Footcare Express New Foot Care Center Miami, Fl.

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Footcare Express New Foot care Center

Miami, Florida – August 1st, 2010 – Footcare Express has relocated to a new larger facility at 18280 West Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 22160. Footcare Express proudly welcomes you to their new footcare center in Miami, Florida. Their highly trained and experienced team of physicians, pedorthists, and biomechanical experts are here to help you. Footcare Express offers a variety of services, including a full service podiatry practice which also includes an extensive retail business and a pedorthic facility. The new Miami based facility is fully accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics which ensures that Footcare Express provide the highest standards in fulfilling patient prescriptions for therapeutic footwear and/ or other durable medical equipment including but not limited to foot orthotics, braces and other foot and ankle related modalities. The physicians and pedorthists at Footcare Express work with various NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL teams and players, including several colleges and universities.

Footcare Express also has its own on-site state-of-the-art Custom Foot Orthotic Laboratory that allows the doctor and technicians to use technology to digitize the foot, allowing for a more accurate replica of the foot, making prescriptions more accurate as well. Doctors and technicians use the latest technology to diagnose and treat foot problems including the F-Scan, which allows the clinician a split-second perspective on all phases of the walking cycle or gait cycle and through Video Motion Analysis, which captures the gait cycle using fame-by-frame imaging.

Footcare Express opened in 2000. Within just 6 short years, Footcare Express has successfully launched a retail portion of its business and increased its availability with various professional sports teams and now a decade later, they still continue to expand. The company prides itself on offering the most advanced services in the industry. Footcare Express is a family owned business founded by Dr. Harold Reinhartz and his son Jarett Reinhartz. Dr. Charles Mutschler is the Medical Director of Footcare Express. For more information on Footcare Express please call 877.687.3338 or visit www.FootcareXpress.com.

Contact:
Footcare Express
Info@FootcareXpress.com
18280 West Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 22160
Ph: 305.932.0922

Benefits of Orthopedic Shoes

Though orthopedic shoes are sometimes given a bad wrap because they aren’t seen as the most stylish of options, they can be very helpful, if fact, a godsend to individuals who suffer from chronic foot conditions and pain. Today’s orthopedic shoes aren’t necessarily the same as yesteryear. Shoe companies are taking into consideration style more then they may have in the past. This allows individuals to both feel good and look good.  Style issues aside, in this article we will discuss the primary benefits of orthopedic shoes. They are significant and varied.

The benefits of orthopedic shoes

Most shoes which individuals purchase at their local shoe stores do not provide adequate support. Many of these are manufactured cheaply, use inferior materials, and the emphasis is on style and not so much on comfort and fit.  Orthopedic shoes do take the proper support of the foot into consideration. In fact, it is most important.  These types of shoes are able to support the heel and arch of the foot, lessening foot pain and the development of chronic conditions.  The ankle area also seems to more rigid in these types of shoes, making it more difficult for persons to roll their ankle and helping to protect them from further problems. 

Because human beings put so much pressure on their feet due to constant walking and running, this part of our body is bound to experience pain.  A good orthopedic shoe can help lessen that pain because they are crafted in such a way that the cushion and support they provide, make walking less hurtful and damaging.

Orthopedic shoes also encourage blood flow. When the blood in the body is flowing like it should there are less incidences of swelling. These shoes are created in such way that they help to stimulate blood flow in the feet which helps to keep down swelling.

Orthopedic shoes can be a great comfort to individuals who suffer from foot pain or chronic conditions. They can help alleviate pain and lessen swelling, enabling individuals to walk around and go about their everyday lives without a great deal of pain.  Many regular shoes are made poorly and don’t take into account good foot health but instead are crafted in such a way to stimulate sales.  Many companies are more interested selling shoes then they are in manufacturing them so that they are comfortable and healthy for the feet.  A large percentage of shoe brands, do not have proper support or cushioning. Subsequently individuals end up having foot problems. Those who already have such problems may find their conditions worsening or that they are in an increased amount of pain.

