Plantar fasciitis can cause significant discomfort, and using orthotics and dorsal night splints offers effective relief. Orthotics provide customized support to the arch of the foot, helping to distribute pressure evenly and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. They can alleviate pain during daily activities and improve overall foot alignment. Dorsal night splints are designed to keep the foot in a gentle, extended position while sleeping, which helps to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. This continuous gentle stretch can significantly reduce morning pain and stiffness. These interventions work together to promote healing, enhance comfort, and reduce persistent foot pain. Incorporating orthotics and dorsal night splints into a treatment plan can lead to improved mobility and a better quality of life for those affected by plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of orthotic is right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that occurs when a nerve in the foot becomes compressed or irritated, typically between the third and fourth toes. This condition often results in a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, which may radiate into the toes. Patients commonly describe a sensation of having a pebble in their shoe, along with tingling or numbness in the affected toes. Diagnosing Morton's neuroma involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist, who may assess foot structure and check for tenderness in the affected area. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI scans, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Trail running can provide a dynamic and challenging workout, but the varied and uneven surfaces increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries. Common issues include plantar fasciitis, sprained ankles, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures. Plantar fasciitis results from inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, which can cause pain in the heel and arch. It is often linked to the repetitive impact of running. Sprained ankles are frequent because of the uneven terrain trail runners encounter. Tripping or stumbling into a hole can lead to overstretched ligaments. Achilles tendonitis occurs from overuse, especially during uphill runs, causing pain in the back of the heel. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot that develop from repeated strain, especially on rocky or root-covered trails. A podiatrist can assess and treat such trail running injuries, as well as offer guidance on proper footwear and recovery strategies to prevent further damage. If you have incurred a foot and ankle injury related to trail running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. This often results in sudden, severe pain and swelling, particularly in the big toe. When testing for gout, a podiatrist typically starts by reviewing a patient’s symptoms and history. To confirm a diagnosis, lab tests may be used, such as checking uric acid levels in the blood. A higher level of uric acid can indicate gout, but it is not always conclusive. Joint fluid analysis is a more definitive test, where fluid is taken from the affected joint and examined for uric acid crystals. Imaging tests like ultrasounds or X-rays may also be performed to detect urate crystals or rule out other conditions causing the joint pain. A podiatrist then monitors uric acid levels during treatment to ensure it is effective and adjusts the plan as needed. If you are experiencing big toe pain that may be caused by gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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