August 2024

When selecting walking shoes, comfort and support are key factors that contribute to foot health. It is important to choose shoes that fit well from the start, as poorly fitting shoes can lead to issues such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Look for walking shoes with a flexible sole that allows for natural foot movement, and avoid those with overly thick heels that can disrupt your stride. Shopping for shoes later in the day, when your feet are slightly swollen, can help ensure a better fit. Additionally, wearing the socks you plan to walk in while trying on shoes can make a difference in comfort. Remember to leave some space for your toes to move, as tight shoes can lead to blisters and other problems. If you experience foot pain after walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if your footwear is part of the problem.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Foot pain can disrupt daily activities and impact overall well-being. Understanding common causes can help in managing and preventing discomfort. One frequent culprit is plantar fasciitis, which results from inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, often due to overuse or poor arch support. Another common source of foot pain is bunions, characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe, often made worse by tight or ill-fitting shoes. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to pain and stiffness in the joints of the feet. Additionally, conditions like flat feet or high arches can contribute to foot pain by causing uneven weight distribution. A podiatrist can identify and help you manage these issues. Sometimes simple preventive measures like wearing well-fitting shoes, using orthotic inserts, and stretching regularly can alleviate or even prevent your discomfort. If you have foot pain, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

A foot orthosis, with the plural being orthoses, is a medical device inserted into shoes to correct foot problems by redistributing pressure and providing support. These devices function by adhering to tissue stress principles, which aim to reduce stress and strain on tissues within the foot, alleviating pain and promoting healing. Orthoses are used for various foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and midfoot osteoarthritis. Foot orthoses work by aligning the foot and ankle into a more biomechanically efficient position, thus reducing abnormal motion and pressure on specific areas. They can be either prefabricated or custom-made. Prefabricated orthoses are mass-produced and available off the shelf, offering a general fit and support. Custom-made orthoses, however, are specifically designed to match an individual's unique foot structure and condition, providing a higher level of precision and effectiveness. Proper prescription and fitting of orthoses are imperative for achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes. If you have foot pain that persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and to see if orthotics can help you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. 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 Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet surgery aims to correct the arch of the foot and alleviate associated symptoms like pain and difficulty walking. There are various types of surgical procedures, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the flat feet condition. Lateral column lengthening involves cutting and repositioning bones in the outer foot to create an arch. This procedure stabilizes the midfoot and improves weight distribution. Flexor digitorum longus transfer redirects a tendon from the toe to support the arch, enhancing its structure and function. Both surgeries aim to restore the foot's natural alignment and reduce strain on surrounding muscles and joints. Recovery typically involves immobilization to regain strength and mobility. Surgical intervention is considered when conservative treatments like orthotics and exercises fail to provide sufficient relief, aiming to improve foot function and quality of life for individuals with flat feet. If you are experiencing chronic pain from having flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if flat foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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