Archive for the ‘Foot Conditions’ Category

Among our favorite fashion shoes for women are a brand of stylish shoes that are comfortable – and good for your feet –Earthies.

To view a wonderful selection of women’s shoes, including shoes for well supported walking and running; stylish, supportive shoes for work; and comfortable evening wear that won’t leave your feet feeling “dog tired,” visit our online store today.

Using the catch phrase, “Wellness. Elevated,” Earthies puts you into fashion forward heel and wedge designs that are not only attractive, but are also comfortable, supportive, and good for you. With a range of cute styles, whether for work, evening, or casual wear, Earthies also provide you with graduated arch support, cupped heels, and cradled footbeds, in a perfect blend of support, comfort, and good looks for your feet.

In fact, that insole makes it feel like you’re walking on memory foam!

The Earthies insole offers what other women’s shoes refuse to give you…

• A padded heel area to displace shock
• Reinforced arch support to stabilize your foot
• A full leather sock lining for enhanced breathability
• Multi-density latex cushioning for extra comfort

In spite of the fact that Earthies are “elevated” shoes, you will not feel like you’re walking, or trying to walk, on your toes. The uniquely designed wellness footbed of Earthies heels and wedges cradles your feet and distributes your body weight beautifully. This singular design feature ensures that your feet are in a more natural position than they would be in typical heels, and alleviates pressure on any one part of your foot, such as the heel, or especially, the ball of your foot.

If you believe you are suffering from one of various foot conditions which will not be resolved by a great pair of shoes like Earthies, feel free to make an appointment to see Dr. Hale or Dr. Huppin as soon as possible for effective treatment and relief.

It’s that time of year; spring is in the air and most folks are outside enjoying weather and nature, walking, jogging, running, cycling, and hiking. Hiking related foot problems become common this time of year, due to the unique, and stressful, nature of the activity. Custom orthotics for hiking can relieve many of the issues and foot conditions which are so common this time of year.

If you’re having problems with your feet during this active season, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Hale or Dr. Huppin as soon as possible for treatment and relief.

Hiking Related Foot Problems

Hiking is very stressful on your feet. Walking over uneven ground, trekking up and down hill and dale, as well as the extra weight being carried in your backpack, will put heavy pressure on your feet. The heels of your feet, as well as the balls of your feet, come under particularly heavy stress when hiking. If you hiking boots lack the proper support for such stressful activity, which will decrease this extra pressure, the resulting foot pain will ruin the pleasure of your hike.

The lack of proper support in hiking boots may cause some very common problems for hikers, including plantar fasciitis, Neuroma, shin splints, ankle sprains, metatarsalgia, and Achilles tendonitis.

Custom Orthotics for Hiking

Installing custom orthotics in your hiking boots will provide greatly enhanced support to your feet, relieving the stress to your heels, and reducing the pressure beneath the balls of your feet. Prefabricated orthotics may also work to relieve the stress of hiking, for those with relatively minor foot problems however, if you are experiencing regular or chronic pain and discomfort when out on the trail, custom orthotics for hiking will usually be more effective.

For those who hike only occasionally, the orthotics you use in your walking shoes should be fine for use in your hiking boots. For the serious hiker though, we recommend using specialized orthotics designed specifically for your hiking boots. Using properly designed and fitted orthotics for hiking will make your long hikes much more comfortable and enjoyable, and will reduce the number of injuries the long distance hiker may experience.

If you believe you may need custom orthotics for hiking, it is critical that your orthotics be made correctly. Learn more here about why our orthotics often work better. We have years of experience producing hiking orthotics for all levels of hikers. To find out if you are a candidate for prefabricated or custom orthotic devices, contact us to make an appointment for an evaluation in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

As we age, circulation suffers, especially circulation to the extremities, such as our ankles and feet. There are also a variety of foot conditions which can lead to swollen ankles late in the day. Don’t take it personally. No one is out to get you, or your feet. Everyone ages, and usually suffers from decreased circulation as a result.

If you experience swollen ankles occasionally, for example following a long airline flight, you probably have nothing to worry about, as this is fairly normal. If, on the other hand, you regularly experience swollen ankles at the end of a normal work day, you may be suffering from one of the many conditions which can cause swollen ankles. Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people but, at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington we can usually figure out what might be causing your swollen ankles by performing a simple exam.

