Items filtered by date: August 2023

Orthotics are foot devices aimed at correcting various foot problems. Many people consider them without a clear understanding of their potential benefits and limitations. Custom foot orthoses, orthopedic shoes, and similar corrective devices can be helpful in specific medical situations, with high arches being one such condition where they can help a lot. A significant challenge with orthotics is ensuring that they are properly prescribed and skillfully crafted. Podiatrists can provide expert assessment and custom orthotics for various needs involving biomechanical issues, such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, diabetes-related foot problems, and metatarsalgia. However, their effectiveness for most other foot problems, even common ones like repetitive strain injuries is less clear as these are complex problems that go beyond biomechanics. If you have problems with your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide a thorough examination of your feet and prescribe orthotics if they are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . 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 Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen ankles after running can be a concerning and uncomfortable issue that many athletes and runners experience. While it's essential to push your limits and stay active, it's equally important to recognize the potential causes of this discomfort. One common cause of swollen ankles after running is improper footwear. Ill-fitting shoes or those lacking proper support can lead to strain on the ankles, resulting in inflammation. Overuse and overtraining can also contribute to swelling. Pushing yourself too hard or abruptly increasing your running intensity can cause stress on the ankle joints and surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. Further, inadequate warm-up and cool-down routines can lead to muscle tightness and cause fluid to accumulate around the ankles. Proper running shoes, a gradual training progression, and thorough warm-up and cool-down routines can significantly reduce the risk of swollen ankles. If swelling in the ankles persists or worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to rule out underlying issues like sprains, strains, or ligament damage. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

A wound is defined as damage to the skin’s surface. Wounds occur when there is a break in the skin due to a cut or scrape. A wound can also be caused by an animal bite and bedridden patients may develop bed sores. For mild wounds, proper wound care can begin with washing the hands, followed by holding a clean cloth on the affected area to help stop the bleeding. It is beneficial to rinse the wound with water and remove any dirt that has lodged inside of it. When the wound is dried, a bandage or gauze can be used to cover it. It is beneficial to change the dressing daily which may help to keep it free of bacteria that may accumulate from daily activities. If you have a wound on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can treat and monitor the severity of the wound.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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