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Shoe orthotics are not just for athletes or people with foot pain, they can benefit anyone whose feet are not functioning at their best. Custom orthotics are specially designed to support your unique foot structure, helping to correct alignment, absorb shock, and improve balance. You might need them if you suffer from chronic heel pain, arch problems, flat feet, or conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Even knee, hip, or back pain can sometimes be traced back to poor foot mechanics. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are made from molds of your feet, so they address your specific needs. They can fit in many types of shoes and help reduce fatigue during everyday activities. If your feet ache or you feel unsteady on your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can assess your gait and recommend whether orthotics could improve your comfort and long-term foot health.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Intoeing and out-toeing are common walking patterns seen in children, where the feet point inward or outward instead of straight ahead. These patterns are usually part of normal development and often improve with time. In-toeing may result from femoral anteversion, a condition where the thigh bone has increased inward rotation. It can also be caused by internal tibial torsion, where the shin bone twists inward, or by a curved foot known as metatarsus adductus. Out-toeing occurs when the feet angle away from the body and may be linked to external rotation of the hips or legs. In most cases, these conditions do not cause pain and do not interfere with normal activity. If your child has symptoms of either ailment, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can monitor these conditions.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Overlapping toes can appear at birth or develop later in life. In newborns, the toes may overlap due to positioning in the womb or inherited foot structure. Gentle stretching and taping techniques are often used to encourage proper alignment during infancy. In many cases, the condition improves as the child grows and becomes more active. For adults, overlapping toes frequently result from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, arthritis, or long-term foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Discomfort, corns, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear are common complaints. Non-surgical treatments may include wearing wider shoes, using toe spacers, and applying padding to relieve pressure. If pain persists or the overlap interferes with walking, surgical correction may be recommended to realign the toes and restore comfort. Whether the condition affects a newborn or an adult, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.