Archive for July, 2010

Cont’d – SELECTING THE CORRECT ORTHOPEDIC SHOES AND ORTHOTICS FOR A SPECIFIC FOOT PROBLEM

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Corns and calluses are the thickened layer of the skin of your foot because of excessive friction and pressure. Though corns and calluses are rarely serious, it is still important to attend to this foot condition before it gets worse and can cause a serious medical condition, especially for people with diabetes. When diagnosed with corns and calluses, the podiatrist usually recommends changing your usual shoes and shifting to orthopedic shoes that fits your feet perfectly, thus reducing friction and pressure.

Morton’s Neuroma occurs when the nerve tissues between your toes thickened because of tight shoes, abnormal positioning of the toes, existing foot problems, or high foot arches. Because the nerve tissues are affected, sharp pain is commonly reported in the ball of the foot and sometimes on the toes as well. This can be usually resolved by non- surgical treatment such as wearing orthopedics shoes that are designed to have wider toe boxes or custom ortotics that adds padding in the toe area.

Hammer Toe is a deformity of the foot where toe is bent downward. Hammer toes could occur when one is excessively wearing shoes that have short and narrow toes. Though this condition usually occurs congenitally, it could also develop in children who are continuously wearing the shoes that they have outgrown. Pain from hammer toes can be avoided by wearing orthopedic shoes that are at least half inch longer than your toes, thus providing the toes more space to grow. Also, avoiding narrow, tight, and high heeled shoes greatly helps.

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Posted in Foot Pain,  Hammer Toes | 60 Comments »

SELECTING THE CORRECT ORTHOPEDIC SHOES AND ORTHOTICS FOR A SPECIFIC FOOT PROBLEM

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Since the feet carries the whole weight of the body, it is no wonder that certain foot problems occur. The most common foot problems are Plantar Fascilitis, Bunions, Corns and Calluses, Morton’s Neuroma, and Hammer toe.  This article discusses these common foot problems as well as the type of orthopedic shoes and orthotics to use for the specific foot condition.

Plantar Fascilitis occurs when the fibrous band on the bottom of your foot also called the plantar fascia is torn because of an increased stress on the foot’s arches. The person that  has plantar fascilitis experience inflammation and pain when standing or walking. This condition is usually caused by using improper or non supportive shoes, prolonged standing, and long distance walking or running. Since using the feet is inevitable, patients who experience this problem are advised to wear over the counter orthopedic shoes or high arch orthotics to support the arches of the feet. Custom made orthopedic shoes and orthotics that are specifically designed to provide enough cushions to the feet is also very beneficial because it reduces the stress on the arches of the patient’s feet.
A bunion is the painful red bump on the side of the feet; it is located in the hallux or the base of the big toe. This bump is usually filled with fluid which is called a bursa. Bunion is usually caused by wearing shoes that are too tight for your feet and also wearing high- heeled shoes that causes the tip of your foot to squeeze in to the small space allocated for your toes. When you have a bunion, it is more likely that your podiatrist will prescribe a pair of orthopedic shoes that has a wider inside space and has an extra depth. Also, placing orthotics that supports the arch of your foot helps distribute the body’s weight evenly thus reducing pain on your foot. It is also advised to refrain from wearing shoes that have more than two inches heels and avoid buying shoes that have pointed toes hence you need to buy orthopedic shoes that is just perfect to the width of your feet.

Continue reading the rest of the articles in the next post…

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Posted in Bunions, Foot Pain, plantar fascilitis | 149 Comments »

HOW OFTEN SHOULD ORTHOSES BE USED?

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

For some people, wearing an orthoses means surviving a day. This is especially true if the specific orthoses is used to reduce lower extremity pain. Generally, these special insoles are made to improve the biomechanical function of one’s body, thus preventing or slowing down any development of a foot deformity. Orthoses also provide support by positioning the foot on its correct anatomical and physiological position.

