Custom Orthotics

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Custom Orthotics

Custom Orthotics should last years depending, of course, on how often they are used and activity level. The top covers ( especially soft cushion materials) and posts ( additions to the bottom of the orthotics) may need to be replaced sooner however, depending again on your activity level. Repairs and recovering of orthotics are not covered by insurance. to help the longevity of your Orthotics - remove them nightly from your shoes to increase air circulation around the orthotic. You may also wear your orthotics in different shoes as long as there is enough depth to accommodate the insert.

Remember, your feet are the foundation for your entire body. They do a tremendous amount of work each day. Even the slightest misalignment of the bones and muscles can cause a lot of discomfort. Consistently wearing your prescription orthotics can be the best investment you can make to your overall well-being. Period orthotic checks are essential to ensure that this investment is still working properly and supporting your body in the correct manner.

Custom Orthotics

Custom -made heel supports are know as orthotic devices and are worn under your heel and the arch of your foot. these devices are molded to be anatomically matched to your heel and they do more than just provide support. Orthotics are designed to realign your feet and heels to a neutral or natural position to alleviate pain in your feet, legs, and back, as well as to restore balance, improve sports performance, and relieve foot fatigue.

Research shows that the majority of heel problems can be directly connected to skeletal imbalance. More and more people tend to have some amount of either hyperpronation (flat feet) or Hypersupination (high arches). The presence of theses conditions can cause the heel to be unstable during normal everyday activity. This constant stress on the heel can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips, and back.

Orthotics can improve function in the heel by compensating for existing imbalances and in most cases can relieve or prevent the associated pains.

How do you know if the use of orthotics is right for your? If you have an obvious imbalance that causes such symptoms as flat feet or high arches, or if you have external misalignment's such as "knock knees", "bow knees", in-toeing, or out-toeing you are probably a good candidate for orthotics. If you participate in an activity that places stress on your feet or if your work requires you to be on your feet for extended periods of time orthotics could be beneficial. The use of orthotics is just one of the conservative foot treatments used in our offices. They can be used to treat foot, heel, and arch pain and to prevent sports injuries or improve sports function. Orthotics can be used to treat children as well as adults. The best way to find out if orthotics can help you is to make an appointment with us for an exam.

Cautions on Retail Orthotics

Over-the-counter orthotics and other insoles have come a long way. These items can do a great deal to help reduce pain and control foot mechanics, especially misaligned foot mechanics. Nut there are some concerns to keep in mind any time you are buying an over-the-counter orthotic.

1. Retail orthotics do not come with a diagnosis from a medical professional. Sometimes orthotics are recommended by an orthotic sales-person or are suggested based on a pressure image of your foot. The problem is that a sales-person is just that. They want you to purchase their product, but do not have the medical training necessary to actually diagnose a problem with your feet. This means that orthotics may not be right for you, or that retail orthotics cannot solve your problem as they are not customized to your feet. You should see a podiatrist if you think you need orthotics. Not only can your doctor diagnose your foot problem, they can recommend over-the-counter orthotics brands which they trust and that can provide you with the greatest relief from your foot ailments. They also can recommend a custom-molded orthotics which will offer the greatest relief and support for your foot mechanics. Also bear in mind that a scan of your feet only shows where you put the most pressure, either when standing or walking. It does not show if there is a misalignment or other foot ailment which is causing you to bear this weight in a different area of your foot than normal.

2. Some retail orthotics make such an effort to add additional support to the arch that they can cause more pressure on other areas of the foot, especially the big toe joints. Over time this pressure can lead to changes in the foot or arthritis. The orthotics can also cause you extra pain by forcing your arch higher than is normal or comfortable.

3. A retail orthotic can sometimes increase arch support without controlling the mechanics of the whole foot. This may mean that you are not getting relief from another problem which you have, and this problem could continue even with the orthotic in place.

4. Buying a retail orthotic can over-correct or under-correct your problem. Perhaps you do have problem which requires orthotics. Sometimes when an orthotic isn't customized to your foot it can over-correct or under-correct your problem, perhaps stretching your arch either too high or not high enough. Your condition may not be severe enough to warrant the use of an orthotic. Be careful not to buy an orthotic device which you do not need.

Bear these things in mind when you are considering purchasing over-the-counter orthotics. These orthotics do offer an inexpensive solution to some foot problems, but they should be recommended for use by your podiatrist. A sales-person in a store is not likely to have your footcare needs as their primary goal, and often lack to expertise to advise you on your footcare. You need to see a podiatrist who is primarily concerned with your healthcare and has the knowledge and experience to diagnose a problem. You should allow your podiatrist to recommend retail orthotics to you.