While swollen ankles aren’t always a cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. Some common causes of swollen feet include (but are not limited to): stress fracture, gout, sprain, infection, allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular disease, pregnancy, water retention, and obesity.

In other words, chronically swollen ankles may be a cause for concern. If you regularly experience swollen ankles late in the day, a great solution for you might be compression socks, which are available for both men and women, or compression hosiery for women. If you are a woman looking for a stylish solution to swollen ankles, use our compression hosiery size chart to find your own solution.

In fact, at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington we believe that virtually everyone would benefit from compression socks, since the benefits far exceed any other issues.

For more information on the causes and treatment options for swollen ankles, visit our Swollen Foot/Ankle Page. To see the variety of stylish compression socks we offer, visit our Foot & Ankle Store. To determine of you have a more serious problem which is causing your swollen ankles; make an appointment to see us in our Seattle office as soon as possible.

A broken toe should never be ignored. It can lead to chronic pain and arthritis if not treated effectively – and quickly. If you believe you may have broken a toe, get in touch with us at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington for the most effective treatment for a broken toe Seattle has to offer.

Toe Fracture

Many people will simply ignore persistent toe pain, believing there is nothing that can be done for a broken toe. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, the old wives’ tale that “nothing can be done about a broken toe,” is completely false. Any and all toe fractures should be treated, as quickly as possible. An untreated broken toe can lead to long-term pain and swelling of the toe, while a fracture near a toe joint may lead to arthritis.

These chronic conditions can be avoided through proper diagnosis and quick, effective treatment of your broken toe.

Make an appointment today if you have stubbed your toe or believe you have any type of toe injury. Be sure to let our receptionist know that you may have a broken toe, and she will get you in to see us right away – usually on the same day.

Treatment for a broken toe

We will usually take an x-ray of your toe to confirm a fracture. If you have a broken toe, we will position it to heal properly and immobilize your toe, usually with a special boot or shoe, which will allow you to move about without pain. You may also be required to wear a splint to keep your toe properly positioned for healing.

If you believe you have a broken toe

Immediately following the injury to your toe, you should alternately ice your toe; 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Avoid putting weight on the injury until after evaluation by your podiatrist. Keep weight off your foot as much as possible. If you simply must move about, use crutches or a cane to keep as much weight off your injured toe as you can. Do NOT simply “tape your toes together” and hope for the best.

Make an appointment to see us in our Seattle office as soon as possible for the proper diagnosis and treatment of your broken toe.

Toenail fungus is surprisingly common, affecting up to 20% of the population. Equally surprising has been the relatively ineffective treatments available for toenail fungus – until now.

A new laser treatment for ugly toenails is now available which is showing very good results and, at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington we are making this treatment available.

Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a tough little infection beneath the nail. Like other fungi, it grows best in a warm, humid, dark environment, like your athletic shoes. It can be passed from person to person relatively easily, as in a locker room or common shower. While it is classified as a communicable disease, it is not really harmful, though it can be very unsightly, and embarrassing.

Some people seem to be genetically predisposed to the fungus, and the resulting ugly toenails. In these folks, it is generally brought about by sweaty feet, poor sock or shoe ventilation, and walking barefoot in damp areas, such as gym locker rooms and gym shower rooms.

The most recent therapy to be approved by the FDA, the GenesisPlus Laser System has the potential to become the most effective treatment for toenail fungus ever devised. In fact, results in the first few months are rather startling, with reports of successful treatment of up to 97%.

After a thorough examination of the statistics currently available, our doctors, Dr. Douglas S. Hale and Dr. Lawrence Z. Huppin, expect more realistic numbers, in the area of 70% effectiveness.

These results are far better than those of topical treatments for toenail fungus, which continue to show poor results, in the area of just 5-10%. And, while oral medications for toenail fungus have been more effective, in the area of 60% – 70% effectiveness, there can be serious side effects, including possible liver damage.

By comparison, the GenesisPlus Laser System treatment for toenail fungus is pain free, with no side effects, and usually requires 30 minutes or less to complete. Patients may resume normal activity immediately following treatment, including application of nail polish.

