Ankle-foot orthoses, or AFOs, are versatile devices designed to enhance mobility, provide stability, and correct alignment for individuals with lower limb challenges. They extend from below the knee to the foot, providing targeted support for conditions such as arthritis, muscle weakness, or joint instability. They come in three primary types, which are flexible, rigid, and jointed. Flexible AFOs are crafted from soft, pliable materials that support movement while offering compression and mild stabilization. These are ideal for conditions like foot drop or minor gait abnormalities, allowing users to maintain natural mobility. Rigid AFOs, constructed from firm materials like plastic or carbon fiber, immobilize the ankle and foot to ensure maximum support and alignment. They are commonly prescribed for severe conditions such as post-stroke recovery or significant ankle instability. Jointed AFOs include hinges that allow controlled movement, balancing support with functional mobility. These are especially beneficial for rehabilitation, helping users regain strength and range of motion while maintaining safety and stability during the healing process. If you have foot and ankle challenges, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether an ankle-foot orthotic is right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. 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 Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle toward the second toe. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes. In more severe cases, bunions can limit mobility and cause deformities in the foot structure. The main causes of bunions include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, inherited foot structure, and abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet. Over time, pressure on the joint can cause the toe to shift, forming a bunion. Treatment options vary depending on severity. In mild cases, changing footwear or using orthotics can relieve pain and prevent progression. For more advanced cases, a podiatrist may recommend medications, targeted exercises, or even surgery to realign the toe. If you are dealing with bunion pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Corns and calluses are common foot conditions that develop due to friction and pressure on the skin. Corns are small, hardened areas of skin that typically form on the top or sides of toes, while calluses are thicker patches of skin that usually appear on the soles of the feet. Both conditions are the body’s natural response to protect itself from rubbing or pressure, often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal gait, or high-impact activities. Symptoms include thickened skin, tenderness, pain when walking, and in some cases, redness or inflammation. While mild treatments like padding or foot creams might help, improper removal can worsen the condition. A podiatrist can provide safe, effective treatment by carefully trimming corns and calluses, recommending custom orthotics to alleviate pressure, and offering advice on proper footwear. If you have persistent foot discomfort, or if corns or calluses are affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and relief.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, can result from various causes. Among them are stress fractures in the metatarsal bones, joint pain, and inflammation of the two sesamoid bones located under the big toe. Morton’s neuroma, a nerve-related issue, may also contribute to pain in the ball of the foot. It arises when nerves between the 3rd and 4th toes are compressed, often causing tingling and pain. Age-related thinning of the fat pad in this area can lead to less cushioning, increasing the likelihood of pain with walking or standing. Posture issues and biomechanical imbalances, which may result from poor gait mechanics, can put excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. Increased stress on the metatarsal area can encourage the development of secondary issues. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to alleviate pain, prevent further complications, and help restore comfort. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. 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 our office located in Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.