Items filtered by date: June 2024

Orthotics are devices inserted into shoes to support, align, or improve the function of the feet. They help relieve pain and prevent injuries by redistributing pressure and providing support to specific areas of the foot. This can alleviate issues such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and overpronation, reducing strain on muscles and joints. Although there are various types of orthotics, rigid, semi-rigid, and soft, determining which type works best for an individual's condition can be somewhat unpredictable. The effectiveness of orthotics largely depends on the specific foot problem and the unique biomechanics of the patient. For optimal results, it is suggested that if you are interested in understanding more about orthotics, you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform a thorough evaluation of your foot condition and overall health and determine if orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. 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 Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, poses significant challenges for foot health, stemming from restricted blood flow to the lower extremities. This condition, often caused by atherosclerosis, involves the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. The diminished blood supply to the feet can result in various symptoms, including pain, cramping, numbness, and weakness, particularly during physical activity. Left untreated, PAD can contribute to serious complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and delayed wound healing. Diagnosing PAD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a podiatrist. This process includes a thorough medical history review, assessment of risk factors such as smoking and diabetes, and a physical examination focused on evaluating circulation in the legs and feet. Specialized diagnostic tests, such as ankle-brachial index, or ABI measurement, Doppler ultrasound, and angiography, may also be employed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of arterial blockages. If you are experiencing any of the foot symptoms mentioned above, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief solutions for PAD.

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 Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. 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:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

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 Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Idiopathic toe walking, as it's called, occurs when a child continues to favor their toes for walking or running. This behavior, if left unchecked, can lead to tight calf muscles and decreased ankle movement. However, there are methods to address toe walking effectively. For children under six, treatment may involve calf stretches, Achilles tendon stretches, and sit-to-stand exercises. Older children may benefit from calf stretches, marching in place, and walking uphill. Other exercises include walking on uneven surfaces, heel walking, and squats. These aim to stretch and strengthen the calf muscles, while promoting a heel-to-toe walking pattern. It is important for parents to identify toe walking early to prevent potential complications, such as muscle tightness and weakness. If your child exhibits persistent toe walking beyond three years of age, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess the extent of your child's condition, and provide recommendations tailored to their specific needs. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

To maintain peak performance and prevent injuries while running or jogging, incorporating a comprehensive stretching routine is vital. The feet and ankles may become stronger when stretches are implemented before and after the workout, which may help to prevent running injuries. Dynamic stretches, performed before the workout, help prepare the muscles for activity by increasing blood flow and range of motion. Leg swings, lunges with a twist, and hip circles are dynamic stretches that target key muscle groups involved in running and jogging. Post-workout, static stretches aid in muscle recovery and flexibility by holding positions that target specific muscle groups for 15 to 30 seconds each. Essential static stretches include calf stretches, hamstring stretches, quadriceps stretches, and hip flexor stretches. Additionally, incorporating yoga poses such as downward-facing dog, pigeon pose, and runner’s lunge can further enhance flexibility and prevent tightness and imbalances. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for relief strategies.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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