Stress Fractures

An incomplete break in the bone caused by overuse is known as a stress fracture. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness. Up to 15% of all sports injuries are stress fractures. A podiatrist needs to perform an examination and look at X-rays of the injury in order to diagnose a stress fracture. Treatments include immobilization of the foot with the use of a cast, medications, and in some cases orthotic devices to prevent further injury.

Plantar Fasciitis in the Public Eye

Eli Manning, the quarterback for the New York Giants football team, has been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis after injuring his right heel in the fourth quarter of the Giants' win over Kansas City. He has been reported to have pain, and inflammation/swelling around his heel.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tendon which connects the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. This injury is common not only for athletes. It is often the result of overuse, acute trauma (like in Manning's case), wearing footwear without adequate supports, and working/standing/walking on hard surfaces. The condition is usually conspicuous through symptoms like pain in and around the heel and bottom of the foot, tightness in the arch of the foot, and swelling and inflammation of the heel and tendon. Often people experience the pain from this injury in the morning, and it subsides as the tendon stretches out during the course of the day. It is also common to experience pain after sitting (resting) and getting back up after being on your feet for extended periods.

There are a number of treatments for plantar fascia. Taping can help relieve the pressure on the tendon, as can wearing a night splint over night to avoid tightening of the tendon. Often a stretching program or physical therapy can help strengthen the plantar fascia. Orthotic inserts for the patient's shoes are a very common treatment as well, and they tend to be effective even in difficult cases. Cortisone shots are also recommended frequently. Our office also offers APC (autologous platelet concentration) injections and ESWT (electronic shock wave therapy) to aid in sever cases of plantar fascia. The APC injection helped Hines Ward return from a knee injury just in time to aid the Steelers in their 2009 Superbowl win. One or a combination of these treatments could help Manning return to good playing condition and reduce his pain throughout the season.

If you are experiencing pain from plantar fascia, or any foot pain, do not hesitate to contact our office. Many people delay the treatment of this condition because they think they need to just bear the pain. This is not true. There is no reason to suffer when we can help you find relief.

Sprains and Heel Pain

An ankle sprain occurs by stretching or tearing one or more ligaments on either or both sides of the ankle. Ignoring a sprain won't help it heal any faster. Ankle injuries that are serious enough to cause disabling pain should be treated by a podiatrist. Further examination may even reveal a torn ligament or bone fracture. Common treatments for sprains include rest, elevation, compression, and ice. More serious sprains may call for crutches or other walking devices.

Podiatrists and Heel Pain

What can a podiatrist do about heel pain? We must first answer the question "What is a Podiatrist"? A podiatrist is a specialist who focuses on your feet and ankles. They are quite simply "The Experts" on your feet, heels, and ankles and should be the very first doctor you call when you experience pain or other problems with them.

The DPM after a podiatrist's name stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Most people know that podiatrists deal with foot, heel, and ankle problems and work with seniors, or diabetics, or people with poor circulation; what most people don't know is that podiatrists treat patients of all ages. A podiatrist is also well-qualified to help children and young adults with the problems they can experience with their feet, heels, and ankles.

Podiatrists are required, just like any other doctor, to be licensed by the state in which they practice. When medically necessary, podiatrists perform surgery to correct or remedy problems. Before we recommend surgery, we will explore the many conservative therapies and remedies that are available for our patients and then recommend the very best course of treatment. As medical science advances and new therapies become available to the public, podiatrists are increasingly able to offer their patients some of the most state-of-the-art care available.

Stress Fractures and Heel Pain

An incomplete break in the bone by overuse is known as a stress fracture. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and redness. Up to 15% of all sports injuries are stress fractures. A podiatrist needs to perform an examination and look at X-rays of the injury in order to diagnose a stress fracture. Treatments include immobilization of the foot with the use of a cast or walking boot, medications, and in some cases orthotic devices to prevent further and future injuries.

Sever's Disease

The most frequent source of heel pain in children between the ages of 9 and 15 is Sever's Disease. It is caused by an inflammation of growth plates in the back of the heel sue to rapid bone growth and is most often seen in children who participate in athletics. With this condition, pains is usually felt at the back and side of the heel bone or even the bottom of the heel. Pain usually worsens when the heel bone is squeezed or when the child is running or jumping. Podiatrists are trained to treat patients of all ages and it is important to have your child examined if they are complaining of heel pain or limping.

