Do I need orthotics?

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Do I need orthotics?

Ultimately, a Podiatry assessment is necessary to determine if you need orthotics. However, if you have pain in your feet, legs, hips or lower back, then you may need orthotics and it would be recommended that you see a Podiatrist.

Foot orthotics work by supporting and improving alignment of the feet, which promotes better posture and can also relieve pain further up the body.

Without support, feet will often roll in flat feet or out high arches, which causes uneven weight-bearing through the feet. This uneven weight-bearing and misalignment of joints can result in pain not only in the feet and legs but also higher up the body in the hips and lower back.

There are a range of insoles available, but custom insoles (also known as total contact orthotics) are the most effective at hugging the arches of the feet. Custom foot orthotics are custom made to suit your individual foot, evenly distributing weight bearing forces across the whole foot.

 

 

Ingrown toenails- Stillorgan Chiropodist

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Ingrown toenails

ingrownnailAn ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin on one or both sides of the nail bed. It is a common problem among both adults and children, which is often painful and may or may not be accompanied by a toenail infection. Most commonly ingrown toenails occur in the big toe, but can also affect smaller toes.

If you think you may have an ingrown toenail, it is best to see a podiatrist for treatment and advice on how to prevent it from recurring. If you have an ingrown toenail that has come back a few times, you may need a surgical procedure to remove a portion of the nail. The majority of people experience significant improvement following ingrown toenail surgery and are able to return to normal activities without further problems.

Call the foot clinic in Dublin today on 01-5397834 if you need treatment for an ingrown toenail.

Gout- Stillorgan Chiropodist

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goutWhat is gout?

Gout is a condition where small crystals of uric acid form in and around a joint, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. Uric acid is one of the body’s normal waste products which is usually excreted through the urine. In people with gout, uric acid levels build up and crystals form. The crystal deposits can eventually cause joint destruction and nodules called tophi.

Gout most commonly affects men aged 40 to 50 years, and older people taking diuretic medication (medication that helps to rid water from the body).

What does gout feel like?

Gout usually comes on suddenly, often overnight. The affected joint becomes very red, swollen, painful and tender to touch. Gout is prevalent in the feet, usually affecting the big toe joint. Gout can also occur on the top of the foot and in the ankle joint.

An episode of gout will usually last about one week with no treatment. It is possible for considerable time (months or even years) to pass between episodes of gout. However, if not managed well, episodes of gout can become more severe and occur more frequently, eventually leading to permanent joint damage and more constant symptoms.

What causes gout?

Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid, and can be hereditary. It is also associated with lifestyle factors such as drinking alcohol, dehydration (lack of water in the body), being overweight or overeating, ‘crash’ dieting or fasting, and eating certain foods (ie, foods that are high in purines such as red meats).

If you kidney problems or require diuretic medication then your risk of developing gout may be increased.

How is gout treated?

During an attack of gout, ice and medication is helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Longer term prevention of gout generally involves a review of lifestyle risk factors and medication to lower uric acid levels.

Podiatrists are able to provide assistance with footwear modifications to protect joints that are affected by gout. If required, your podiatrist may refer you to see a surgeon for advice on surgical options.

 

Call the Chiropodist in Stillorgan on 01-5397834

Biomechanical gait analysis

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Biomechanical gait analysis

Biomechanics refers to the study of physical laws which govern human movement. As podiatrists, we are especially interested in the relationship between biomechanics and conditions affecting the foot and lower limb, which may also impact higher in the body such as in the hip and low back.

Stillorgan Chiropodist

Stillorgan Chiropodist

Following a biomechanical gait analysis, we may prescribe a number of treatments to improve foot function. This can include stretching and strengthening exercises, activity advice, orthotics or footwear modification.

Contact the Merrion Foot Clinic on 01-5397834

 

Stillorgan foot Clinic

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Skin and Nail

We diagnose and treat the following skin and nail complaints:

Athletes Foot

Athletes Foot (Tinea Pedis) is a common fungal infection of the skin caused by the tinea pedis microbe. The signs of this complaint include itchiness, redness and peeling skin between the toes. Tinea Vesiculare is another fungal complaint of the foot that often presents with small blisters under the arch of the foot.