Though for some people, orthoses are only used during exercise and during activities where the feet play a big part like trekking, hiking, and ball games. However, since these insoles are generally made for support, podiatrists would often recommend that it should be used as much as possible and on a regular basis. Since there is this thing called muscle memory, it is always good to treat the muscles of your lower extremities with a consistent comfort for them to function well. You get the maximum benefit of these insoles when you get to use then often; think about riding a car for a ten kilometer travel, we use cars to save the energy of going from one place to another, however if you ride your car half way going to the office and just walk the other half, chances are, you are so tired to work. This is true with using orthoses, you may have your feet supported when you are using them, but as soon as you remove them, you are hurting your feet again.
There are available orthoses that can fit sneakers, boots, and even high- heeled shoes. These are often made to fit shoes that have closed heels, however you may have a custom made orthoses that is specifically designed to fit whatever type of shoes you have, even the sandals- type of footwear.
When you consider purchasing an orthoses especially for reasons of treating or reducing pain, it would be best to consult your doctor first so he can prescribe a specific type of special insole that will fit you. And if you belong to the wearers who would just need an orthoses for foot support and preventing for the pain to occur, do make sure that the orthoses you buy will fit your feet perfectly for it to serve its purpose.

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Posted in Foot Pain, Orthotics | 112 Comments »

THE BENEFITS OF WEARING ORTHOPEDIC SHOES REGULARLY

Monday, July 12th, 2010

In a certain point of your life, you get to experience foot pain, leg pain, or both. There are a lot of reasons why you get to experience this; some of the reasons include lack of calcium or hypocalcemia, overweight and obesity, physical injury, engaging in strenuous activities, or simply because of your footwear. For people who would commonly experience foot pains and for those who would like to avoid it, using a pair of orthopedic shoes could greatly make a difference.

Orthopedic shoes are sometimes prescribed by orthopedists to resolve medical problems, however to attain the benefits of these shoes, it is advisable to use them as often as possible, if not on a daily basis.

One of the benefits of wearing orthopedic shoes regularly is its ability to heal foot pains without restricting you to do your regular activities. Since orthopedic shoes are designed to support your feet’s anatomical position, your feet get the chance to naturally recover even when you are doing your activities of daily living. Another benefit of regularly wearing orthopedic shoes is its ability to prevent reoccurrence of pain. After it gets the job done of healing foot and leg pains, orthopedic shoes act as rehabilitative shoes that would allow you to have pain- free feet. Also, if you have not experience feet and leg pains yet, wearing these kinds of shoes prevent you from experiencing the pain at all. Lastly, orthopedic shoes come in different designs so you get to wear comfortable yet stylish shoes. Most ready- to- wear orthopedic shoes come in different colors, sizes, and design that could be perfect for any event or activity. Since these shoes are quite popular nowadays, you could buy inexpensive orthopedic shoes but still avails the same benefit and comfort these shoes offer.

When shopping around for a pair of orthopedic shoes, it would be good to look at its label or ask your local salesperson if these are authentic orthopedic shoes which are made to have the said benefits. You may also want to try them on and get the feel of it if it fits your feet well. Do remember that even how expensive and authentic these comfy shoes are, if it doesn’t fit you well, it could caused you more harm than good.

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Posted in Foot Pain, Orthopedic Shoes | 144 Comments »

Choosing Orthopedic Shoes

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

More people are becoming more conscious of their health and well being nowadays, that’s why a lot of people are opting to use orthopedic shoes for the benefits it gives in caring for one’s feet. Since orthopedic shoes are designed to serve a purpose, this type of footwear may not be the most stylish shoes you can find however, there are manufacturers who does custom made orthopedic shoes to cater the needs of clients who would like to avail the comfort and protection benefits of this kind of shoes while staying in style. For people who cannot afford custom- made orthopedic shoes, there are also ready made shoes that could meet the stylish taste of the buyers and still offers the same orthopedic benefits these shoes are originally made for. This footwear has been preferred by a lot of people because they can be worn just about anywhere, but still serving its purpose. When one considers buying orthopedic shoes, it is very important to choose a pair that meets one’s needs.

When you consider buying this type of shoes, you must first assess yourself if you really need it and why you want to buy it. If you are the type of person who are physically well and would be buying the shoes for protection and comfort, it is important that you know which part of your foot that you wanted to protect. This may include the metatarsals for it carries most of your body weight or the heel and arch of your feet that you may want to protect from abrasions. However, if you would need orthopedic shoes for medical reasons, it would be best to consult an orthopedist to have your feet assessed first and have them prescribe a specific design or type of orthopedic shoes that is medically appropriate for your feet.

Second, you must also consider where and when do you plan to wear your orthopedic shoes. It is very important that the shoes you will be wearing are appropriate to the location and event of their usage. Your shoe may need to have additional features like clips and braces, especially if it is used for its medical benefits. These additional features could also help with your balance in slippery environments like recreational centers. For events where your feet needs to do a lot of work like hiking, trekking, and other activities, do consider orthopedic shoes that are designed specifically for these activities. When you will be using this type of shoes for work or social gatherings, purchase a pair of shoes that gives optimum protection in the pressure areas of your feet like the heels, arches, and toes.

