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Custom Orthotics for Special Needs Patients

Custom Orthotics for Special Needs Patients

Orthotics play a vital role in addressing the unique requirements of special needs patients, offering tailored solutions for various musculoskeletal issues. These individuals often require specialized orthotic devices to enhance their mobility and overall quality of life. Custom orthotics are designed to accommodate or correct irregular walking patterns, providing crucial support and stability. For special needs patients, orthotics can help manage conditions such as flat feet, high arches, and gait abnormalities. These devices are customized to fit the individual's unique foot shape and condition, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality. Whether it is children with developmental challenges or adults with neurological disorders, orthotics can significantly improve their mobility and reduce discomfort. Orthotic devices for special needs patients are prescribed by podiatrists after a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, ensuring that they cater to the specific challenges of each patient. If you have special needs or you are taking care of someone with special needs and want more information on how custom orthotics might improve comfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss your unique situation.

Experience a transformative solution to heel pain and foot pain through the personalized benefits of custom orthotics and shoe inserts. If you’re grappling with the persistent agony of plantar fasciitis, these customized inserts are designed to alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia, providing targeted relief. Engineered to adapt to your unique foot anatomy, custom orthotics tackle not only plantar fasciitis but also general foot and heel pain, offering unparalleled support and comfort. Don’t let every step be a reminder of discomfort; step into a world of tailored well-being. Say farewell to the limitations imposed by heel pain and embrace the freedom of pain-free mobility. Invest in your foot health and redefine your daily stride with the transformative power of custom orthotics and shoe inserts, ensuring each step is a step towards lasting comfort. 

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wound Care

Wound Care

Diabetics must be wary of all wounds, regardless of depth or size. Diabetes, a chronic disease in which the body cannot properly use glucose the way it normally would, causes various complications that make wounds difficult to heal. Nerve damage or neuropathy will cause diabetics to have trouble feeling the pain of a blister or cut until the condition has significantly worsened or become infected. A diabetic’s weakened immune system can make even the most minor of wounds easily susceptible to infection. Diabetics are also more prone to developing narrow, clogged arteries, and are therefore more likely to develop wounds.

Wounds should be taken care of immediately after discovery, as even the smallest of wounds can become infected if enough bacteria build up within the wound.  To remove dirt, wounds should be first rinsed under running water only. Soap, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine can irritate the injury and should be avoided. To prevent infection, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. The bandage should be changed daily. The skin around the wound may be cleaned with soap.

To prevent further exacerbation, see a doctor—especially if you have diabetes. Minor skin conditions can become larger problems if not properly inspected. As the wound heals, make sure to avoid applying pressure to the affected area.

Strategies for Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Strategies for Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers, a common complication of diabetes, require wound care management to prevent infection and promote healing. Begin by keeping the ulcer clean and dry, washing it gently with mild soap and water and patting it dry with a soft towel. Avoid using harsh chemicals or antiseptics, as they can further irritate the skin. Protect the ulcer with a sterile dressing to prevent contamination and promote a moist wound healing environment. Regularly monitor the ulcer for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage, and seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms occur. Offloading pressure from the ulcer is critical for healing, and consider using special footwear or orthotic devices to relieve pressure and prevent further damage. Follow your podiatrist’s recommendations for managing blood sugar levels, as elevated glucose levels can impair wound healing. If you have diabetes, and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat this type of wound, in addition to helping you to manage your diabetes.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection.  The infection typically occurs between the toes, and the feet are most subject to this disease because shoes best create the warm, dark, and moist environment in which fungus thrives.  Other areas that create a similar environment, such as swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms; can also promote fungi growth. 

Symptoms of athlete’s foot include dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blistering.  Sometimes, blisters can evolve into the cracks or breaks in the skin.  The exposed tissue can then create pain, swelling, and discharge.  The spread of infection can cause itching and burning as well.

While athlete’s foot commonly occurs between the toes, it may also spread to the toenails or soles of the feet.  Other parts of the body, such as the groin or underarms, can also become infected if they are touched after the original area of infection is scratched.  Aside from physical contact, athlete’s foot can also spread through the contamination of footwear, clothing or bedsheets.

Proper foot hygiene is essential in preventing athlete’s foot.  You can prevent the fungus from spreading by frequently washing your feet using soap and water, thoroughly drying the feet between the toes, changing shoes and socks every day to reduce moisture, and ensuring that bathroom and shower floors are disinfected.  Other tips include using shower shoes, avoiding walking barefoot in public environments, wearing light and airy shoes, and wearing socks that keep the feet dry.

