Indy Podiatry - Michael J. Helms, DPM - Podiatrist Indianapolis, IN| Foot Surgery | Ankle Surgery | Foot Doctor | Indianapolis Foot And Ankle Specialists

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Winter foot care tips

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Colder weather means a change in footwear and activities for many people. You don’t have to sacrifice your outdoor activities and routines to avoid the cold. We have compiled a list of winter foot care tips to help keep your feet healthy this winter season.

Outdoor Activities

  • Never ski or snowboard in any footwear other than boots specifically designed for these activities. Make sure your ski/snowboard boots fit properly by ensuring there’s room to wiggle your toes, while also able to immobilize the heel, instep, and ball of your foot.
  • We can make custom orthotics for your winter footwear (ski/snowboard boots and ice skates for example)
  • If you’re an outdoor runner, don’t let the cold stop you. Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking activewear to help you stay warm and dry in bitter temperatures.
  • Instead of changing your footstrike pattern for icy conditions, shorten your stride to help maintain stability.
  • Cold weather can make you less flexible than in the summer, so stretch and warm up your muscles before you begin your run.

Winter boots and foot care Footwear

  • Waterproof boots and the warm socks you wear still tends to lead to damp, sweaty feet in the winter. Damp, sweaty feet are more prone to bacterial infections. To keep your feet dry, use foot powder inside socks and take extra foot baths this winter.
  • Although it may be tempting to buy larger sized footwear for your children (so they can wear them next season), avoid doing so. Unlike clothing items, footwear needs to fit properly right away. Doing so helps prevent blisters, chaffing and foot/ankle injuries.
  • If socks are too small, they can cause toes to bunch together and lead to painful blisters or corns.
  • Never ever wear summer shoes that expose your feet and toes in the winter. This risks your chances of frostbite and injury. Choose footwear that will keep your feet warm, dry and well supported.

For more information, see the American Podiatric Medical Association’s post: Tips to Keep Feet Warm and Cozy All Winter Long

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: cold weather, hockey, skiing, snowboarding, winter, winter foot care, winter sports

Common foot and ankle problems during pregnancy

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Pregnancy will cause many changes in women. Weight gain and hormonal changes impact the musculoskeletal system, which includes the spine and lower extremities (feet and ankles). Some of the more common changes include the following:

pregnancy and feetIncrease in foot width, length and/or arch height
A buildup of fluid and tissue in the lower extremities causes the widening and swelling of the feet and a decrease in arch height (flat feet). Pregnant women may notice that they can no longer wear their shoes, and must go up in size. These changes tend to reverse post-partum, but some women may notice a permanent change in their feet. Measure your feet regularly during pregnancy to ensure that you are wearing the correct size shoes.

Joint instability
The foot and ankle joints may become lax and will create instability in pregnant women. Your gait may also change during the various stages of pregnancy, leading to a broader gait to balance.

Calf swelling and cramping
Blood flow from your legs to your heart is slower during pregnancy due to the increased size of the uterus and fetus, leading to a buildup of fluid in the legs. To help relieve swelling, wear compression socks and participate in regular walking/low impact aerobic exercise. It’s important to hydrate and also stretch/massage your calf muscles to relieve soreness. Elevate your feet as often as possible to reduce swelling.

pregnancy and feetHeel, arch or ball-of-foot pain
Over-pronation, or flat feet, during pregnancy is caused when the arch of the foot flattens out upon weight bearing. This causes the feet roll inward when walking, thus causing stress on the plantar fascia (the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the forefront of the feet) leading to significant pain. Wearing proper footwear is key, so choose shoes that provide extra support and shock absorption. Custom orthotics may also be prescribed to help provide relief.

If you’re experiencing any of the above, or other foot/ankle related issues, please call us today at (317) 573-4250.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: foot pain during pregnancy, heel pain during pregnancy, orthotics during pregnancy, pregnancy, pregnant feet, swollen ankles, swollen feet

What’s causing your heel pain?

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Heel pain is one of the most common problems that bring people into our office. There are a variety of conditions that could be causing your heel pain. Ignoring your pain usually leads to a worsening situation.  The doctors at Indy Podiatry are experts in the treatment of  all heel pain, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

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Over 30 million people in the United States have diabetes, and around seven million don’t even know they have the disease yet, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. The most common reason a person with diabetes is admitted to the hospital is for problems with their feet.

Because diabetes can have a significant impact on your feet, seeing a podiatrist once a year for an annual exam should be part of your comprehensive team approach in controlling diabetes.

Throughout the month of November, Indy Podiatry will be providing information regarding diabetic foot care, so that you can take preventative measures to avoid the two main underlying foot problems related to diabetes: nerve damage and poor circulation. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes and you schedule an appointment with us during the month of November, you will receive a mirror to help with self-foot exams. You will also receive important information on diabetic foot care.

Our doctors are experts in diabetic wound care and in the treatment of the diabetic foot. If you have diabetes, give our office a call at (317) 573-4250 and let us help you keep your feet on a healthy path.

