Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, Hudson Valley and Poughkeepsie

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Hollowbrook Foot Specialists, Wappingers Falls, NY

http://www.hollowbrookfoot.com

Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refers to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotic are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure.

Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.

Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

 

Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Like rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.

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Heel Pain Treatment - Podiatrist in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, Hudson Valley and Poughkeepsie

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Hollowbrook Foot Specialists, Wappingers Falls, NY

http://www.hollowbrookfoot.com

Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

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Fungal Toenails - Podiatrist in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, Hudson Valley and Poughkeepsie

Hollowbrook Foot Specialists, Wappingers Falls, NY

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Fungal nails refers to any number of fungal nail infections that can occur on the foot. Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's Foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Note: Please consult a physician before taking any medications. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for tenacious fungal nails.

Preventing Fungal Nail Infections

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, take steps to prevent the infection from recurring. Keeping fungi at bay will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a nonprescription antifungalantifungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other suggestions for preventing fungal nails include:

•Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
•Don't share shoes or socks with others.
•Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
•Wear dry cotton socks and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
•Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
•Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

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Bunions - Podiatrist in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, Hudson Valley and Poughkeepsie

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Hollowbrook Foot Specialists, Wappingers Falls, NY
http://www.hollowbrookfoot.com

Many people cannot affort to be out of work for extended periods of time. We have geared our practice to returning our patients back to their activities of daily living as soon as possible. Most patients are walkking the same day that their bunions are fixed and can return to work usually within 3 to 5 days. Here are some before and after pictures of bunion repairs. Please note that many have no obvious incision. Due to our level of expertise the incisions can be made in places that are less visible. These patients had the bunion repaired by transpositional osteotomy with screw fixation.
 
If you have a bunion deformity, try this. While sitting, pull your big toe up with your fingers. Move it up and down just to see what kind of motion is possible. Now stand up with your weight on your foot. If you can reach your big toe, try to move it up. If you can't reach it, have someone do it for you. Many of you will notice that the big toe will not glide over your foot when your weight is on it. This is due to a mechanical condition in your foot and is the main reason you have developed this deformity. Therefore, when the bunion is repaired, it must be fixed in such a way that allows this motion to occur. That is why we do the "transpositional osteotomy". We can move the bone in several planes; in this case I have moved the bone in a direction that removes the bunion bump and I have also moved the bone downward so that the big toe can glide normally, allowing you to walk off of your big toe rather than twisting your foot in a spinning motion to move to the next step. In this x-ray, you can see that the head of the 1st metatarsal is moved laterally and the big toe is moved medially allowing it to be straightened. The screw holds the correction and allows you to walk the same day.

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Ankle Sprains - Podiatrist in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, Hudson Valley and Poughkeepsie Hollowbrook Foot Specialists, Wappingers Falls, NY

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Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment. If not properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems.

Primary symptoms of ankle sprains are pain following a twist or injury, swelling, and bruising.

Treatment includes resting and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling. Compressive bandages also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during healing. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments.

To prevent ankle sprains, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercise and stretching, and wearing well-fitted shoes.

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