We provide the following solutions:

  • Recommend appropriate antifungal medication to remove the complaint
  • Advice to prevent the reoccurrence of this complaint

Calluses

Calluses (Hyperkeratosis) is a build up of thick skin on the foot caused by friction in high pressure areas of the foot. This complaint is often accompanied by corns and can be mildly uncomfortable to painful and debilitating. Calluses often appear on the bottom of the foot around the forefoot, as well as the heel and around the sides and tips of the toes. If Calluses are left untreated, they can interrupt the blood (vascular) supply to the area and ulceration may result. It is recommended that people with diabetes are regularly screened and treated accordingly to prevent the development of a callus that can cause ulcerations.

We provide the following solutions:

  • Complaint removal
  • Advice to prevent the reoccurrence of this complaint

Corns

Corns (Heloma Dura & Heloma Molle) are painful lesions/spots of thickened skin on the foot caused by friction in high pressure areas of the foot.

Hard Corns (Heloma Dura) appear on the top and sides of toes often secondary to footwear pressure and also along the bottom of the foot. Soft Corns (Heloma Molle) in most cases appear between the fourth and fifth toes. These have an unbearable stinging sensation and are extremely uncomfortable.

If Corns are left untreated, they can become very painful and may interrupt the blood (vascular) supply to the area and cause an ulcer. It is recommended that people with diabetes are regularly screened and treated accordingly to prevent the development corns that can cause ulcerations.

We provide the following solutions:

  • Complaint removal
  • Advice to prevent the reoccurrence of this complaint

Call the Merrion Foot Clinic Stillorgan for an appointment today.

Haglund’s Deformity

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Haglund’s Deformity

The common cause of a painful bump on the back of the heel is called Hagland’s deformity. This is due to an enlarged bony prominence on the back of the heel. It can involve the entire back of the heel or just a portion of the back of the heel, usually on the outside portion of the heel.

Must Know About This

  • Wearing high-heeled shoe can cause the heel to rotate inward excessively, which presses the heel bone against the Achilles tendon.
  • Walking without shoes, or with backless shoes, takes pressure off the affected area.
  • Stretching exercises can help prevent the Achilles tendon from tightening.

Good to Know About This

  • This is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that often leads to painful bursitis.
  • It is often called a “pump bump” because the backs of pump-style shoes can create pressure that aggravates the enlargement.
  • A tight Achilles tendon, which can be caused and is exacerbated by wearing high-heeled shoes, can compress the tender and inflamed bursa.

Call the podiatry clinic in Dublin today on 01-5397834 if you have heel pain as explained above.

 

Ball of Foot Pain

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Ball of foot pain

If you have pain in the ball of your foot, then you are experiencing a very common foot problem. But there are many different conditions that can cause pain in this area of the foot. Below we have collated some characteristic signs of the different conditions that cause ball of foot pain. Do you recognise your symptoms?

Plantar Plate Dysfunction

Also known as Plantar Plate Tear, Plantar Plate Insufficiency or Plantar Plate Injury, this is one of the most common causes of pain in the ball of the foot. The pain from plantar plate injury is often exacerbated by dorsiflexion of the toes. It may be accompanied by swelling and there may also be splaying of the toes or hammertoe. Plantar plate dysfunction is commonly associated with bunions, traumatic or repetitive injury and wearing high-heeled shoes.

Metatarsalgia

If your ball of foot pain feels like a bruise or a dull ache, you may have metatarsalgia. People with metatarsalgia will often find that the pain is aggravated by walking in bare feet and on hard floor surfaces.

Neuroma

If your ball of foot pain is located around the 3rd and 4th toes, this may be associated with a neuroma. (Although neuromas can also occur between other toes, they occur most commonly between the 3rd and 4th toes). Neuromas can cause unusual sensations, ranging from a sharp, stabbing pain, through to a numb feeling. Often, people with a neuroma find that removing their shoes and massaging the area eases ball of foot pain.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis often results from activities that put increased force on the ball of the foot, such as running or dancing. If you have high-arched feet you may also be prone to sesamoiditis. Pain from sesamoiditis is usually focused on the ball of the foot near the big toe and will often be worse when moving the big toe joint. Swelling may also be present around the base of the big toe joint.

