Arch Support Makes Exercise More Comfortable

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we know that many patients can increase both their comfort and performance level in sports and fitness activities with the proper use of arch supports. If you have a low arch or flat feet, increased pounding of the foot due to repetitive actions like running can cause heel pain. This is because flattening of the arch puts increased pressure on the heel and also causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia—the long ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot.

We offer a number of products that can provide excellent arch support.  A few to consider include:

Gel Arch Pads—self-stick cushions of soft gel offer support for weak arches, high arches and pronation related foot problems. Designed to be used in all styles of footwear, the Gel Arch Pads are available in two thicknesses. Remove pad for at least three to four hours a day to allow feet to breathe. Pads are washable and can be re-used multiple times.

Arch Steppers—these flexible supports offer long-lasting comfort. Arch Steppers are scientifically contoured to keep your arch at its most efficient height, which helps eliminate pain. Made of flexible material with a ¾ length, these supports are lightweight and take up only minimal space in your shoes. They are also anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. In addition to your fitness shoes, arch steppers can be used in most dress shoes as well.

Arch Binder—an elastic sleeve slips over the foot and provides gentle compression to the arch, comfortably lifting and supporting the plantar fascia. The Arch Binder relieves pain in both the arch and the heel. The sleeve fits either the left or right foot. It can be washed and re-used over and over again.

To see all the products we offer for arch support and other foot conditions, view our online catalog or visit our Deerfield Beach, FL store. If you have any questions about our products, contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Gel Pads Provide TLC for Neuromas

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that patients suffering with a neuroma experience a lot of pain in the ball of their foot. This benign condition occurs when a nerve becomes enlarged on the underside of the foot, usually between two toes. A neuroma can be caused by anything that compresses the nerves in the forefoot. Oftentimes, pointy or narrow shoes and high heels are the culprit, putting excess pressure on the ball of the foot. An injury or biomechanical deformity can also be at the root of a neuroma. Whatever the cause, many patients say the end result is a feeling that you’ve got a rock in your shoe all the time. Podiatrists have several treatment options available for this condition. To relieving pain during the healing process we have many products that will help:

Ball of Foot Cushion – Ultra Thin—this incredibly comfortable wrap contains a soft gel cushion inside which provides superior padding. The sleeve slips over the entire forefoot and a satin strap holds it firmly in place. The Gel Ball of Foot Cushion can be worn on either foot. It is washable, allowing you to re-use it over and over.

Gel Dancer’s Pad—soft gel pads are self-sticking and can be positioned on the ball of the foot for maximum comfort. They are designed to shift weight bearing away from painful regions and reduce pressure on a neuroma (or other condition which affects the ball of the foot). Gel Dancer’s Pads are designed for use in all styles of footwear. They are available in two different thicknesses and can be washed and re-used multiple times.

Poron Metatarsal Pads—this product provides great cushioning and also biomechanical support if a physical defect is part of the cause of your neuroma. The Poron Metatarsal Pads have a fully adhesive back and will not flatten or bottom out. They are extremely durable and come in three sizes.

To see all of our products, view our online catalog or visit our Deerfield Beach, FL store. If you need additional information about our products, contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Protecting Painful Corns

Corns are small, circular lesions of thickened skin that kind of resemble their namesake—a kernel of corn. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we know that corns normally develop on your foot as a result of repeated friction or pressure on a particular point on your skin. Corns are frequently a secondary condition in patients that have foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. The toe that is bent out of position rubs against your shoes, causing repeated irritation that eventually develops into a corn. Corns can be painful and ultimately the underlying cause of the corn needs to be corrected in order to provide permanent relief. Your Podiatrist will know the right time and course of treatment to prescribe.

In the intervening time, however, we offer several products that can help keep the pressure off of an existing corn and greatly increase your daily comfort wearing shoes.

Gel Moleskin—in some cases, particularly in the early stages of a developing corn, a cushion over the irritated spot will bring pain relief. Our Gel Moleskin has a stretchy fabric top and it protects corns with a protective padding. The latex-free sheets can be custom cut to the appropriate size. Gel Moleskin is also great to have in your purse or backpack in case you feel a blister forming anywhere on your foot. Place a small piece over the area that hurts until you can get home and change your shoes.