Heel Bumps

Also known as Haglund's Deformity, heel bumps are a bone enlargement on the back of the heel bone. They usually occur for athletes when the shoes they wear rub up against the heel, and they can be aggravated by the height or stitching of a heel counter of a particular shoe. The result is a painful bump or bumps on the heel that make exercising very difficult. Another term used for this condition is pump bump because it can frequently occur with the wearing of high heels as well.

Heel Bursitis

There are several fluid-filled sacs behind the heel bone that act as a cushion and a lubricant between muscles and tendons sliding over bone. They are known as bursae. Repetitive or over use of the ankle can cause the bursae to become inf lammed or irritated leading to heel bursitis. The condition is often mistaken for Achilles Tendonitits. Symptoms include pain in the heel, especially when walking, running, or jumping or when the area is touched. The skin around the back of the heel may be red and warm to the touch, and the pain may worsen when standing on tiptoe. It is commonly seen in people who are just starting an aggressive exercise routine.

Heel Spurs

Sometimes heel spurs are found in people with plantar fasciitis, but they are rarely the source of pain. Heel spurs are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone caused by tension from a tight plantar fascia ligament. They result from strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone. Close to 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur that can be seen on an X-Ray. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are often confused and they are related, but they are not the same condition.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is foot pain in the ball of your foot which is the area between your arch and your toes. It gets its name because the pain experienced is located in the metatarsals located in this part of the foot.

In this condition, one or more of the metatarsal joints becomes inflamed and possibly painful. People often develop a callus under the affected joint. There are many causes of Metetarsalgia including injuries, arthritis, poorly fitting shoes, and working on hard surfaces. Sometimes changing your shoes can help fix the problem, but we also recommend custom molded orthotics.

Dr. Vail!

The Advanced Footcare Clinic is the office of Dr. Thomas F. Vail, DPM, located in Findlay, Ohio. Dr. Vail is originally a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a cum laude graduate of Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Vail then went on to receive his medical degree (DPM) at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his surgical residency in Youngstown, Ohio, and completed an addition year specializing in minimal incision technologies in South Bend, Indiana.Dr. Vail is currently on staff at the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center in Findlay and Bluffton, as well as the Findlay Surgery Center. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, as well as its Ohio Affiliate. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) as well as being a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Powerstep Insoles

For patients looking for added comfort and support in their shoes, our office offers Powerstep insoles. These over-the-counter shoe inserts are to help realign joints in the body, as well as to support the foot, especially for the patient who may not bear their weight in a neutral position. These insoles are not only available in our office, but through our online store as well. Just visit http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=195&DEPARTMENT_ID=57

Powerstep Full-Length Insoles: support and comfort from heel to toe
The Podiatrist's Prescription for Pain Relief!

Powerstep Full-Length features a prescription-like arch support encased in a unique double-layer cushioned insole (orthotic), plus a contoured stabilizing heel cup.Provides effective relief for heel and arch pain.

Features:
-Powerstep Full-Length features a prescription-like orthotic and arch support with a polypropylene shell encased in a unique double-layer cushioned insole.
-The Powerstep insole also has a well-contoured stabilizing heel cradle and intrinsic neutral fore-foot and rear-foot posts.
-Powerstep insoles have a special anti-bacterial Sanitiz fabric topsheet that reduces friction, heat and perspiration and prevents slippage.
-Powerstep provides effective relief from heel and arch pain and other common conditions.
-Powerstep insoles in full-Length is available in 10 sizes to ensure optimal fit.

Product Number:
10000

Visit our online store for other footcare needs besides just the Powerstep insole: http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/

Pediatric Foot Care

Podiatrists are trained to care for the feet and ankles of patients of all ages and activity levels. Many foot ailments originate in childhood and some are even present at birth. It is a good idea to seek the advice of a podiatrist if you notice something about your baby's feet or child's feet that doesn't look normal. As children grow and their feet continue to develop, foot problems can result from injury, deformity, illness, hereditary factors, and improper footwear. If you think you child has any foot ailments that make walking difficult or uncomfortable you should have a thorough examination performed by a podiatrist. A podiatrist can also provide advice on ways to prevent sports-related injuries when your child starts to participate sports.

Not Sure if Orthotics are for You?

At our office, we insure that they are. We custom mold all of our orthotics to fit the individual's foot and footcare problems. They will be fit to your feet to help alleviate pain and reestablish good alignment, which may be the cause of other problems you are having not only in your feet but also in your ankles, knees, hips, back, and even your neck.
If you think that you may need orthotics, call our office at 419-423-1888. We will be happy to schedule you an appointment with Dr. Vail to evaluate your footcare needs!