Orthopedic shoes will do just the opposite. They will make walking more comfortable and less painful. They are constructed in such a way as to decrease common occurring foot problems and to provide relief for those who already suffer from them. Also, because today, they are more attractive, it is easier then ever for individuals to have both comfort and style simultaneously. 

Individuals may purchase orthopedic shoes on one’s own, with their own money if they can afford it.  A doctor may also write them a prescription, in which case the individual’s insurance may cover the entire cost of the shoes or at least a part of it. 

Richie Brace

Richie Brace – Custom Ankle Brace

The Richie Brace is a unique, patented custom fabricated ankle-foot orthosis designed to treat transverse plane and frontal plane pathologies. Extraordinary control of the ankle-hind foot complex is achieved with this functional brace incorporating a balanced foot orthosis articulating with semi-rigid anatomical hinged support uprights. The Richie Custom Ankle Brace has demonstrated wide versatility in treating sports injuries as well as debilitating degenerative pathologies of the foot and ankle.

Clinical Indications for the Richie Brace

• Tibialis posterior dysfunction
• Lateral ankle instability
• Degenerative arthritis
• Mild drop foot
• Tarsal coalition
• Charcot foot deformity
• Peroneal tendinopathy
• Sinus tarsi syndrome

Read more about the RICHIE BRACE

Common Foot Problems

Foot problems are a common occurrence. At one time or another just about everyone will experience either pain or discomfort in their feet.  While there are some things that can be done to minimize or prevent problems, they are still likely to occur simply because we use our feet all the time and they bear a lot of weight.  Wearing shoes made of quality materials and with adequate support and solid construction can make a big difference.   Visiting ones podiatrist as soon as major problems arise is a good idea and wearing shoes which are the correct size can also lessen the likelihood of foot problems.  In this article we will discuss some common foot problems. We will first list a number of them and then follow that up with a more in-depth discussion of a few of them.

Arthritis,  tendinitis in the Achilles heel, pain in the ankles,  burning feet,  athletes foot,  foot ulcers, gout, Morton’s toe, neuropathy and heel fissures are all common foot problems. These affect million of people. Individuals may not only suffer from one of these conditions but multiple ones. This can mean that a person has extreme pain every time that they walk. In these cases and in most cases of severe foot pain, a visit to the podiatrist may be in order. When that is not possible, there are some over-the-counter (or internet) options that may work to alleviate pain.  Now, let’s take a little closer look at some of the common foot ailments we listed above.

Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a very common problem that affects the heel and the arch. It is the result of small tears in the plantar fascia. This condition can cause a lot of pain, discomfort and stiffness. To treat it, an individual may use arch supports or orthotics. Wearing custom made orthotics is usually the best choice. Anti-inflammation and pain medication may also be helpful.

Neuroma: This is a condition where irritation in the nerves occurs and causes swelling. The nerve may thicken and cause discomfort and pain. This often times affects the ball area of the foot.

Hammer Toes: Hammer toes are another pretty common foot condition.   Individuals who have them essentially have a deformed toe. This is due to an imbalance in the tendons.

 

Achilles Tendinitis: Tendinitis of the Achilles is another condition of that affects the foot area and which can be very painful. It is essentially the case of an inflamed Achilles tendon. Over time, if it is not properly treated, the tendon take may become thicker and bumps or nodules may form on it. Eventually, if nothing is done, this can lead to the tearing of the tendon.