When choosing a pair of orthopedic shoes, you should make sure that the ones you purchase should fit your feet well. In this way, you would be sure that your feet are well protected and you are getting the benefits of this type of footwear. This is especially true if you are purchasing a stylish pair of comfort shoes. You might mask the benefits of these shoes with its style; you buy a pair of shoes for its benefits, but since it does not fit you well, you are just wasting your money.

Generally, orthopedic shoes are effective and beneficial if they are correctly chosen to fit one’s feet, so it would be best if you get to choose a pair of comfort shoes that’s beneficial and stylish as well.

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Posted in Orthopedic Shoes | 71 Comments »

Orthoses – A Good Support

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Orthotics is a medical field that deals with the application and manufacturing of orthoses. Orthotics is derived from the greek word “ortho” that means “to straighten”, thus it is related to the field of orthopedics. Orthoses are designed to facilitate mobilization and to maximize the patient’s quality of life. Orthoses are external appliance that provides support, prevents or corrects deformities and improves function. Orthoses include braces, splints, collars, corsets, or supports that are designed and fitted by an orthotist or the podiatrist. There are two kinds of orthoses: The static orthosis (no moving parts) like orthotic insoles which are used to stabilize joints and prevent contractures while dynamic orthosis is flexible and is used to improve function by assisting weak muscles.

Although there are many ready made orthotic devices available, you may also want to consider a custom made orthotic device that are specifically designed to fit your specific needs. This appliance can be made out of a wide array of materials like cloth, plaster, wood, metal, and plastic. However, some orthotic devices which are made out of these materials deform through time so orthotists developed orthoses made out of lightweight thermoplastic materials, they can adapt as temperature changes thus it lasts longer. Having a durable device is very important especially if the wearer has an active lifestyle like athletes, or those people whose job requires long hours of standing.

In addition to learning how to apply and remove the orthosis, rehabilitation patients must learn how to properly care for the skin that comes in contact with the appliance. Skin problems or pressure ulcers may develop if the device is applied too tightly or too loosely, or if it is adjusted improperly. The doctor or the nurse may instruct the patient to clean and inspect the skin daily, to make sure the appliance fit snugly without being too tight, to check the appliance’s padding distributes pressure evenly, and to wear a cotton garment without seams between the orthosis and the skin.

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Posted in Orthotics | 61 Comments »

THE BENEFITS OF WEARING ORTHOPEDIC SHOES REGULARLY

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

In a certain point of your life, you get to experience foot pain, leg pain, or both. There are a lot of reasons why you get to experience this; some of the reasons include lack of calcium or hypocalcemia, overweight and obesity, physical injury, engaging in strenuous activities, or simply because of your footwear. For people who would commonly experience foot pains and for those who would like to avoid it, using a pair of orthopedic shoes could greatly make a difference.

Orthopedic shoes are sometimes prescribed by orthopedists to resolve medical problems, however to attain the benefits of these shoes, it is advisable to use them as often as possible, if not on a daily basis.
One of the benefits of wearing orthopedic shoes regularly is its ability to heal foot pains without restricting you to do your regular activities. Since orthopedic shoes are designed to support your feet’s anatomical position, your feet get the chance to naturally recover even when you are doing your activities of daily living. Another benefit of regularly wearing orthopedic shoes is its ability to prevent reoccurrence of pain. After it gets the job done of healing foot and leg pains, orthopedic shoes act as rehabilitative shoes that would allow you to have pain- free feet. Also, if you have not experience feet and leg pains yet, wearing these kinds of shoes prevent you from experiencing the pain at all. Lastly, orthopedic shoes come in different designs so you get to wear comfortable yet stylish shoes. Most ready- to- wear orthopedic shoes come in different colors, sizes, and design that could be perfect for any event or activity. Since these shoes are quite popular nowadays, you could buy inexpensive orthopedic shoes but still avails the same benefit and comfort these shoes offer.
When shopping around for a pair of orthopedic shoes, it would be good to look at its label or ask your local salesperson if these are authentic orthopedic shoes which are made to have the said benefits. You may also want to try them on and get the feel of it if it fits your feet well. Do remember that even how expensive and authentic these comfy shoes are, if it doesn’t fit you well, it could cause you more harm than good.

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Posted in Foot Pain, Orthopedic Shoes | 59 Comments »