Heel pain often comes from the thick band of tissue under the foot, called the plantar fascia, being strained or overloaded. Common causes include flat feet, high arches, walking or standing on hard surfaces, or foot and ankle alignment that forces the foot to bear weight unevenly. Symptoms include sharp pain under the heel when taking the first steps in the morning or after resting, a dull ache running along the foot’s arch, and discomfort that gets worse after walking or standing for a while. With an accurate assessment a podiatrist can determine how orthotics may be of benefit. Orthotics help by guiding how the foot contacts the ground and how the ankle and leg align, enabling smoother movement and less pain. If heel pain is limiting daily life, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . 

A hammertoe develops when a toe bends into a fixed Z-shaped position due to tendon imbalance or long-term pressure from shoes that lack adequate support. Other causes of hammertoe include structural issues like long toe bones or poor joint alignment. The raised portion of the toe can rub inside the shoe and lead to corns, calluses, or skin irritation, and some people feel pain in the ball of the foot when pressure shifts to that area. Diagnosis is made through a foot exam by a podiatrist who also checks nearby joints for signs of arthritis. Treatment includes wearing shoes with a wide toe box, toe pads to reduce rubbing, splints to limit irritation, and orthotics to ease pressure under the forefoot. Surgery may be advised when the toe becomes rigid and painful. If you are experiencing pain caused by a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.