This would obviously be quite painful and cause some serious problems. Surgery would be needed to repair a burst or ruptured Achilles tendon. This can be very costly and will require a cast and therapy. To avoid this, it is important to seek proper treatment and care. In this case, the saying is true, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Arch Support for Flat Feet

Arch Support for Flat Feet

Flat feet can be very uncomfortable and painful. Individuals who suffer from them may choose to use arch supports to help relieve some of the pain and take pressure off the arches and the ligaments and tendons that support them.  Arch supports can be purchased over-the-counter or they can be made by a doctor to specifically fit ones feet.   Obviously, the former will be much less expensive and they can be purchased and in an individual’s possession much faster then if a person were to go to a doctor and have them made.  For individuals who need immediate support buying arch supports for flat feet online or over-the-counter, may be a good short term option. However, it may eventually be necessary to have them custom made.  Many of the newer arch supports for flat feet work very well and can provide individuals who need them, the proper support to minimize pain and discomfort.

Because most shoes do not offer adequate support, it may be necessary to purchase arch supports.  Add poor construction and inexpensive materials used by many shoe manufacturing company with constant walking and the natural pounding of the feet and subsequently, foot pain develops. In order for individuals to be able to function as optimally as possible, it may be necessary to reinforce the shoe and arch supports can often do just that.

When the tibialis posterior tendon stretches or the ligaments which support the foot’s arch are stretched, flat feet may be the result.  This may also happen if there are tears in the ligaments or tendons in the feet.  This can be quite painful and make it difficult for individuals to walk and function normally.  Depending on the severity of the condition and the cause, a doctor may prescribe a number of different treatments.  For individuals who don’t have flat feet due to torn ligaments or tendons, arch supports may be all that is needed.

 

When the ligaments or tendons are only stretched but not torn, arch supports can provide individuals with some relief.  Therefore, it is important for individuals who believe that they have flat feet to be examined by a podiatrist when possible. If it is not, a careful self examination of the feet and consideration of all symptoms may be all that is necessary.  However, a podiatrist will be able to make a definitive prognosis on whether or not a person actually suffers from flat feet. There are test that they will perform and put the patient through, to make this determination. If individuals aren’t able to afford a visit to a podiatrist, but believe that they have flat feet, purchasing and using arch supports is one good option to try, If they do not fix the problem, at least one treatment option has been eliminated.  

Once it has been definitively determined that a person has flat feet, they may be prescribed some type of treatment to decrease inflammation.  They may also be asked to rest so that any ligaments or tendon injuries can heal. They will then likely be given some type of arch supports. Taken together, this can alleviate a lot of the pain and discomfort associated with flat feet. 

Custom Foot Orthotics For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a very serious condition. Individuals who suffer from it will have pain in the heels of their foot and perhaps along the entire arch or bottom of the foot. Persons often feel the worst pain when they wake up in the morning.  It is only after they have begun to walk around, warming up and stretching out their foot that they feel some relief.  It is always best to treat plantar fasciitis as early as possible.  As soon as an individual begins to feel pain and suspect that is it due to plantar fasciitis or it has been diagnosed definitively by a doctor, it is best to take action. This will typically allow the problem to be solved much quicker then if nothing at all is done.

There are a number of things that individuals can do to treat this condition. They include stretching, wearing supportive shoes, resting, using orthotics, taking anti-inflammatory medications and putting arch supports in their shoes. One of the very best options is custom foot orthotics.  A Podiatrist will work with the patient to create an orthotic specifically for their foot. Sometimes individuals will buy mass produced orthotics and foot supports, and while some may be helpful, they are never is good as custom-made functional devices because the latter takes a persons foot construction into consideration so that they fit perfectly and also provides the support in the areas that a person needs them.

Custom-made, functional foot orthotics have been discovered to be one the very best options when treating Plantar Fasciitis, even better then taking NSAIDS, wearing heal cups or being injected with cortisone.  For those who would rather not take medications, custom foot orthotics provide for an approach to treatment that is not invasive at all and pose few to no serious health risks.

A custom foot orthotic typically uses semi-rigid materials and the device may be the length of the entire foot or 3/4s of it. The arch support used is mostly longitudinal.  The cost of a custom foot orthotic may or may not be covered by an individual’s health insurance. It is important for person to find out this information prior to ordering them so that there are no surprises at the checkout counter.   If they work to relieve a person’s Plantar Fasciitis pain, then they may actually be pretty priceless.