While treatment for athlete’s foot can involve topical or oral antifungal drugs, mild cases of the infection can be treated by dusting foot powder in shoes and socks.  Any treatment used can be supplemented by frequently bathing the feet and drying the toes.  If proper foot hygiene and self-care do not ease your case of athlete’s foot, contact your podiatrist.  He will determine if the underlying cause of your condition is truly a fungus.  If that is the case, a comprehensive treatment plan may be suggested with the inclusion of prescription antifungal medications.

Origins and Symptoms Revealed for Athlete’s Foot

Origins and Symptoms Revealed for Athlete’s Foot

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, traces its origin to warm and damp environments where fungi thrive. The condition flourishes in places such as communal showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms, creating an opportune breeding ground for the fungi responsible for athlete's foot. The culprits behind this ailment are dermatophyte fungi, particularly trichophyton species, which thrive on dead skin cells and multiply in moist conditions. Symptoms of athlete's foot manifest as redness, itching, and a burning sensation, often concentrated between the toes. As the infection progresses, the skin may peel, crack, or develop blisters. The discomfort may extend beyond the toes, affecting the soles of the feet. Recognizing these symptoms is vital for prompt intervention and effective management. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and prevention techniques.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Toenail Fungus

Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a frustrating problem that affects many people. It can be persistent and hard to get rid of. As many different types of fungi are present throughout the environment, it is very easy to contract toenail fungus.  

The feet are especially susceptible to toenail fungus because shoes and socks create the ideal dark and moist environment that fungal infections thrive in. While fungal infections of the nail plate are quite common, if left untreated they can spread beyond the toenail and into the skin and other parts of the body.

Signs of toenail fungus include a thickened nail that has become yellow or brown in color, a foul smell, and debris beneath the nail. The toe may become painful due to the pressure of a thicker nail or the buildup of debris.

Treatment for toenail fungus is most effective during the early stages of an infection. If there is an accumulation of debris beneath the nail plate, an ingrown nail or a more serious infection can occur. While each treatment varies between patients, your podiatrist may prescribe you oral medications, topical liquids and creams, or laser therapy. To determine the best treatment process for you, be sure to visit your podiatrist at the first signs of toenail fungus.

Treatment of Toenail Fungus

Treatment of Toenail Fungus

The treatment of toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, aims to eliminate the fungal infection and improve the appearance and health of the affected nails. Treatment options for toenail fungus can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In many cases, antifungal nail paints or creams can be effective for mild infections. These topical treatments need to be applied consistently over several months. For more severe or persistent cases, prescription medications may be required. Oral antifungal medications prescribed by a podiatrist are often more potent and can lead to better outcomes. However, they may have side effects and require monitoring during treatment. In some instances, where the infection is resistant to other treatments or when multiple nails are affected, surgical options such as nail removal or laser therapy may be considered. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation and treatment appropriate to your situation.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Treat Your Feet to Diabetic Shoes

Treat Your Feet to Diabetic Shoes

Diabetic shoes can bring relief to the feet of patients suffering from diabetes. 

Bunions

Bunions

A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions form when the big toe pushes against the next toe, which forces the big toe joint to get bigger and stick out.  As a result, the skin over the bunion may start to appear red and it may feel sore.

There are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bunions. People who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes are more likely to develop them, in addition to those who have a genetic history of bunions or have rheumatoid arthritis.

The most obvious way to tell if you have a bunion is to look for the big toe pushing up against the toe next to it. Bunions produce a large protrusion at the base of the big toe and may or may not cause pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe if you have arthritis. 

Nonsurgical methods are frequently used to treat bunions that aren’t severe. Some methods of nonsurgical treatment are orthotics, icing and resting the foot, taping the foot, and pain medication. Surgery is usually only required in extreme cases. However, if surgery is needed, some procedures may involve removing the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, or joining the bones of your affected joint permanently.

Your podiatrist will diagnose your bunion by doing a thorough examination of your foot. He or she may also conduct an x-ray to determine the cause of the bunion and its severity.

What Can Be Done About Bunions?

What Can Be Done About Bunions?

Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are a common and often misunderstood foot deformity. While they may appear as a bump on the side of the big toe, they involve changes in the bone structure. The big toe leans towards the second toe, causing misalignment and the formation of the visible bump. Bunions are progressive and develop over time. Symptoms may include pain, inflammation, burning, and even numbness, especially when wearing tight shoes or high heels. Women are more prone to symptoms due to footwear choices. While shoes do not cause bunions, they can exacerbate the condition. Bunions can be caused by an inherited faulty foot structure, making some people more susceptible. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and X-rays to assess the deformity's extent. Treatment options include changes in footwear, padding, activity modification, medication, injections, and custom orthotic devices. Surgery may be necessary when non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate pain and interfere with daily activities. Various surgical procedures aim to correct the deformity and reduce pain. The choice of surgery depends on factors like the extent of deformity, age, and activity level. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see how they can help you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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