Diabetic foot care recommendations

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Five reasons why custom orthotics are right for you

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custom orthotic moldsHave you found yourself wanting custom orthotics, but not quite ready to commit? Although the upfront cost may sound a little expensive, the benefits they provide are completely worth it. Here’s a list of reasons why custom orthotics might be right for you.

1. You suffer from leg, hip or back pain – Pain in these areas can come from poor foot structure or alignment. With custom orthotics, you will notice that these areas hurt less because they help correct the position and movement of your foot and ankle, thus improving your overall mobility.

2. They are made specifically for your feet – At Indy Podiatry, one of our knowledgeable doctors will custom prescribe and mold your orthotics to fit and support your feet/ankles exactly. Over-the-counter options are nothing more than arch supports and they lack prescription correction.

3. You are a runner, exercise walker or athlete – If you are active, you’re more prone to developing problems from abnormal foot mechanics. Orthotic devices are often essential to allow successful exercise and sports activities.

4. You stand for long periods of time – If your job requires you to stand for hours on end, custom orthotics can help provide support to your joints and overall relief.

5. You have diabetes – One of the potential problems associated with diabetes is the loss of the ability to feel things in the feet, or diabetic neuropathy. Numbness in your feet leads to an increased risk of injury. Custom orthotics can help keep pressure off diabetic ulcers and provide correct foot alignment which then helps to reduce corns, calluses and chaffing associated with diabetes.

If you have problems with any of the above, one of our doctors can do a complete evaluation to determine where and how your structure and motion deviate from normal. Indy Podiatry is a well-known expert in the area of custom orthotic devices. Taking care of your foot and ankle pain today will help save you time and money in the future.   Give us a call today at 317-573-4250.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Indy Podiatry is running into fall

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It’s a busy start to fall at Indy Podiatry, where the office has participated in numerous running events around Indianapolis. Indy Podiatry participated in the Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5k Fitness Expo on September 28th, where runners and walkers could pick up free massage balls and enter for a chance to win a pair of shoes from Athletic Annex. Doctors Higgins and Chhiba were also available to chat about any foot or ankle problems bothering participants. Haley Meadows, Director of Patient and Community Relations and Marketing, also ran the 5k on September 29th, where she joined over 300 women to race the streets of downtown.

Indy Podiatry proudly sponsors Indy Women's Half Marathon

The starting line of the Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5k at 7 AM.

 

The office participated in the Uncorked Wine 5k Run/Walk on October 6th, where Indy Podiatry staff tasted different wines along the course to the finish line. A portion of proceeds benefited local charities. It was a beautiful day for walking, laughing and drinking wine downtown!

Indy Podiatry Wine at the Line 5K

Posing for a photo after finishing the 3.1 mile walk through downtown Indianapolis

 

Lastly, Dr. Helms and his friend from New Mexico ran in the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben on October 6th. The race took place in historic Fort Harrison State Park, a gorgeous fall tour through the park and surrounding neighborhoods.

Dr Helms running in Half Marathon

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: feet, foot health, outdoor exercise, Podiatry, running, shoes

Experiencing pain in the ball of your foot? We have a solution!

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pain in the ball of the foot

Do you experience pain in the ball of your foot? Although there are many conditions that can cause discomfort in this area, the problem often occurs when someone does not have enough natural fat pad to serve as a cushion.

Other causes include:

  • Genetic bone abnormalities (such as arthritis or injuries)
  • High arches or flat feet
  • Hammertoes

At Indy Podiatry, we often help our patients find relief with the use of special injections. We use Restylane®, a non-silicone-based formula consisting of hyaluronic acid, which is specifically formulated to emulate your body’s own naturally produced hyaluronic acid. Restylane serves as a filler to provide cushioning to the ball of your foot allowing you to stand and walk pain free. Restylane® does not contain animal ingredients and is fast, safe and effective. Although Restylane injections are a temporary, non-permanent solution, pain relief typically lasts 6-9 months.

If you think you could benefit from Restylane® injections, please call our office today at 317-573-4250.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Are you wearing shoes that are harmful to your feet?

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Did you know that some shoes can cause more harm than good? Chances are, you’re wearing shoes that often cause foot and ankle problems, but don’t worry—we have some alternative solutions for your closet.

heelsHigh Heels – heels limit the motion of the ankles and joints when worn, thus creating a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Some of the most common effects include: Achilles tendonitis, hammertoes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma and corns. If you have to wear heels, please limit the time worn. Also, incorporate plantar fascia and calf stretching exercises (check out our video library for exercises).

Try these instead: Orthofeet Maya 2” heels |  BioHeels Dina 2” heels

 

flip flopsFlip Flops– these summer staples for many people, are also one of the worst for your feet. Flip flops are thin and unstructured, offering zero support, leading to painful plantar fasciitis, tendon problems and sprained/fractured ankles.

Try these instead: ABEO orbit neutral women’s sandal  |  ABEO women’s acaia neutral  |  ABEO Men’s Jerome neutral flip flops  |  Vionic men’s slide sandals

 

flatsBallet Flats – flats lack arch support and offer no room for custom orthotics. Ballet flats can also cause increased ingrown toenails because they can put pressure on the toes and cause the nailbeds to grow inwards. With no room in the toebox, and often leading to blisters on the heel or sides of the feet, ballet flats are not a good option for your everyday shoes.

