Are Orthotics Just An Arch Support?

Lots of patients in our Grapevine, TX office ask, "What is the difference between an orthotic and a simple arch suppoprt? Why should I spend that much more money when I can go to Wal-mart?" This is a great question with a simple, but yet complex answer.

As opposed to an arch support that can be purchased at many stores, an orthotic has some distinct advantages:

1. Orthotics are designed to last for years, instead of months from an arch support.

2. An arch support (and most shoes) are designed for the average foot, but an orthotic is custom made for your foot.

3. Although an arch support will provide support to the arch, the orthotic supports the entire foot and cradles the heel.

4. An arch support may flatten with running or increased pressure, where an orthotic will be firm and maintain the position of the foot.

5. An orthotic actually improves or optimizes walking or running patterns by rotating the foot into "neutral position". In this position, the foot functions at the highest level.

Bottom line: If your doctor says you need a custom foot orthotic, there is a distinct performance difference between an orthotic and a simple arch support. Believe me, your feet will thank you!

That thing to measure your feet....

When you shoe shop, are your feet measured each time you enter the shoe department? Most likely, the answer is occasionally to never. When you shop for shoes, insist on your feet being measured for there is good reason! Plain and simple, your feet change in shape and size. Wearing the wrong size shoes whether they are too small or too large in length and width can drastically affect your foot health.

The tool used to measure your foot has quite a history. The Brannock device has been in use since 1927. Developed by Charles Brannock, it is the most widely used instruments in measuring feet to this very day. The device is made in different colors of green, purple, red or black with each color representing a specific foot such as Men, Women and Children. There are also Brannock devices for Ski Boot and Athletic shoe options.

When Mr. Brannock released his invention, no one else could match the shoe fit. In a short amount of time, word traveled of the exactness of the device. During World War II, the Army hired Mr. Brannock to ensure that boots and shoes fit enlisted men. From that request, he expanded his manufacturing facilities to allow his creation to service proper shoe fitting nationwide.

The Brannock device has an accuracy rate of ninety five to ninety six percent. Based on a linear size system, the difference in each size marker on the device is approximately 1/3 inch. For example, a Men’s size one is seven and two thirds inches. Each additional size is one third inch longer.

Measurement of width on the Brannock device works the same way. Each marker for width is separated by a distance of 3/16 of an inch. Nine widths are offered in the U.S. system and vary according to foot length. The widths are: AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE, and EEE.

You owe it to yourself to shop in a location where a representative assists you in fitting shoes in lieu of selecting shoes from a display on your own. Never measure your feet by yourself as the tool is designed for a trained representative to measure your feet. Once your feet are measured, ask the representative for the length and width of each foot. You may be surprised to learn your feet may differ in size and that my friend is OK. The key is the shoe size you receive will be based on the longest and widest foot.

So now you know about the Brannock device...now go get your feet measured!

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

May people have begun a vigorous exercise program to start their New Year’s resolution of losing weight and getting in shape. But with this, comes unexpected pain that stops the workout sessions and ultimately prevents them from fulfilling their goal.

Pain along the inside of the ankle that extends to the inside arch is often due to strain of the posterior tibial tendon. The main job of this tendon is to prevent overpronation of the foot and stabilize the arch and ankle. Overuse of this tendon, particularly in people with flat feet, causes the tendon to swell and become painful so that exercise activity is not possible. Ultimately, this type of injury can lead to tear of the tendon and possible surgery. The pain is often sharp, stabbing and radiates along the course of the tendon. Often the entire ankle will be swollen.

Treatment for this begins with rest. This doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising, but no weight bearing exercise until the pain subsides. Ice daily and apply compression to reduce swelling. When pain is gone, then gradual return to an exercise program with appropriate shoes and brace as needed. A complete lower extremity exam will help determine what types of shoes are best for your workouts and what type of inserts can prevent recurrence of the pain. Often with flat feet, custom orthotics are the best devices that support the ankle and arch and prevent overpronation, thus reducing the likelihood that the pain will return.

If left untreated, posterior tibial tendonitis leads to tear of the tendon and often extensive foot and ankle surgery. It is best to treat this pain as early as possible.

Missing toenails?

Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner and that means warm weather shoe styles will soon appear. Sandals are a welcomed vision letting you know the cold days of winter will soon pass. For others however, sandals or open toe styles can be a challenge especially for those who are embarrassed by missing or damaged toenails.

