It can be hard to know where to turn for reliable information about diagnosing and treating common foot and ankle problems. You can trust our podiatrists to provide the most up-to-date information available when answering Frequently Asked Questions. If the answers you need are not here, please give us a call.
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Do I need orthotics in my cycling shoes?
Yes. Especially if you are competitive or do extensive mileage each week. Experience has shown us that when the orthotics place the bones of the foot in a more corrected and structurally aligned position, this necessitates less energy expenditure by the muscles of the foot and leg as the bones of the foot lock together and in essence, stay aligned during the thousands of "up and down pistoning motions" while cycling.
Conversely, when the foot is not in its ideal structural position, it necessitates the muscles of the foot and lower leg to work harder to keep nudging the bones of the foot back into their ideal alignment. This done over and over during the hours and thousands of downstrokes of the cycling action, causes the muscles to work much harder and predisposes them and even the bones of the foot to injury from overuse.
Almost one for one, the cyclists who use these types of orthotics in their cycling shoes have relayed they go faster and longer using less energy and experiencing significantly less "fatigue" during cycling. Depending on the style of cycle shoe, you may necessitate a pair specifically for that activity but for the most part, the orthotics that you can put into your sneakers or lace-up dress shoes fit into cycling shoes.
Are You Considering Custom Orthotics in Austin, TX?
If you are considering custom orthotics, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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Is a hard or soft orthotic better?
The answer to this frequently asked question is in fact neither. This is to say that neither a "hard" or "soft" orthotic is better or in fact ideal. An orthotic, when properly made, should be hard enough to gently support and realign the bones of your foot yet be soft enough to compress slightly during activity to allow your foot to function properly. Your foot is dynamic - it is not rigid or static in nature. Therefore, the best performing orthotic is one that is dynamic because it both supports and flexes in a controlled manor during activity. The Total Contact Orthotics your doctor uses does just that.
Are You Considering Custom Orthotics in Austin, TX?
If you are considering custom orthotics, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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What is an ankle-foot orthotic (AFO)?
An Ankle-foot orthotic is a brace, usually made of plastic that supports your foot, ankle and lower leg. Ankle-foot orthotics are used in cases where there is a need to support not just the foot but also the ankle in a more controlled and restrictive manner. Often the patient that requires this type of device has had or needs major reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, has a neuromuscular disease, or has had some degree of nerve damage which requires more than the standard degree of support offered by a foot orthotic alone.
Are You Considering Custom Orthotics in Austin, TX?
If you are considering custom orthotics, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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What can happen if an orthotic is recommended and I never get one?
If your doctor has recommended that you get a custom functional orthotic because your problem is based on a fundamental instability you have in your bone structure which results in your body going out of its proper alignment, it is wise to way out the long term ramifications of not addressing this instability now rather than wait till later. Remember that this misalignment is the cause of the aches and pains that brought you to your doctor in the first place.
The orthotics that your doctor uses correct and restores normal alignment and function which almost always results in better alignment and factually speaking - better alignment means greater comfort! Often our doctors relay to us that their patients say that the realignment of their feet leads to less ankle, knee, hip, and low back pain in addition to addressing the heel or arch pain that they came to the doctor to get handled.
The point is that not restoring proper alignment can lead to further problems in the future, not just in your feet, but higher up in the various joints and muscles of your entire body. If an orthotic can help prevent these things as your doctor has advised, then you simply run the risk of developing problems in the future if you ultimately decide not to get them.
Are You Considering Custom Orthotics in Austin, TX?
If you are considering custom orthotics, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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Why do I need to break in an orthotic?
You need to break in an orthotic because the orthotic changes the way you walk by changing the alignment of the bones of your foot into a more corrective position. This change of position, despite being of great benefit to the foot and the rest of the body, changes the way that the muscles move and function in a relatively short period of time. This change can be dramatic because it causes many muscles that were working too hard to work less hard and conversely, muscles that were not doing their fair share to suddenly snap to and do their share of the work.
We use a gradual, common sense break-in period that generally increases your orthotic wear a few hours each day until you are wearing them comfortably full time within a one to two week period.
Are You Considering Custom Orthotics in Austin, TX?
If you are considering custom orthotics, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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How long do ankle fractures take to heal?
