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.

What are your shoes saying?

What are you shoes saying about you?

Sometimes it's that they've overstayed their welcome and it's time for a new pair. The wear patterns of your shoes explain it all.

Look for these signs:
A bulge and wear to the side of the big toe means too-narrow fit or you have a bunion.

Outer sole wear means you turn your foot out. Orthotics may help.

Toe-shaped ridges on the upper means your shoes are too small or you have hammertoes.

Wear on the ball of the foot means your heel tendons may be too tight.

Wear on the inner sole means you pronate or turn your foot inward. Inner liners or orthotics may help.

Wear on the upper, above the toes means the front of your shoe is too low.

For more helpful tips, check out www.carolinafootspecialists.net 

What your shoes say about you...

Examining old shoes before buying new ones can help you evaluate your wear patterns and buy new shoes with a better fit and style that compensates for the stresses you place on shoes.

What are your shoes trying to tell you? Here is a translation of basic wear patterns:

A bulge and wear to the side of the big toe means too-narrow fit or you have a bunion.

Outer sole wear means you turn your foot out. Orthotics may help.
Toe-shaped ridges on the upper means your shoes are too small or you have hammertoes.

Wear on the ball of the foot means your heel tendons may be too tight.

Wear on the inner sole means you pronate or turn your foot inward. Inner liners or orthotics may help.

Wear on the upper, above the toes means the front of your shoe is too low. We have two locations to help you! 

Charleston Office
843-225-5575
Mount Pleasant Office
843-654-8250

Stretch it out!

The best way to stretch the Achilles and the attaching muscles is to put the foot against a step with the heel on the ground and slowly lean forward, feeling the stretch at the top of the calf. Repeat with a bent knee, feeling the stretch lower down toward the heel. Ideally, this stretch is done daily, before and after exercise. 

Orthotics also can help correct the anatomic alignment. With Achilles pain, the key is to get it checked out early and avoid the chronic tear.

Speaking of stretching....hope you are stretching and getting ready to run as the 37th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run on April 5, 2014 will be here before you know it. We're loving the new poster for this year! Stay tuned to our blog as we get you ready to run. 

Want to see the poster? Click HERE!