Ankle, Knee, Hip and Back Pain

You may not realize it, but the pain you feel in your ankles, knees, hips or even back may stem from misalignment of your feet. When the feet are not carrying your weight correctly, it can cause many of your other major joints to be misaligned as well. Orthotics are useful in correcting the alignment of your feet, and redistributing your weight effectively, alleviating foot pain. But the use of these devices can also help to realign the improper way that your other joints bear weight as well. This can in turn help alleviate some of the pain you may be feeling in these joints.

Arthritis in your Big Toe

Orthotics can be used to treat arthritis in the big toe. In arthritis, the cartilage starts to crack and erode, resulting in bone rubbing on bone. As this is painful, extra bone is laid down at the edges of the joint to try and stop movement and thus symptoms. This is why arthritic joints are often enlarged.
When arthritis affects the big toe, it loses movement, becomes stiff and can cause pain, alter the way you walk and limit the heel height of the shoes you can wear. This condition is known as Hallux Limitus or Rigidus.
It can be more common in women as they tend to wear tighter, narrower shoes with increased heel height. These shoes place a lot of pressure onto the joint and predispose them to symptoms. It is also common for patients who wear shoes that are too small to be predisposed to the problem.
Orthotics can be useful in cases of arthritis, as the orthotics help to reposition the foot. This will help relieve the pressure placed on the hallux, and help alleviate the pain. The reduction of pressure can also help to slow the progression of the arthritic condition.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a general term used to denote pain under the ball-of-the-foot (the area just before the toes). This is a very common problem. Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot-pain) is often located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads, or more isolated at the first metatarsal head (near the big toe). Metatarsalgia usually responds very quickly to proper treatment. It can almost always be treated conservatively and surgery is rarely necessary.

Causes: Metatarsalgia is most often caused by having too much pressure on a small area of the foot. This increased pressure can be caused by many different things including bunions, short metatarsal bones, hammer toes, high arched feet, arthritis, stress fractures, and bunion surgery. Onset is usually gradual as it takes a while to add up into an injury. However, it may arise suddenly if there is trauma to the area or if new shoes are involved. Sudden trauma might include landing hard on the ball of the foot while barefoot or while wearing non-cushioned shoes or stepping on a stone while running.

The main goal of using Orthotics in pain relief in cases of metetarsalgia is to help alleviate the excess pressure being placed on the ball of the foot area. The orthotics help to correct the way weight is distributed on the foot, so that it is not focused under the metatarsal heads.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia that supports the arches of the foot or by biomechanical faults that cause abnormal pronation. The pain usually is felt on the underside of the heel, and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. It is commonly associated with long periods of weight bearing or sudden changes in weight bearing or activity. Jobs that require a lot of walking on hard surfaces, shoes with little or no arch support, a sudden increase in weight and over activity are also associated with the condition. Orthotics are an excecllent solution to the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, as they work to realign the foot and add support, helping to ease the strain on the plantar fascia itself.

Bunions

Bunions are caused by your big toe joints becoming incorrectly aligned. This causes the first joint on your big toe to slant outward and the second joint then angles toward your other toes. Your joints then begin to swell. It causes a bump of bone on the foot that can become very painful if left untreated. Orthotics can help realign the foot and give the patient relief from the symptoms of bunions. This conservative treatment may even prevent the need for corrective surgery.

In need of Orthotics?

Are you in need of orthotics? At our office, we are happy to help you find the right orthotics to help your specific footcare needs. And we make sure your orthotics are custom molded to fit your feet! We pride ourselves in the great care we administer to patients, and finding and fitting your orthotics is no exception. Do you think you may be in need of orthotics? Then don't hesitate to contact our office!

Phone: 419-423-1888
Email: vailmedassist@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.vailfoot.com

Flat Feet

Flat foot is a condition where the longitudinal arch or instep of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground. In infants and toddlers, the longitudinal arch is not developed and flat feet are normal. In some individuals, the longitudinal arch never develops. Common symptoms include a flat look to one or both of your feet, uneven shoe wear and collapse of your shoe toward the inside of your flat foot, lower leg pain, pain on the inside of your ankle, swelling along the inside of your ankle, and foot pain. The most effective means of controlling flat foot are custom molded orthotics. The best way to find out if orthotics can help you is to make an appointment with us for an exam!

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are custom-made foot supports known as orthotic devices that are worn under your heel and the arch of your foot. These devices are molded to be anatomically matched to your foot and they do more than just provide support. Orthotics are designed to realign your foot to a neutral or natural position to alleviate pain in your feet, legs and back, as well as to restore balance, improve sports performance, and relieve foot fatigue.