Ankle fracture recovery time depends on your individual health and the seriousness of your injury. A simple fracture where the bones stay aligned will heal more quickly than a complex one that requires surgery. In general, you can expect six or more weeks to recover. Even after that, you may need to take it easy for a time. The doctors will check your healing progress by taking regular X-rays and using them to determine when it is safe for you to return to your activities.
Are You Looking for a Stress Fracture Expert in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for stress fracture care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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Is it safe to get a pedicure with a fungal nail infection?
You absolutely can get a pedicure with a fungal infection, but it is important to honestly address the situation with the salon ahead of time. When doing so, find out if the salon has the proper sterilization practices and necessary tools to handle fungal nails. Keep in mind that you may be asked to bring in your own polishes and tools.
If you find yourself wondering whether it is safe to get a pedicure while having fungal nails, it might be time to look into treatment options to eradicate the fungus and restore your nails to their natural, healthy condition. Our practice offers laser therapy using the HyperBlue 1530, which is an FDA-approved machine, to eliminate toenail fungus at the source. This is a safe, effective, and painless procedure to clear up your nails. We also offer other treatment methods for dealing with this embarrassing condition.
Are You Looking for a Toenail Fungus Specialist in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for toenail fungus care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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What Is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous, biological, blood-derived product, which one can exogenously apply to a variety of tissues. The PRP releases high concentrations of platelet-derived growth factors that enhance wound, bone, and tendon healing. Growth factors release when the platelets become activated, subsequently initiating the body's natural healing response. Platelet-rich therapy is safe and the technique does not impair the biomechanical function of the foot.
The doctors at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists utilize PRP injections as a second-line treatment of more chronic and thickened fascial, ligamentous, and tendon conditions.
Call to make an appointment at (512) 328-8900 if you believe that you may benefit from this advanced treatment protocol.
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Is Bare Footwear Safe?
From aqua shoes to FiveFingers styles to minimalist varieties, bare footwear is becoming a popular fad. There are opposing opinions, however, as to the safety of wearing these trendy types of running shoes. The theory behind them is that people have been running for millions of years, historically barefoot or in simple shoes like moccasins or sandals. Some feel that modern-day running shoes provide too much control and cushioning, reducing the ability of foot muscles and tendons to strengthen naturally. Opposing views suggest that foot and ankle injuries can be prevented by choosing running shoes with strong stability and support. As of today, the jury is still out on what’s best for the health of your feet.
Are You Looking for a Sports Injuries Expert in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for sports injury care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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What can I do for a corn on the end of my toe?
These corns are more accurately described as a distal clavus. These are formed when the deformity of the digit turns the end of the digit towards the ground. The repetitive trauma of walking on this skin causes the body to try and protect itself, thereby building up space-occupying lesions. When these become very thick and hard they may become painful when walking.
Are You Looking for a Skin and Nails Expert in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for skin and nail care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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How Do You Treat Post-Static Dyskinesia?
We treat post-static dyskinesia (meaning impaired movement after being at rest) in various ways, once we have determined what is causing your discomfort. Early morning heel pain when you first step out of bed is most often due to plantar fasciitis—inflammation of or damage to the ligament under your arch.
RICE therapy (rest, icing, compression, elevation) can help bring down swelling and soreness, and stretching exercises can help recondition the ligament and reduce the damage to the heel from the ligament pulling on it too tightly. For persistent pain, we can try injection therapy using medication, extracorporeal shockwave therapy using energy waves, or cryotherapy using low temperatures. Once the pain has subsided, we will evaluate the biomechanical issues causing your plantar fasciitis and design custom orthotics to correct them.
Are You Looking for a Plantar Fasciitis Specialist in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for plantar fasciitis care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
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Why does the ball of my foot hurt?
Metatarsalgia is most likely the cause of your ball of the foot pain, and there are a variety of reasons that you might be suffering from it. Whether the problem is attributed to poor shoe choices, an increase in weight, a stress fracture, arthritis, a deformity (such as a bunion or hammertoes), or a high arch, something has changed the way that your feet work. The result is excessive stress on the ball of the foot.
Are You Looking for a Ball of Foot Pain Specialist in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for ball of foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.