Items filtered by date: April 2023

Many people familiar with podiatry might already know what orthotics are. These custom-made or over-the-counter foot devices are essentially shoe inserts. They can be used to correct foot deformities, facilitate healing, or simply provide extra support. Senior adults are a particular group of individuals that might especially benefit from the use of orthotic devices. The reason for this is simple. Ultimately, using certain orthotic devices as a senior can actually improve one’s sense of balance and stability. This can be very useful and beneficial concerning how dangerous suffering from falls can be for seniors. Balance-inducing orthotic devices can help seniors mitigate the effects of muscle weakness, joint instability, and gait abnormalities. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to discuss the potential benefits of orthotic devices. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Generally speaking, a blister that develops on the foot is not a serious condition. Occasionally, a blister that pops prematurely may lead to an infection developing, and there are effective methods that can be done to prevent this. A blister is defined as a small bubble that naturally forms over damaged skin, and is filled with protective liquid. When new skin forms, the blister will gradually drain, which is the body’s natural healing response. A blister on the foot can happen for various reasons, the most common being excess friction that is caused by the shoes and socks that are worn. There may also be existing medical conditions that can cause blisters, which can include eczema and psoriasis. Blisters on the feet may be prevented by dusting talcum powder in the socks if sweating is severe, and it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit well. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat them if necessary, and guide you toward additional prevention techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Flat feet is a condition of the foot in which the patient does not present an arch. As a result, the entire foot rests flush against the ground. Children are one group that can be affected by flat feet. Importantly, flat feet can be normal for infants and young children. This is because a young infant’s feet are still growing and developing. Particularly, the foot muscles and soft tissues are still stiffening. If, as your child ages, an arch forms on their feet yet they subsequently experience flat feet and it begins to diminish their quality of life, then it is suggested that they are under the care of a podiatrist. A podiatrist specializes in treating the health of the feet, and they will be able to provide any treatment that your child might potentially need for their flat feet.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

People who are over 50 years old may notice the aging process has begun. The feet may begin to widen if additional weight is gained, which may cause heel pain to develop. The fat pads are known to lose some of their elasticity and cushioning, and different shoes may need to be worn. After many years of walking and standing, corns and calluses may be noticed. This can happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly for long periods of time. Additionally, for the same reasons, bunions and hammertoe may gradually form, possibly causing pain and discomfort. Caring for the feet in elderly people is important in preventing many of these types of foot conditions. This can be done by wearing shoes that fit correctly, properly trimming the toenails weekly, and wearing custom-made orthotics for comfort, if necessary. If you have questions about what proper foot care is for elderly people, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can address any questions you may have.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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