Capsulitis

If your ball of foot pain is focused around the base of the second toe, you may have capsulitis. Capsulitis is a condition where the capsular ligaments around the joint become inflamed. In the foot, capsulitis is commonly seen at the base of the second toe, although it can occur in any joint.

Corns and Calluses

If you a have thickened layer of skin under the ball of your foot, your ball of foot pain could be related to a corn or callus. These thickened areas of skin have the potential to cause ball of foot pain, and even difficulty walking.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that is often secondary to other causes of ball of foot pain, and may be seen in conjunction with capsulitis, neuroma, metarsarsalgia or sesamoiditis.

 

Call the Dublin based foot clinic in South county Dublin.

01 5397834

Insoles/Orthotic Dublin

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Insoles/Orthotics in Dublin

Orthotics Dublin

ORTHOTIC therapy is the science of using functional foot orthotics to treat complaints to the lower limb.

A true orthotic is a completely customised arch support, designed specifically for an individual to treat a specific problem. No two individuals will have the same orthotic. Heat moulded or off the shelf generic devices are not orthotics, but arch supports. Orthotics vary in look, design, materials, aims and costs.

The key to successful orthotic treatment is clear diagnosis followed by a thorough examination/prescription process, which must incorporate a walking/biomechanical gait examination. Following this, client understanding about how and why an orthotic will work for them is very important.

 

WHY OUR ORTHOSES ARE SUPERIOR

Our orthotics use the casting techniques using and capturing the best details of your foot in all our clinics.

Our orthoses are completely modelled/designed by YOUR OWN treating podiatrist. No lab technician, no guesswork by an offsite lab relying on direction offsite.  This ensures optimal prescription and orthotic design.

Devices are made from the best materials available to ensure control, comfort, accuracy and best outcomes.

 

At the Merrion foot clinic, or orthotic prescription comes with the following guarantees:

  1. No client leaves the clinic with an orthotic that is uncomfortable. Orthotics should feel good to wear but different initially. If they do not, the prescription is incorrect. No orthotic will work if it is not worn, and an uncomfortable orthotic will not be worn.
  2. All clients are reviewed as part of their orthotic costs, until a satisfactory outcome is achieved.
  3. All clients leave our clinics with a clear understanding about the injury we are trying to treat and how the best results will be achieved.

Dublin Insoles Ortotics

Call today on 01 5397834 to book your appointment.

Free General Podiatry Appointment @ Merrion Foot Clinic

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paddys-dayTo Celebrate St Patrick’s day at the Merrion Foot Clinic here in 23 Seafield road, we are giving away a free Podiatry appointment.  All you have to do to enter is Like & Share our Facebook page for your chance to win!!!

toes

So Like & Share the Merrion Foot Clinic Facebook page and be in with a chance to have your feet treated for St. Patrick’s day!

 

Heel Pain Treatment

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Merrion Foot Clinic

Heel pain

Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis / Arch Pain / Heel Spur

Once referred to as a ‘heel spur’, this is not a bone injury but a soft tissue injury to the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs under your foot from your heel to the toes. The plantarfascia acts as a rubber band to absorb shock as you walk and stand, constantly elongates and contracts. This constant stretching can result in a tear in the soft tissue, most often at the heel. Pain is often greatest in the morning or after periods of rest. It is common in those with a flattened arch as the stretching on the plantar fascia is more significant but it can occur in any foot type. This problem is often misdiagnosed and confused with a heel fat pad syndrome. Both are treated differently so correct diagnosis is very important.

Sports and activity related injuries treated most often by podiatrists are called overuse/repetitive strain injuries. The development of these injuries is usually a combination of two or more of the following:

  • Sudden change in the sport/physical activity level
  • Sudden change in the sport/physical activity type
  • Poor muscle flexibility
  • Poor muscle strength
  • Inappropriate footwear for the sport/physical activity
  • Foot/ankle biomechanics

We provide the following solutions:

  • Anti inflammation advice
  • Strapping techniques to achieve immediate relief
  • Advice in relation to appropriate stretches
  • Advice in relation to appropriate strengthening
  • Biomechanical assessment and treatment using orthotics as necessary
  • Advice in relation to footwear
  • Advice in relation to activity types and return to activity levels after the injury has repaired

Contact the Podiatry Clinic Dublin on 01 5397834 or email the clinic for further information.