Custom foot orthotics can be prescribed and designed by a Podiatrist. They will work to create an orthotic that is perfectly suited for the patient’s foot, their condition and whatever specific problems they have reported. A good custom orthotic, combined with stretching, rest and when needed, anti-inflammatory and/or pain medications can be a very effective way to treat plantar fasciitis.

Custom orthotics can be a great way to treat Plantar Fasciitis.  This very painful condition can be difficult to tolerate and subsequently, will require some sort of treatment. Wearing orthotics is an easy, non-invasive way to experience relief.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy-PRP Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, also known as PRP Therapy, is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for common injuries. Health professionals are very excited about the possibilities and the potential that this therapy has to speed up the recovery process.   It is believed to be able to hasten the healing of injuries to the tendons as well as osteoarthritis.  The risks of using this approach is believed to pose less risk then currently and commonly used procedures.

PRP Therapy works with the body to help it repair itself. Platelets help to clot the blood. They also can facilitate and speed up the healing of the tissues or various wounds in the body.  Health professionals have found that when they increase the amount of platelets in the injured area, it helps to speed up the recovery of the tissues.

This form of therapy is not entirely new.  In fact, it was used by dentists more than two decades ago to help individuals with cancer heal after they underwent surgery for jaw reconstruction.  Cardiologists who performed cardiovascular surgeries began to use the procedure. The Orthopedic field is the latest one to utilize it but will likely not be the last.

While science and studies have shown Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy to be a very promising technique, it is in no way a miracle cure and it may not work with the same effectiveness for everyone and for every injury.  However, what is outstanding and extremely promising is that it makes possible a natural approach to healing that is incredibly effective. It also is not dependent on prescribing medication or surgery both, which can be expensive and in some cases risky.  PRP therapy has few known risks and is also a pretty simple procedure.

The process works something like this; a physician will take some of the patient’s blood, typically around a few tablespoons, spin them in a centrifuge, concentrate the platelets and then inject them wherever the individual is injured.  This is of course, a very simplified explanation of the process. The platelets will then begin to help the tissue regenerate itself and heal. Their concentration is typically between four and ten times then what would naturally occur in the body. The actual concentration will differ based on the individual.

PRP Therapy is a treatment that can be (and is) used by professional and/or collegiate athletes. However, a person does not have to participate in athletics on these levels to use the treatment. It fact, it can be very beneficial to those who suffer from chronic pain or an injury that they would like to see the healing process speed up. Individuals who are interested in taking a more natural approach treatments and healing might find this to be a good option.

Not every physician will be willing to perform this therapy. For those who would like to be treated with via PRP Therapy, it will be important to find a doctor who is willing to perform it.  Once a doctor is found, patients should be sure to do their due diligence. This will include interviewing the physician about their experience and success rates.

The Benefits of Arch Supports

Benefits of Arch Supports

Many persons that suffer from chronic conditions of the feet or persistent pain can benefit from the use of arch supports. They help to artificially and temporarily “build up” the arches. This support helps to lessen pain and make walking much more comfortable. Because we as human beings walk so much, even in the transportation age, we often have problems with our feet. Two such issues that can be alleviated from arch supports are Plantar Fasciitis and flat feet.. Below, we will take a look at a few of the benefits that using arch supports provide.