There is good news for those with toenail woes. Thanks to new technology, damaged and missing toenails can be a thing of the past. Our Certified Medical Nail technician (CMT) can create a removable event nail or apply a safe prosthetic layer over existing damaged nails. The results are the appearance of a natural nail that can be painted with regular nail polish if the patient desires color on the nails.

Prosthetic Toenails are a great solution for those dealing with:
Dystrophic Nails
Misshapen Nails
Horizontal plate ridges
Spoon shaped nail
Damaged nail
Brittle and splitting nails
Post Onychomycosis or In treatment
Shedding nails

So what is the difference between acrylic nails obtained at a local nail salon versus prosthetic nails applied by a CMT?

Prostetic Nail Gels do not contain harsh chemicals versus acrylic nails such as:
HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) known sensitizers: Methyl methacrylate, Acrylic acid, Methyl acrylate, Ethyl acrylate, Ethyl methacrylate, Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate, n-Butyl acrylate, 2-Hydroxypropyl, Methyl 2-cyanoacrylate, and thyl cyanoacrylate. Quite a mouthful eh?

Prostetic nail gels are natural-looking, while light and non-porous, providing a beautiful nail you will enjoy wearing. The gels are appropriately flexible, though strong, and thin to provide a natural appearance.

The UV light utlized during the nail creation process is state of the art and maintains the correct cure distance important to fully polymerize the product. It also allows the foot to be easily placed under the light, and has 4/9w bulbs inside, equaling 36w of light for maximum curing. The lamp cover also protects the eyes of the practitioner from exposure to UV rays.

At Healthy Steps spa, our nail specialist staff are certified MNT. The certification is obtained after study and successful completion of nail creation, application and testing.

In about an hour, the nail will be created, applied and ready for wear. This painless procedure takes place right in our spa so you can relax and let your worries of ugly toenails be a thing of the past. Most clients request a pedicure during the appointment for beautiful open toe shoe ready feet!

Now cveryone can enjoy beautiful toes year round. For more information or to schedule an apopintment, please contact us at Healthy Steps.

Healthy Steps
for your feet...for your life!

Study Finds Women Wear Shoes That Cause Pain:

Women really love their shoes, and I can relate. There is nothing better than buying a new pair of shoes. They make you feel sexy and confident. And shoes always fit; even after weeks of holiday eating. But do they have to hurt??

There is a new study that correlates chronic foot pain and shoe choices. It questioned a group of women about their shoe choices past and present. Researchers found that smart choices paid off in the long term: women who had mainly worn supportive shoes and sneakers in their younger years cut the risk of common foot pain later in life by more than half!! Women who had chosen high heels, pumps and sandals were at a greater risk of the most common foot problems that occur including Achilles tendinitis, bunion pain, and ankle/rear foot pain.

So what does this mean? Am I stuck in gym shoes or ugly shoes for the rest of my life?

I think that this study is eye opening. Most women don't realize that you can be smart about the shoes that you pick to wear and that they don't have to hurt. Don't get me wrong. A 5 inch heel is not a good fit for anyone, but there are plenty of shoes available these days that are both sexy and practical.

Look for shoes that have a wedged heel, or a 3 inch heel. Toe box space is important, if it is to narrow you run a risk of damaging your toenails as well as your toes. A specialty shoe store will also more likely have shoes that can accommodate foot deformities and will be more supportive. Most important save the killer shoes for the times you really want to wear them like a special occasion. All other times be practical and choose a gym shoe that has stability and support.

Resolve To Own the Right Shoes!

2010 is upon us – Happy New Year to all!

As we reflect on the old and look forward to the new, many of us have to do lists or even resolutions in mind. We are over the hump of the holidays and for many, thoughts are driven to think about goals, losing the holiday weight, and paying off debt. Typical of each holiday season now isn’t it?So lets think of something a bit different from the norm.

Think about your feet in the new year. Once you finish reading this article, send it to people you know then shut down your computer. Proceed to that ominus room in your house – your closet. You will need an open mind, a piece of blank paper and a pencil or pen.As you flip on the light to your closet, what do you see? Are there shoes lined up like soldiers or are they piled up like a bunch of old laundry? Are they residing in a organizer protected from the elements or can you blow off last years accumulation of dust bunnies?