Try these instead: Women’s Delilah flat | Women’s Gramercy ballet flat

 

sheepskin lined bootsUggs– Slip on boots with sheepskin lining are a major no no when it comes to winter shoes. Many people wear them without socks, which can lead to a build up of fungus because of the humidity created within the boot. Although they may seem comfortable for short periods of time, they are not made for wearing long periods of time or walking a lot due to the lack of arch and ankle support.

Try this instead: Still want to wear your Uggs? Add custom orthotics to your favorite pair of sheepskin boots and don’t forget to spray the inside lining with an anti-fungal spray once a month.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Our podiatrists answer your most frequently asked questions

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FAQsWhat are the most common things you see?

We treat a lot of different pathologies, but some of the more common issues are plantar fasciitis, ingrown nails, and sports/exercise related injuries.

What is something you do that people don’t realize? 

We diagnose and treat a lot of systemic pathology.   There are many diseases that affect the lower extremities that are diagnosed by podiatrists.

If I get orthotics, does that mean I have to wear special shoes? 

No! Many people do not realize that orthotics can fit in a variety of shoes.  We can make custom orthotics for cleats, athletic shoes, and dress shoes.

When should I have my bunion fixed?

A bunion is one of the most common deformities found in the feet. Because of the progressive nature of this problem, a bunion left untreated can lead to enough pain and disability to make walking difficult. You should seek bunion treatment before it becomes too painful. In the early stages of this problem, conservative, non-surgical treatments are often the best approach. These treatments include wearing shoes with a wider toe box and using custom shoe inserts called orthotic devices. The custom inserts helps to re-position the foot inside the shoe to take pressure away from the bunion prominence. These treatments are aimed at increasing comfort and perhaps slowing the progression of this deformity. Only surgery can correct this problem. To learn more about when surgery is needed, click here.

What is shockwave therapy and how does it work?

Shockwave therapy (EPAT) is used to treat acute and chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, capsulitis and shin splints. Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing response, sending nutrient-rich blood and various repair cells to take care of soft tissue problems. Shockwave therapy also causes the formation of new blood vessels which also contributes to the healing process.

How often should I replace my custom orthotic devices?

Orthotic devices are custom shoe inserts. These devices help to rebalance foot strike and foot motion during walking and running. They are often very helpful in the treatment and resolution of many conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and neuromas. How long they last depend on how much someone weighs and how much time a person spends on their feet each day. If you have custom orthotics, you should have them checked by one of our doctors every eighteen to twenty-four months.

Why does my heel hurt and how can I make this pain go away?

Heel pain is the most common problem that brings people to our office. While many conditions can cause foot pain, there are two that occur most frequently:

– Plantar Fasciitis (fah shy tis)

– Posterior Heel Pain

Ignoring heel pain usually leads to a worsening situation. Consulting with a podiatrist right away is your best bet to help develop a plan in the earlier stages and allow for a  quicker recovery.

What are your recommendations on shoes?

For shoes, it always depends on the type of foot type you have and the purpose of the shoes. Our doctors will do a full foot exam and check a patient’s biomechanical format and then give recommendations based on that.

How do I prevent ingrown toenails?

Do not cut them out on your own is our number one piece of advice for patients. More often then not, they will become infected because they’ve been picked out and that causes much more pain and difficulty in healing of the area.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: podiatry; questions; faq; feet; ankles; foot health

Back-to-school shoe shopping reminders

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school shoe shoppingThe end of summer is quickly approaching, which for parents and children can only mean one thing—the beginning of a new school year. Back-to-school shopping is an annual tradition for many families, and can often be stressful for parents, and exciting for children. However, we have some tips to help keep you prepared this year when buying new shoes.

1. Shop for new shoes in the afternoon or evening. During the course of the day our feet normally swell a little. Buying shoes later in the day helps assure a better fit.

2. Don’t buy shoes with “room to grow,” as this can affect muscle development and activities. There should be a thumb’s width between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

3. Be sure to have both feet measured. Often one foot is a little longer than the other one. Buy the shoe size that fits the larger foot, and always stand up for foot measurements.

4. Try on both shoes and have your child walk around the store to check for comfort.

5. When trying on shoes, have your child wear the same type of sock they plan to wear with the new shoes.

6. If your child wears orthotic devices, take these with you to try in potential shoes.

7. Do not buy shoes that feel like they need to be broken in. Shoes should be comfortable immediately.

8. Measure your children’s feet every three months to monitor growth. It is not unusual for a child’s feet to grow two to three sizes in one year.

9. Avoid buying shoes online, and visit a physical store with sales staff knowledgeable in shoe fitting.

10. Avoid hand-me-downs, as worn shoes are shaped to fit the previous owner’s foot, and don’t offer the same support.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s feet or ankles, please call our office today at 317-573-4250.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: feet, Podiatry, school, shoes

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