For Foot and Ankle Pain, Tailored Treatments Offer the Best of Both Worlds

Foot pain can sideline even the most active individuals, but before you resign yourself to chronic discomfort, consider the wide variety of treatments available from your local podiatrist. With options ranging from the conservative to the innovative and everything in between, a DPM can restore balance and mobility while managing pain.

The key is finding the right approach for your specific needs! For this blog, the team at Kentland’s Foot and Ankle Center wants to keep you posted on a few of the most effective ones. Read on to learn more about the options available to you, from exciting newbies to tried-and-true standards.

Starting Simple: Rest, Therapy, and Orthotics

The first line of defense is often the simplest.

• Rest, ice, and pain medication might provide relief in the short term.
• Physical therapy strengthens supporting muscles and improves flexibility, addressing the root cause of pain and preventing future problems.
• Custom orthotics deserve special mention. By providing personalized support and correcting biomechanical imbalances, they can significantly improve comfort and function.

You can get the best of both worlds via a combined approach:  A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) found that physical therapy combined with custom orthotics was highly effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.

• High-tech and low-tech can also complement one another. For example, our team utilizes 3D orthotic scanning technology to create orthotics tailored to your unique foot shape.
• This ensures a superior fit and function compared to traditional casting methods.

Stepping Up: Advanced Techniques for Persistent Pain

If conservative measures don’t provide lasting relief, your podiatrist might recommend more advanced interventions.

• Shockwave therapy, for instance, utilizes sound waves to stimulate tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
• Studies have shown promise for its effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Sometimes, a minimally invasive surgical procedure might be the best approach.

• Many podiatrists are skilled surgeons, able to perform procedures like bunionectomy or hammertoe correction with minimal scarring and downtime involved.

Are you interested in learning more? We’re always happy to help! Schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman. To make your appointment, please call our office at 301-330-5666.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

We have all heard the saying “one size fits all.” Unfortunately, when it comes to footwear, this does not apply. Sometimes you might notice that one foot feels slightly different from the other. It is due to each person having their own unique feet! At Kentland’s Foot and Ankle Center, patients are examined and treated based on their own unique feet. Our podiatry team recommends using foot orthotics if foot muscles, ligaments, bones, or tendons are not aligned well or the patient is experiencing discomfort. Orthotics are known to redistribute the pressure that your feet endure each day.

Custom Orthotics VS Over-the-counter Orthotics

Over-the-counter foot orthotics are usually found at drugstores. The use of orthotics, in general, can be very helpful in eliminating foot discomfort quickly. For chronic foot pain, we always advise our patients to get fitted for custom foot orthotics. Precise measurements of your foot are documented and sent to a lab where they will make your orthotics. It ensures that you receive all the support your feet need.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are known to:

1. Provide superior comfort allowing you to stand, walk and run comfortably
2. Fight off pain in the lower extremities
3. Improve balance by allowing your feet the support to maintain a functional position
4. Enhance athletic performance
5. Lower the risk of injury

Custom orthotics help your feet feel better, but did you know they also help your overall body? Custom orthotics are also known to:

1. Reduce ankle and leg pain
2. Maintain balance
3. Stand or walk for extended periods of pain-free
4. Reduce lower back pain
5. Lower the risk of calluses, corns, and bunions
6. Improve posture

Final Thoughts

If you are experiencing chronic foot pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, call our Montgomery office at 301-330-5666 and schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman or visit our website for more information.