If you would like to read more on laser treatment for ugly toenails, please follow the links below:

• Laser Treatment of Toenail Fungus
• Nail Fungus Explained
• Guide to Best Lasers to Treat Toenail Fungus
• Diagnosis of Nail Fungus
• Causes of Thick Nails
• Nail Fungus Home Treatment
• Prevent Re-infection of Nail Fungus after Treatment
• Oral Medication for Nail Fungus

For an examination, diagnosis, and to find out if you are a candidate for laser treatment of toenail fungus, you should make an appointment today at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington.

The Seattle Heel Pain Center is the go-to destination for patients suffering from severe heel pain, intense heel pain, or chronic heel pain. The diagnosis and treatment of heel pain is the specialty of our doctors, Dr. Douglas S. Hale and Dr. Lawrence Z. Huppin, both of whom possess more than two decades of experience in the conservative treatment of heel pain.

There can be a number of causes of severe heel pain, though the most common by far is plantar fasciitis, which can cause a variety of conditions which may lead to intense heel pain. This pain is caused by damage to the plantar fascia, the tissue that connects into the heel. Inflammation here can cause severe heel pain. However, conservative, non-invasive treatment of this condition, treatment without surgery, will in most cases relive even intense heel pain.  Other causes of severe heel pain can be found here.

When you are suffering from severe heel pain Seattle doctors recommend the Seattle Heel Pain Center for diagnosis and treatment. Check out our page on plantar fasciitis for more information.

Less common, but still serious conditions which can lead to severe heel pain may include…

• Fracture of the heel bone (calcaneus fracture)
• Infection
• Foreign body
• Bone cyst
• Subtalar joint arthritis

While these conditions are a much less common cause of intense heel pain, because of their severity, proper diagnosis and treatment should be made as quickly as possible.

Even of you’ve been told you need surgery to relieve your intense heel pain – remember, there are alternatives to surgery. We have even developed a 10-Step Home Treatment Plan for Heel and Arch Pain to help you avoid intrusive surgery.

If you are suffering from severe heel pain, and would like to get a second opinion on treatment, don’t wait any longer; call for an appointment today at the Seattle Heel Pain Center.

Click here for information on Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment for Heel Pain

Click here for information on Dry Needling Treatment for Heel Pain

Even if you’re not an “athlete,” you can still get athlete’s foot, and it’s never fun. Having a fungus anywhere on your body isn’t fun, and guess what; athlete’s foot can spread…Youch!

For the most effective athlete’s foot treatment, the Seattle podiatrist to see is Dr. Douglas S. Hale or Dr. Lawrence Z. Huppin, at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington.

As mentioned above, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection on your feet, most commonly picked up in a locker room or common shower. Athlete’s foot is passed from one person to another, which makes it a communicable disease, passed along in a moist environment where people walk barefoot. It can also be passed by sharing footwear, such as flip flops in a common shower, or from sharing towels.

Athlete’s foot symptoms are most often found to be cracked or blistered skin, yellow toenails, itching, scaling, and reddening of the skin. If you’ve ever had it, you know it. If you haven’t, you don’t want it.

When treating athlete’s foot at home, it is best to begin immediately, as soon as you notice any of the above symptoms. That fungus is a persistent little devil. The most effective treatments are a combination of anti-fungal soap and anti-fungal topical creams, sprays, powders, or gels along with proper socks and shoes.  Our 6-step plan to treat Athlete’s foot can be found here. You can self-treat athlete’s foot, but if you do so, you must continue the topical treatments for four weeks after the symptoms subside. Remember we mentioned what a persistent little devil that fungus is?

Beyond these treatments, take care not to share footwear or towels at the gym. You should also wear flip flops, your own flip flops and do not lend them to others, in all common wet areas of your gym, gym showers, or pool facility.

Is symptoms persist despite your efforts at self treatment, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible for further treatment.

If you live in or near Seattle, and you continue to have problems with athlete’s foot, don’t delay. Contact us today for treatment and relief from your preferred Seattle podiatrist.

If you live outside the Seattle area, we offer a list of recommended podiatrists to choose from.

If you suffer from heel pain and live in Tacoma, WA, it would definitely be worth the trip to the Seattle Heel Pain Center to find the relief you seek.

Our doctors, Dr. Douglas S. Hale and Dr. Lawrence Z. Huppin are skilled foot and ankle physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heel pain. They have advanced training, respected credentials, and meaningful experience in the treatment of heel pain – without resorting to surgery, in most cases.