Arch Supports:

a. Lessen or prevent pain: Arch supports can help lessen foot pain. Pain in the feet can not only cause discomfort but make it difficult to be mobile. Subsequently, individuals may have trouble going about their daily routines and handling important duties. In cases, where it is still possible, it may still be quite painful. Individuals who have flat feet or other conditions which may require the usage of arch supports might be able to decrease their pain and thus regain their mobility or at least have the ability to get through their days with minimal pain.

b. Provide support: Some people will require specialized support. Their foot ailments may demand that they use artificial supports. These can help to alleviate pain and/or prevent further damage. This might be especially beneficial for persons who suffer from planter fasciitis and flat feet.

c. Create a good foundation: Many times, a person may experience pain because they have a crummy foundation. If their shoes do not offer much support, this may cause a number of conditions, all of them either painful or uncomfortable. This may be remedied by simply using arch supports. They slip right into the shoes, allowing individuals to adjust the fit and comfort and helping to alleviate foot pain and problems associated with it.

d. Provide balance and support: Arch supports can provide balance and support for individuals who use them. They can help improve a person’s posture because they will be more balanced. This can help lessen foot pain and problems related to imbalance and a lack of proper support.

Arch supports can be quite beneficial for those who suffer with foot problems. Because our feet are so important to our quality of life, it is paramount that individuals do whatever is necessary to ensure that they are as pain free as possible. One very easy and affordable way to do this is to purchase and then use arch supports. This is a very non-invasive approach to dealing with common foot ailments such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis.

Often times, it is not necessary to have surgery or to purchase expensive shoes, though at times this might be needed. Instead, buying inexpensive arch supports will do enough to improve an individual’s pain so that they are able to get by without suffering too much. Sometimes, nothing else needs to be done. In cases where more help may be warranted, arch supports can help individuals get by until they have the money and/or time to visit their doctor or podiatrist and come up with an alternative plan, one which may be more invasive and expensive.

Follow us on our foot care journey.

Footcare Express and the NBA

It’s that time of year… Starting Wednesday, our experts will be visiting with many teams in the NBA to conduct biomechanical evaluations of the lower extremity on various athletes.  Additionally, we will be scanning these individuals for custom foot orthotic devices that address current mechanical issues and/ or prevent future issues and increase athletic efficiency.

Follow us on our foot care journey.

Heel Healing with Platelet Rich Plasma

Heel pain is a common foot problem and can make every step you take unbearable. Now, doctors are using a breakthrough treatment to cure it using your own blood. Seven’s Richard Lemus shows us this Heel Healing.

WSVN — Several times a week you’ll find Johnny Rodriguez pacing the sidelines of the baseball field.

Johnny Rodriguez: “I’m on my feet a lot. I coach little league baseball. Very active person. By the time you’re releasing it here, that’s how the ball is getting it’s spin.”

But recently heel pain has slowed him down.

Johnny Rodriguez: “See the pain is right here and when you step like that and come off of it, that’s when you feel the pain.”

Doctors diagnosed him with a very common foot problem called Plantar Fasciitis. It’s a condition where the tissue inside the bottom of the feet becomes inflamed. It often strikes people who are on their feet a lot.

Dr. Abraham Wagner: “Steroid injections has been one of the first and foremost type of treatments when it comes to this type of condition. Unfortunately, it deteriorates the bone quality.”

Now doctors are performing a breakthrough procedure for foot pain where they use a patient’s own blood to treat the inflammation, it’s called Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP .

Dr. Abraham Wagner: “We’re taking it out of one location of the body and re-injecting it into another one.”

Doctors draw blood from your arm and then spin it around in this machine to harvest the platelets. Platelets have high counts of growth factors, which are thought to speed up healing.

Dr. Abraham Wagner: “We can see the separation of the plasma from the whole blood. This plasma on top is filled with stem cells and growth factor.”

The plasma is then injected into the swollen area of the heel where it starts to repair the damaged tissue.

Dr. Abraham Wagner: “What we’re essentially doing is putting the plasma as an anti-inflammatory component just to reduce the swelling.”

The procedure takes about 30 minutes and the patient is able to walk out of the office.

Johnny Rodriguez: “It wasn’t painful at all. It was easy.”

One week later, Johnny’s heel pain is gone and he’s back on the ball field.

Johnny Rodriguez: “Feeling really good walking on my feet before I was limping on this field. Now I’m ready to run to out with the kids again.”

Richard Lemus: “Some insurances will now pay for the PRP procedure.”

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