Orthotics are shoe inserts made in order to relieve pain resulting from a foot condition such as corns and calluses, tendonitis, bunions, heel pain, or recurring stress fractures. Orthotics can be made of a variety of materials that include rubber, plastic, leather or even metal. While many orthotics can be purchased over the counter, they can also be custom made by a podiatrist for a specific issue. A podiatrist will account for the function and structure of the foot as well as its biomechanics to help determine what the best fit is for each patient. Patients who are interested in getting orthotics should consult with their podiatrist, who will be able to either prescribe custom orthotics or suggest which over the counter orthotics will work best. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Davenport, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children. This condition occurs when the growth plate in the heel (calcaneus) becomes inflamed. This results in heel pain and most commonly affects adolescents during growth spurts between the ages of 8 and 14. Common signs of Sever's disease include heel pain during exercise, pain that is worse after exercise, limping, and a tendency to walk on their tiptoe. Contributing factors may include height and weight, as well as how often physical activity is endured or intensified. This condition usually eases over time, but a podiatrist can help ease and manage the pain. Common treatments for Sever’s disease include limiting the amount of time a sport/activity is played, rest, orthotics, ice, and medication for pain and inflammation. If your child is complaining of heel pain that may be a result of Sever’s disease, it is suggested that they are under the care of a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Davenport, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

The bones that are located in the feet can be affected by stress fractures. Stress fractures are  hairline fractures that can gradually develop from overuse. They can form as a result of a sudden change in footwear, running on uneven surfaces, or suddenly increasing the intensity in running and jumping activities. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include tenderness surrounding the injured area, in addition to severe pain when the activity is completed. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to increase circulation to the heart. If you feel you have endured a stress fracture in your foot, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Davenport, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a common deformity amongst newborn babies and occurs when the foot is twisted and pointed. The most common cause of clubfoot occurs when the Achilles tendon is too short, and this pulls the foot up. Thankfully, clubfoot is not painful for the baby, and it is easily treatable. Treatment will be necessary so the baby can learn to walk when they are a toddler. Treatment is most successful when the baby is only a week or two old, but treatment can still be successful if it is done later. While nonsurgical treatment options such as physical therapy, splinting, or casting is preferred, surgery can also be used to treat clubfoot. If your child is born with clubfoot, make sure to consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Davenport, and DeWitt, IA and Rock Island, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.