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.

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.

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.

For help in choosing shoes by proper size and width, the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington has created a few pages as aids in choosing shoes based on size, width, and construction: our Shoe Fitting Tip Page; our How to Evaluate Shoes Page; and our How to Evaluate a Shoe Video.

The first thing to realize when considering wider shoes for increased comfort is that the minor difference in shoe widths will not make your feet look abnormal. At an eighth of an inch, a wider shoe can make all the difference to your feet, but the shoes need not be boxy, clunky, or ugly. These days, it’s easy to find wider, more comfortable – and stylish – shoes.

The next point to remember is that simply buying a larger size shoe, rather than a wider shoe, will not make your feet more comfortable. A longer shoe will most likely not be a wider shoe. If the length of the shoe you’re trying is perfect, but the width is not, you should simply by the same size in a wider width.

Third, if the shoes you’re wearing now are uncomfortable due to a variety of foot conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, or swelling from diabetes, a wider shoe may provide temporary relief. Although, if you are suffering from any of these foot conditions you should contact us today for treatment and relief.

The last point to consider when purchasing shoes is this; shoes which are too narrow may cause discomfort and long-term foot problems. Since the most common width in stores today will be medium width, if there is no width listed, you should assume that you are trying on a pair of medium width shoes. If they are too tight, ask for help and try a wider pair of shoes.

Learn more about comfortable high heel shoes, and see our collection of Earthies Women’s Shoes. We also have a variety of shoe styles and shoe widths available for men and women at the Foot & Ankle Store.

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.

First, before providing laser treatment, we will confirm that you actually do have a fungal infection of your nails. There can be many causes of thick nails, and laser treatment will work only if a majority of the nail problem is caused by a fungal infection.

Second, we have recently purchased the most effective laser for treatment of toenail fungus available, the GenesisPlus Laser. The GenesisPlus is the most expensive, most effective laser approved by the FDA for treatment of fungal nails.

Get the facts on the FDA Approved GenesisPlus Laser

Third, the most recent evidence suggests that the most effective treatment for fungal toenails includes three laser treatments over time. Our treatment protocol includes all three treatments at no extra cost to you.

Fourth, although we provide treatment with the most expensive – and effective – FDA approved laser on the market, at just $590 for three treatments of all ten toes, we are the least expensive laser treatment clinic in the Seattle area.

Understanding toenail fungus and diagnosis

Fifth, we treat all ten toes – always. Since toenail fungus is highly contagious, studies show that it is highly likely that all ten toes will be infected, even if individual toes do not show symptoms. For complete treatment, we will treat all ten toes with every treatment in our protocol.

Last, but not least, we will provide you with realistic expectations of the success of your treatment. Although laser treatment of toenail fungus with the GenesisPlus Laser is expected to be about 70% effective, if we do not believe laser treatment is right for you, we will not recommend it – and will offer you alternatives.

How laser treatment works…

Your laser treatment of toenail fungus will take place over the course of four visits to the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington. On your initial visit, we will evaluate your toenails and determine if you are a likely candidate for laser treatment. You second visit will include your first treatment, where we will thin your nails and apply the laser treatment to all ten toes. After 3 months, we will repeat the treatment, followed by your final treatment 6 months after the initial treatment. We will also give you detailed instruction on how to prevent a reinfection of toenail fungus.

Contact us today to make an appointment to find out if you are a good candidate for laser treatment for nail fungus.

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.

If you believe your child or children may have toenail fungus, make an appointment today for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment of toenail fungus in children.

Here are a few things to look for, if you believe your child may have toenail fungus…

• Discoloration of the toenails, yellow, brown, or black.
• Change in texture of toenail, causing the nail to thicken or become brittle and crumble along the edge.
• A more unpleasant odor than the usual “stinky” feet of most kids.

Here are a few things you should do for your child if you believe he or she may have toenail fungus…

• Have a talk with your child. Explain what toenail fungus is, and calm the fear he or she may be feeling.
• Tell your child she/he is not at fault. The fungus that causes toenail fungus in children can grow in many places, usually a dark, moist environment – just like a sneaker or tennis shoe. There are home remedies you may want to try.
• Consult with your child’s podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
• Topical treatments for toenail fungus in children tend to be very ineffective, as they are for adults, frankly. Do not waste the time or money involved on a treatment that is only about 5% effective.

At the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington we are on the cutting edge of treatments for toenail fungus in children. Our new GenesisPlus Laser System is, we believe, the most effective laser treatment for toenail fungus on the market today. The treatment is painless, and will only take about 30 minutes. You child will have nothing to fear, and he or she will be able to resume normal activities immediately.

We have made a number of articles about laser treatment for toenail fungus available to help you make up your mind.

Contact us today if you feel you need help in deciding the best approach for your child.

• Contains anti-fungal ingredients that help protect nails from fungal diseases, which may produce thick, discolored, deformed, foul-smelling nails.
• Produces beautifully colored nails while helping to keep them healthy.
• Polish lasts as long as polishes containing harmful ingredients.
• Doctor tested and prescribed.
• Contains natural ingredients, not harmful ones

Visit the Foot & Ankle Store to see the variety of beautiful colors available.

Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes are free of the potentially harmful chemicals found in most commercial nail polishes. These polishes are free of…

• Formaldehyde, a poison, is an ingredient included in some nail products to harden nails
• Toluene, a solvent, makes polish easier to apply. It can be absorbed through the skin and nails and can cause dizziness.
• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) may be used to prevent chips and cracks. DBP has been associated with developmental and reproductive effects, such as decreased brain production, increased chance of asthma, and damaged sperm.

Instead of these potentially harmful ingredients, Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes are made with…

• Vitamin C and E (for healthier nails)
• Wheat Protein (contains protein and amino acids)
• Tea Tree Oil ( an essential oil which has been found to have antiseptic and anti-fungal properties)
• Garlic Bulb Extract (found to have anti-fungal properties)

While it is true that topical anti-fungal treatments for toenail fungus are not 100% effective, they may be quite effective in preventing the recurrence of toenail fungus, especially after receiving laser treatment for toenail fungus. At the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington, we can treat your toenail fungus with the most effective laser treatment for toenail fungus available today.

Make an appointment today for your laser treatment for toenail fungus then; use Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes to help prevent toenail fungus in the future.

We all know the saying “when things sound too good to be true, they usually are”.  This is certainly true in this case.  We have evaluated each of the Groupon ads and we do not feel that  they are good deals at all.

The first problem is that they are only for one treatment.  Fungus are very hearty and tough to kill. The best results for better looking nails require more than one treatment. Our recommendation is for three treatments, and we include all three treatments in all of our treatment plans.  Our cost is $590 for the three treatments of both feet (that is half the cost per session of the “discounted” Groupon price).

The other problem is that the treatment is only for one foot.  A recent British study found that on patients with toenail fungus in some nails, you were likely to find fungus in some of the unaffected nails also.  Thus, best results are likely when all 10 nails are treated.

Patients seem to get much better outcomes and better looking nails when they receive  at least 3 laser treatments. Also, all of the toes should be treated and the best results are achieved when the best laser is used.  Read here why we decided that the Cutera is the best FDA approved machine.

It is not likely a good use of your money to pay a supposedly discounted fee for one laser treatment.

Groupon can certainly help increase public awareness of laser for treatment of nail fungus, but we feel the one foot/one treatment deals set the patient up for failure.  This causes a misconception that the laser doesn’t work well to treat the fungal infection, when it does work when used correctly (about 70% of the time).

if you would like more information or an evaluation on whether you are a good candidate for laser treatment of nail fungus, contact us for an appointment.