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Biomechanical flaws in foot structure can make you uncomfortable in your knees, hips, and back as well as in your feet. Prescription orthotics (also known as arch supports) are the easiest and most effective way to correct the instability that results from less-than-optimal foot structure.

Only rare individuals have perfect foot structure, therefore almost everyone can benefit to some degree from routinely wearing arch supports.

When you order prescription orthotics from Dr. Faasse, a plaster cast will be taken of your feet, in addition to several measurements describing your foot structure. The casts and measurement information will then be sent to Northwest Podiatric Laboratory. Two weeks later, your orthotics will be ready to wear. Dr. Faasse is happy to make any necessary adjustments.

Foot and ankle fractures and moderate to severe sprains are common injuries that Dr. Faasse sees. It is important for broken toes to be properly diagnosed and to be correctly realigned if they are displaced. There is a greater likelihood of problems in the future when broken toes go untreated. Symptoms of a broken toe may include swelling, pain and discoloration. If you have decreased circulation secondary to diabetes or any type of neuropathy, prompt medical attention is of utmost importance. An ankle sprain is caused by the stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on either side or both sides of the ankle. They can occur with or without a fracture. X-rays taken in our office will usually identify a fracture. Swelling is the body’s defense mechanism to prevent further injury. Stabilization of a fracture and/or sprain with padding and strapping or a cast are of crucial importance.

It is important for young children to have their gait pattern evaluated by a podiatrist. Prescription foot supports, if indicated, can prevent a host of symptoms in the future. It is very important that when a child sprains an ankle, limps or complains of pain, he/she be seen by a podiatrist for treatment. An epiphyseal fracture (fracture of the growth plate) needs to be properly diagnosed and treated to prevent a limb length discrepancy in the future.

Routine and careful foot care — including trimming of corns, callouses, and toenails — is essential for all persons with diabetes. Because diabetes can result in progressive numbness in the feet, a patient with diabetes will often be unaware of problems until they have progressed to an advanced stage. Ulcer formation is a serious problem which adversely affects the skin’s protective resilience possibly causing an acute infection and even limb loss. Diabetics can minimize complications by wearing attractive prescription shoes especially constructed to pamper diabetic feet. This is a Medicare benefit for most diabetics.

Professional care of thick, fungus or ingrown toenails will result in immediate alleviation of a painful situation. Ingrown toenails are usually surgically removed in our office with good results and low incidence of return. Athletes, children and adults who have had repeated difficulty with ingrown toenails are very pleased to no longer have this problem.

A bunion is a bone and joint deformity where the base of the first toe protrudes medially (away from the other toes). Most bunions start out as painless and become more and more painful throughout life. This progression can be effectively slowed by wearing stable footgear with prescription orthotics. If a painful bunion is not surgically corrected, it can cause arthritic degeneration of the first toe joint. Additionally, bunions can result in ulceration and infection from the first toe rubbing on footwear.

Crooked toes can be straightened with simple surgical procedures to alleviate pressure points and corns.

Regular trimming and careful padding provides effective conservative care of corns and callouses. Permanent solutions for corns and callouses involve correction of foot structure through prescription arch supports or surgical techniques.

The heel bone or calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot and projects backward beyond the leg bones to provide a useful lever for the muscles of the calf. It bears all of the body’s weight with each step. The stress placed on the heel bone and its associated structures is tremendous and makes it susceptible to what is known as plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. The pain that results from these disorders is caused by the inflammation at the interface of the plantar fascia and heel bone. The plantar fascia constitutes the long band of fibers attached at the bottom of the heel bone that extend to where the toes begin. A high-arched foot and a tight Achilles tendon may also place a greater amount of stress on the plantar fascia. Initial treatment aims to relieve this stress and inflammation by padding and strapping the foot, which usually is successful. Frequently the symptoms do not return when additional biomechanical control is provided through prescription foot supports.

Warts are among the most stubborn viruses that we encounter. While continuing to use several treatments he has found to be effective over the years, Dr. Faasse is always experimenting with new medications and procedures for eliminating warts. Among other treatments, Dr. Faasse has recently begun using a cryopen unit which freezes the warty tissue to destroy it.

A neuroma is caused by an entrapment or pinching of the nerve between the toes. As the irritation continues the nerve enlarges, causing pain, cramping and burning. Padding and strapping is usually the first modality of treatment and if successful, prescription foot supports may be indicated.

Would you like to get a professional opinion on what footgear is best for you? Whether you’re looking for a supportive work boot, an athletic shoe, or footwear that meets your personal needs for all-around comfort and stability (including diabetic shoes), Dr. Faasse will be able to give you specific recommendations.

For further details about the above mentioned and various other foot conditions you may go to “Foot Health Facts from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons” at www.foothealthfacts.org. Please contact our office for a personal assessment of the symptoms you may be experiencing at this time.