Even if you’ve seen another podiatrist in Tacoma for treatment of your heel pain, it would most likely benefit you to get a second opinion. Drs. Hale and Huppin have more than 20 years’ experience each, are well known for their conservative yet effective treatment of your feet, and have earned the trust of hundreds of referring physicians.

At the Seattle Heel Pain Center, some of the conditions we specialize in are…

• heel pain
• plantar fasciitis
• heel spurs
• foot orthotics

We are well known both nationally and locally, for our ability to help patients with even the most persistent, most chronic instances of help pain. Our goal, in all cases, is to treat your heel pain as conservatively as possible. At the Seattle Heel Pain Center we believe that surgery for heel pain should be the last resort.

From the use of over the counter orthotics (OTC), to custom made and personally fitted orthotics, to more advanced treatments for heel pain, we can help.

If you’ve been told you need surgery for heel pain by a Tacoma podiatrist, make the trip to see us for a second opinion. You may not need surgery after all.

When you call to make an appointment, please tell our receptionist you are coming from Tacoma and she will help you find an appointment time that avoids rush hour.

The most effective arch supports for ball of foot pain are custom made, total contact orthotics. Over the counter (OTC) orthotics, while offering improved support and relief, do not work as well as custom orthotics. However, some are better than others, and our favorite brand are the PowerStep Medical Grade Arch Support.

For an evaluation of your ball of foot pain, and to see if you need custom orthotics or over the counter orthotics, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Hale or Dr. Huppin as soon as possible.

Over the counter orthotics may relieve ball of foot pain

When properly fitted, a quality arch support will transfer pressure off the ball of the foot, relieving your ball of foot pain. The goal is to find an arch support which will conform to the shape of your foot and hug the arch closely enough to provide support and relief of your pain.

The OTC arch support of first choice at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington, especially for relief from ball of foot pain, is the PowerStep Medical Grade Arch Support. It is constructed with a relatively high and firm arch, which does the best job of any prefabricated orthotic at reducing pressure under the balls of the feet.

Custom orthotics provide total contact support

A total contact orthotic is made from a cast or laser scan of your foot, ensuring a perfect fit and unequaled support. The custom arch support will also include cushioning to relieve your ball of foot pain. Your podiatrist will then write you a prescription for your custom orthotic arch support, which will be made to order by an orthotic lab.

For more information on using orthotics for ball of foot pain, visit our Best Orthotics for Ball of Foot Pain Page. To order your OTC orthotics, visit our online orthotics store.

Because of the unusual stress which sports can put on your feet, foot injuries are the most common form of injury during sports. A quality orthotic, or arch support, can help to prevent these injuries, while also helping to improve recovery from a foot injury caused by playing sports.

If you’ve sustained and injury to one or both feet while playing sports, or are seeking improved support to prevent injury during your sporting activities, make an appointment today at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington. Our doctors, Dr. Douglas S. Hale and Dr. Lawrence Z. Huppin are skilled foot and ankle physicians with advanced training, respected credentials, and meaningful experience in treating and preventing sports related foot injuries.

Over the counter orthotics may help to prevent injury

Proper foot support while playing sports is critical to preventing injury to your feet. Virtually all sports will put more strain on your feet than casual walking, increasing the likelihood of injury. Over the counter (OTC) arch supports can provide this support.

The OTC arch support of first choice at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington is the PowerStep Medical Grade Arch Support. It is constructed with a relatively high and firm arch, which will provide the support you need regardless of the sport you play.

Custom orthotics provide total contact support

If you’ve sustained a sports related foot injury, after diagnosis and treatment have been completed, a custom made, total contact orthotic will be the most likely means of preventing further or recurring injuries in the future.

A total contact orthotic is made from a cast or laser scan of your foot, ensuring a perfect fit and unequaled support. The custom arch support will provide the tightest fit possible to the arch of your foot, providing the best support possible. Your podiatrist will then write you a prescription for your custom orthotic arch support, which will be made to order by an orthotic lab.

If you’ve recently sustained a sports related foot injury, make an appointment to see Dr. Hale or Dr. Huppin as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. To order your OTC orthotics, visit our online orthotics store.