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.

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.

Have 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.

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.

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.

High 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 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

Ballet 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

Uggs– 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.