetic foot ulcers.
• Social Stigma: Let’s face it: An infected, neglected toe isn’t a pretty sight. The associated odor and visible inflammation can cause embarrassment and social awkwardness.

Primary Care? Try a DPM Instead

Primary care doctors often refer ingrown toenails to a podiatrist. They know a DPM can:

• Provide painless removal of the ingrown portion.
• Offer preventive measures to prevent future occurrences.
• Offer advanced care or minor surgery in complex cases.

Don’t let an ingrown toenail become a ticking time bomb for your health and well-being. Seek professional help at the first sign of trouble instead!

At Alta Ridge Foot Specialists, Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, Dr. Thomas Verla, and the rest of our staff at our Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC, offices are here to help with any of your foot concerns. Contact us at one of our three locations today to make an appointment.