Shoes need protection from the elements. To maintain your shoes appearance, you should have a shoe care kit consisting of cleaners for various shoe materials, clean soft cloths and applicable shoe polish. If your shoes are not protected in a shoe organizer, consider shopping for one that will protect your shoes and also allow breathability for the shoe materials.

Next, it’s time to take inventory of your shoes…

Athletic shoes
What do your athletic shoe look like? If you wear them daily and are more than six months old, consider donating them in lieu of throwing them away. Athletic shoes, particularly running shoes have a life of approximately 300-500 miles or six months. Wearing athletic shoes that are broken down can lead to foot health issues.

Dress shoes
Ah, now this is can be a touchy subject. Do you have sore feet after a day at the office or an evening event? Here is an exercise that may help you understand why:
Outline your foot on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. Place your dress shoes over the outline. Trace an outline of your shoe over the foot tracing. Do you see any tracing of your foot? Hopefully you do not but odds are, especially for the ladies, you may see your foot outline much wider than the shoe outline. Think about it, if your foot, particularly the forefoot is squished into your favorite dress shoes, could this be the reason why your feet hurt thus leading to pain in other areas of your body?

The answer is yes – it’s hard to accept but yes….you need better fitting shoes!Shopping for well fitting shoes is not as hard as you think. Sure, you may need to shop around a bit but once you have the right shoe for your foot, it will truly make all the difference. Have your feet measured at least once a year. Feet change whether you choose to accept it or not. Here’s another tip, once you find the right fit, buy a few pair versus just one. The investment will be worth it long term.It’s time to let go of ill fitting, worn down, incorrectly sized shoes and ring in the new year with properly fitting shoes.

You CAN part with ill fitting shoes no matter how cute they are….remember “if the shoe doesn’t fit, you must aquit”. As you say goodbye to the old shoes, take a picture of them. Later in the year, as your feet feel great, pull out the pictures. Relish in your poor shoe investment then look at your feet. Saving your feet is the right thing to do!

Over the Counter or Custom...what do I do?

Many patients and customers ask what exactly is the difference between an “over the counter orthotic” otherwise referred to as a “foot insert”, “foot correction device” or “foot cushion” versus custom foot orthotics besides the vast difference in price.

Over the counter (OTC) orthotics are items that are prefabricated and do not require a prescription. If you are having initial foot pain and shoes that are correct for your foot type have not assisted with your foot issue, OTC orthotics may be of help.

From therapeutic shoe stores, running shoe stores to super centers, chances are you will see a vast selection of over the counter options. Are OTC’s effective? Yes, they can be as long as you have the right type of orthotic to work in concert with the right shoes for your feet.

While you can attempt to purchase over the counter orthotics on your own, it is highly recommended you work directly with a professional such as a Podiatrist or Certified Pedorthist to determine the level and type of orthotic for your feet. Once the OTC orthotic is in the shoe and on the feet, a gait evaluation completed by a professional is important to ensure the orthotics addressing your foot issue. In some cases, accommodations can be added to an OTC by a professional to further tweak the amount of correction.

If after a period of time you are still experiencing foot issues, custom orthotics maybe a consideration. A custom orthotic sometimes called a total contact insert is a custom made over a model of the foot. The orthosis achieves total contact with the plantar (bottom) surface of the patient’s foot.

A properly custom designed orthosis can:
Relieve areas of excessive plantar pressure by evenly distributing pressure over the entire plantar surface.
Reduce shock through the use of shock-absorbing materials.
Reduce shear since the total contact minimizes horizontal foot movement.
Accommodate deformities with the use of soft, moldable materials in the shell.
Stabilize and support deformities and limit joint motion.

First, meet with your local Podiatrist for a complete foot exam. If a decision is reached between your Podiatrist and yourself for you to receive custom orthotics, an actual cast or a high level foot scan is completed for custom orthotics. A foot scan is beyond what you will see in a retail environment as the Podiatrist or Pedorthist utilizes specialized software programs to adjust the amount of correction or offloading pressure areas of the foot. In most cases, the scan or custom casts are sent out to a laboratory for processing. The normal turn around time is anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on the lab volume, amount of correction or special materials requested for your custom orthotics.

At Healthy Steps, we utilize both traditional casting and electronic scanning methods. Stop in and visit with our staff to learn more about our in store solutions for your feet!