One Size Does Not Fit All

When most people think of orthotics they either think of the elderly population (scooting around in their orthotic white tennis shoes) or everyday WalMart sold shoe inserts (cue 'I'm gellin'). However, many of our patients are surprised at the effectiveness of using a correctly fitted custom orthotic. 

At Carolina Foot Specialists we use a plaster mold, or digital mapping, of your foot (done in a quick office visit) to write a detailed 'prescription' for our fabrication company. Using your actual foot's details and our medical advice (based on your needs) a custom orthotic is created for you, usually within two weeks time. Our prescribed orthotics are a special hybrid of support and cushioning to best suit each individual's needs- visit our website for details on each type of offered orthotic. 

We commonly treat foot conditions such as heel pain, neuromas, high arches, plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis with custom orthotics. Our goal is always to do what is best for our patients in the long-term, and many conditions can be conservatively managed with properly made and fitted orthotics. 

Custom orthotics aren't just for serious athletes either; we commonly make dress orthotics for men and women in the business world, too. With most insurances covering the cost of orthotics today there is no reason to live in pain- let us help! 

Make an appointment with Dr. Brown or Dr. Saffer today: 843-225-5575! Located in both Charleston and Mount Pleasant, Carolina Foot Specialists is your go-to for foot and ankle pain.

Chronic Foot Pain is Not Normal

A Neuroma is an enlarged, benign growth of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes.  The most common type of foot neuroma is known as Morton’s neuroma and involves the actual thickening of tissue around the nerves causing pain and pressure (not an actual tumor) and eventually causing nerve damage.

 Symptoms of a neuroma involve burning, numbness or tingling in the ball of the foot. Many relate the feeling to having a rock or pebble stuck in their shoe. Women are much more susceptible due to high heels and smaller toe boxes in their shoes. It is important to note that any type of chronic pain is not regular and should be addressed by a medical professional.

Neuromas are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves causing inflammation. Due to the location of the inflammation a nerve ends aggravated, pinched or worse. Pressure from poorly fitting shoes, abnormal bone structure, or over activity (especially in the wrong shoes) can also lead to this condition.

Treatments generally include wearing corrective shoes or orthotics and/or receiving cortisone injections. In severe cases, surgical removal of the growth may be necessary. We see many cases of Neuromas in all ages and sexes of patients- our main goal is to conservatively treat your pain and the underlying issue.

Carolina Foot Specialists: Neuromas

Neuromas are enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Neuromas are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves. Pressure from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can also lead to this condition. Depending on the severity, treatments may include orthotics (shoe inserts), cortisone injections, and, in extreme cases, surgical removal of the growth.

Dr. Andrew Saffer of Carolina Foot Specialists explains more in this video.