Determining when it is time to replace your orthotics is essential for maintaining foot health and comfort. Orthotic replacement intervals vary widely, typically ranging from six months to a year, depending on individual differences in usage and wear patterns. Factors include the frequency of wear, specific footwear usage, and individual foot characteristics. Indicators that can help assess the condition of your orthotics include wear pattern and fading, lack of support and comfort, and loss of definition. Check your orthotics for worn spots or discoloration. If your orthotics no longer provide the same level of support or comfort as when new, it may be time for a replacement. Cracks, tears, splits, or deterioration in the materials signal the need for replacement. Sometimes, the need for replacement is not immediately obvious. For instance, the insert may still be in good condition, but it might have compressed and affected the built-in support of your shoes. Additionally, certain foot conditions can worsen over time, necessitating new orthotics for optimal support. If you suspect that you need new orthotics or you want to make sure you are replacing them at adequate intervals, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a professional assessment.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Biomechanical problems of the feet can lead to various issues in the body, including foot pain. These problems often result from conditions consisting of fallen arches, overpronation, or supination. Fallen arches, known as flat feet, can occur due to excessive pronation, causing the foot to roll inward. Conversely, high arches can lead to supination, where the foot rolls outward. Both of these conditions can create imbalances in the body's mechanics, affecting the feet and other body parts, and leading to pain during activities like walking or running. Symptoms of biomechanical foot problems can include hip pain, knee pain, leg cramps, and ankle pain. Additionally, the lower back, Achilles tendon and the heel may be affected. Treatment options often include a gait analysis to understand walking patterns, orthotic devices, and shoe modifications. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation of your feet and ankles, and a treatment plan based on results.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When it comes to finding the right ankle brace, it's essential to consider your specific needs and condition. Lace-up support braces are tailored for demanding athletes during their sports activities. These braces offer a custom fit, making them easy to put on and remove. For daily use and mild support, ankle braces in the form of sleeves or wrap-arounds may be helpful. These braces offer compression and stability, making them perfect for those with chronic ankle instability or who are recovering from mild sprains. For high-impact sports or activities that involve quick lateral movements and jumping, ankle braces that offer moderate to maximum support are a choice. These braces often feature side stays to prevent ankle rolls. Maximum support braces even come with semi-rigid shells to prevent further injury while allowing normal movement. In cases of severe injuries, fractures, or post-surgery recovery, a boot or full-shell protection brace offers ankle protection and reduces foot pressure while walking. These devices are not suitable for sports and are primarily designed for immediate recovery. To find the proper brace for your ankle recovery, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the best choice for your specific needs.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Recovering from bunion surgery may take several months but often leads to having pain-free feet. Bunions, bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, can cause considerable discomfort and limit your mobility. Surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments, such as orthotics and changes in footwear, are no longer able to provide relief. Immediately after the bunion surgery procedure, you can expect some discomfort and swelling. Your podiatrist may prescribe some type of pain medication to manage this and recommend keeping the foot elevated during the first few days post-surgery to reduce swelling. For the first few weeks, keeping weight off the operated foot is extremely important. A special surgical shoe or boot may be provided to protect your foot from injury, as well as minimize stress on the surgical site. Gradually, supportive footwear may be advised by your podiatrist, along with custom orthotics if needed. Patience is key during the recovery process from bunion surgery. It’s important to avoid high-impact activities, follow up with your podiatrist for monitoring, and adhere to their instructions. With dedication to your recovery plan, you'll increase the likelihood of enjoying pain-free, comfortable feet once again.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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