Orthotics, custom-made or over-the-counter inserts, can be beneficial for runners, often enhancing comfort by providing additional support and cushioning tailored to an individual’s foot shape. This support may reduce the stress on feet, ankles, knees, and even the lower back, allowing for a more comfortable running experience. For some runners, orthotics may also contribute to improved performance. By promoting better alignment and distributing pressure evenly, they may encourage a more efficient stride, potentially translating to better speed. However, the extent to which orthotics impact performance varies greatly and is often specific to individual biomechanics. The impact of orthotics on injury prevention is more complex. If you are a runner and want to enhance your comfort and prevent injuries while running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can evaluate your specific needs, creating custom orthotics if necessary, and offering guidance on their best use to achieve comfort and support.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group. 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 Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming by cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, leading the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight or narrow shoes can also push the nail into the skin, increasing the risk. Other common causes include trauma, such as stubbing or injuring the toe, and repetitive pressure from activities like running. Less common causes include genetic predisposition, where nail shape naturally curves into the skin, and nail disorders or fungal infections that alter nail growth. A podiatrist diagnoses ingrown toenails by examining the affected toe for signs of redness, swelling, and infection. Treatment varies by severity, with mild cases usually requiring trimming and proper nail care guidance. More severe cases may need partial nail removal, antibiotics for infection, and sometimes a minor surgical procedure to prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign tumor that develops in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Typically found in the arch, it appears as a firm lump that may cause discomfort during walking or standing. Diagnosing a plantar fibroma involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, where a podiatrist will assess the lump's size, location, and texture. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI scans may be employed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. The exact causes of plantar fibromas remain unclear, though factors such as genetics, trauma, and certain medical conditions may contribute to their development. Having a plantar fibroma can be uncomfortable. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief options.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.