
Please
note that most foot problems can be avoided with proper
care of the feet. This includes proper footwear (Shoes that
have high and wide toe boxes and deep heel cups) and proper
fitting custom foot orthotics.
1. Achille'sTendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles' Tendon due to a shortened
tendon or lack of stretching. Recommendation: An orthotic
fitted with a heel cup for added support.
2. Calluses: The accumulation of dead skin cells, normally on the balls
of the feet, that become hard and thick. This is normally
as a result of wearing tight, and high heeled shoes, and
the loss of fat pad. Recommendation: An orthotic, to help
redistribute the patient's weight evenly.
3. Corns: The accumulation of dead skin cells on other areas of the
foot than that of calluses. Namely, the tops, sides, and
tips of the toes. Recommendation: Orthotics to help reduce
ground shock.
4. Diabetic
Neuropathy: The diabetic patient loses the
ability to feel pain, due to numbness in hands and feet.
Minor cuts, etc. can lead to ulcerations and even amputations
if left untended. Recommendation: A diabetic orthotic, containing
a plastizote topcover which accommodates pressure by conforming
to the diabetic foot's heat and pressure.
5. Heel
Spurs: This is an abnormal growth of the
heel bone as a result of calcification where the plantar
fascia pulls away from the heel. This is normally due to
over-pronation. Recommendation: Orthotics with a heel spur
pad along with shock absorbing footwear.
6. Metatarsalgia: Pain located on the balls of the foot. Recommendation: Orthotic
which includes a metatarsal pad to relieve the pressure
off the metatarsal heads.
7. Morton's
Neuroma: The inflammation, pain, and swelling
between the 3rd and 4th rays at the ball of the foot. Symptoms
include numbness and cramping of the forefoot. Recommendation:
A casual, sport, or dress orthotic with a metatarsal pad.
8. Morton's
Toe: A condition where the 2nd toe is longer
than the big toe. This leads to excessive pressure on the
2nd metatarsal head where calluses can form. Recommendation:
Orthotics with more arch support to keep the foot in alignment
with a metatarsal pad to cushion and reduce the stress on
the ball of the feet. Shoes a size or a half size larger
are recommended.
9. Plantar
Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation
due to repeated overstretching of the plantar fascia ligament,
the foot's fat pad from over-pronation. Recommendation:
An orthotic to bring the foot back to sub-talar neutral.
10. Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the sesamoid bones. Recommendation: An orthotic
with a V-wedged cut out or a 1st ray cut out.
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