Properly made orthotics are essential for effectively addressing foot conditions and enhancing overall comfort and mobility. High-quality orthotics provide the necessary support and alignment, reducing pain and preventing further complications. Assessing orthotic quality involves examining the materials used, such as durable EVA foam, plastic, or carbon fiber, ensuring they offer adequate strength and longevity. The contour of the orthotic is vital, as it must match the unique shape of the individual's foot to provide optimal support and pressure distribution. A well-crafted orthotic will maintain its shape and support over time, adapting to the foot's natural movements. If you are considering custom-made orthotics, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can ensure they meet these standards, offering the best possible solution for various foot-related issues and promoting long-term foot health.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . 

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that commonly occur on the feet of individuals with diabetes. They generally result from a combination of neuropathy, poor circulation, and immune system impairment. Neuropathy causes a loss of sensation, leading to unnoticed injuries. Poor circulation hinders healing, while immune dysfunction makes infections more likely. These ulcers can become severe, leading to complications such as infections, gangrene, or even amputations if left untreated. Management of diabetic foot ulcers includes comprehensive wound care, infection control, and addressing underlying conditions. Regular cleaning and debridement to remove dead tissue can promote healing. Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat infection. Additionally, offloading techniques, such as specialized footwear or orthotics, help reduce pressure on the ulcer. Controlling blood sugar levels is imperative to generate healing and prevent recurrence. Regular monitoring and care are essential for effective management. If you have diabetic foot ulcers, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for personalized treatment and prevention strategies.

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 Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor 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 contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain, which plagues many runners, stems from the repetitive stress placed on the joints with every step. Runners take approximately 1,700 steps per mile, each one contributing to the cumulative strain on their ankles. The primary causes of ankle pain in runners include ankle sprains, strains, tendonitis, and stress fractures. Ankle sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the ankle. Strains, which are injuries to the tendons, can cause pain, muscle spasms, and cramping. Tendonitis, the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, is often triggered by overuse, wearing improper footwear, repetitive motion, and conditions like low arches or flat feet. Symptoms can include a dull ache, tenderness, and limited swelling. Stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bones caused by repetitive force and overuse, can result from excessive mileage, in addition to sudden increases in running distance and changes in running surfaces. Symptoms include worsening pain that diminishes with rest and limited swelling. If you are experiencing ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Sharp heel pain and general foot pain can result from several conditions. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, is characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Bursitis, the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, can also lead to significant foot pain. Gout, a form of arthritis resulting from the accumulation of uric acid crystals, often causes sudden and intense discomfort in the big toe or ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, involving compression of the tibial nerve, can create sharp, tingling pain extending into the arch. Additionally, heel spurs, which are bony growths on the underside of the heel, can cause stabbing pain, especially while walking or standing. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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