Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Custom orthotics can help alleviate foot pain, improve alignment, and support mobility, but not everyone needs them. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort, instability, or issues related to gait, a podiatrist can determine if orthotics are the right solution. Before your appointment, take note of your symptoms, when they occur, and what activities make them worse. Bring your most frequently worn shoes and any previous orthotics if you have them. Your podiatrist will assess your foot structure, walking pattern, and overall biomechanics, and may recommend custom orthotics tailored to your needs. Be prepared to discuss your lifestyle, activity level, and any underlying conditions like diabetes or arthritis that may impact your foot health. If you are having foot problems, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options, which may include orthotics.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
When preparing for a long hike, paying extra attention to your toenails is essential to prevent painful ingrown nails. Regular trimming is vital. Clip nails straight across to avoid curvature that pushes skin. Keeping nails short reduces friction inside boots and prevents nail edges from embedding into surrounding tissue. Moisturize cuticles daily and use a gentle file to smooth rough edges, ensuring proper alignment and comfort. After trimming, allow nails to dry thoroughly and inspect them for signs of irritation. Proper care and proactive maintenance enable you to enjoy hiking adventures free from discomfort and setbacks, ensuring your feet remain healthy and resilient along every challenging trail. For persistent issues, unusual nail shapes, or ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to receive expert advice tailored to your needs.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A foot puncture wound occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin, creating a small but potentially deep injury. Common causes include stepping on nails, glass, splinters, or other sharp debris. Outdoor environments, construction sites, and walking barefoot increase the risk of these injuries. Although the wound may appear minor, prompt care is essential to prevent infection and complications. Bacteria can enter the deeper tissues, leading to serious infections, such as cellulitis or abscess formation. Delayed treatment can also increase the risk of foreign objects remaining in the wound, causing prolonged pain and inflammation. If you have sustained a puncture wound on the foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment solutions.
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. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