Foam Corn Pads—made of non-medicated, medical grade foam, these pads have a center hole cut out that you place over the corn to create a barrier which reduces pressure from footwear and transfers weight away from the corn. Designed for use in all types of footwear, Foam Corn Pads have an adhesive backing that keep it in place.

Gel and Fabric Toe Cap—if a corn is large, our Gel and Fabric Toe Cap that slips over the entire toe may be the best choice. This is a good choice if the corn is caused by a hammertoe. Our Gel and Fabric Toe Cap cushions are for sore and deformed toes also and help relieve pain on the tips of the toes as well. Pads are washable and can be used over and over again. These pads have the added benefit of containing moisturizers that slowly release to help soften the skin too. Our bulk Ribbed Gel Toe Caps are available in several different sizes and can also be used for corns, moles and other sore areas on your toes.

To learn more about these and other products we have to help with corns, view our online catalog or contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Top 3 Foot Products to Help Runners

It’s that time of year when people are starting new fitness routines. Running is a popular choice for people who want to get in shape in the upcoming year. Runners are susceptible to specific foot problems however, that can stop a new fitness plan dead in its tracks if proper precautions are not taken. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we offer many products that will help runners decrease foot pain and prevent possible long-term problems. Below are three of our most popular:

  1. All Gel Toe Cap—Runner’s Toe is a condition where one or more of the toenails turns black. The medical term for this is a subungual hematoma, which is basically blood pooling under the nail. It is caused by repetitive jamming of the toe up against the front of the shoe as you run. Although not particularly dangerous, runner’s toe can be quite painful. Our All Gel Toe Cap is extra padded and slips over the entire toe to protect it from shock and pressure. The provides comfort and prevents additional pain.
  2. Carbon Stabilizer Plates—Used as inserts in your shoes, Carbon Stabilizer Plates stiffen the sole of the shoe and thereby limit the range of motion of the forefoot and midfoot. This makes it a great choice if you suffer from turf toe, hallux rigidus, metatarsalgia and several other conditions of the fore and midfoot.
  3. Felt Metatarsal Pads—Another product that can help with metatarsalgia and other disorders that cause pain in the ball of the foot are our Felt Metatarsal Pads. These pads offload metatarsal heads and provides cushioning.

We offer products that can help with nearly all foot and ankle conditions. To see our full line of products, view our online catalog or visit our Deerfield Beach, FL store. Have questions? Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

New Year’s Resolutions Can Lead to Achilles Issues

Here’s a scenario that Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads commonly sees occurring in the month of January. Many people make New Year’s resolutions to get in shape. They are so gung-ho to achieve their goals that they start out a full speed—working out intensely every day for a week or two, even if they’ve been inactive for months. This often leads to very sore muscles and injuries. The Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the body, is one of the most commonly injured. Tight calf muscles, combined with exercise routines that involve stair steppers, hill running and prolonged activity that use the tendon quickly lead to inflammation, otherwise known as Achilles tendonitis. In worse case scenarios, tears or even a rupture can occur.

Achilles Products to Help

In most cases, rest and reducing strain on the tendon are recommended. We have products that can help:

Achilles Heel Sleeve—soft fabric contains gel pads gently compress the tendon area and reduce pressure around the sore area. The sleeve slips over the heel and up the ankle. The Achilles Heel Sleeve is washable and can be re-used over and over. It is latex-free and designed for all styles of footwear. Available in two sizes for a custom fit.

Adjustable Heel Lifts—three layers of resilient rubber allows you to set the height to 1/8, ¼ or 3/8 of an inch. Adjustable Heel Lifts have a suede leather top cover which makes them comfortable and durable. They are available in three sizes to all sizes of men and women’s shoes.

Other Heel Lifts—we also offer heel lifts made of cork, PPT and other materials to allow you to choose the best material for your comfort.

Felt Heel Padswe carry a variety of heel pads that help alleviate heel pain. These felt pads fit most women and men’s shoes and are latex free.

Gel Heel Padsthese soft gel pads cushion the heels with each step. They are washable and reusable with a velvet soft top cover for extra comfort for your heels.

 

Heel Elevator – This foot elevator doughnut- style device helps lift the heel off the bed to prevent pressure. The cover is washable and the Velcro closure allows for an adjustable fit.

 

All of our products are designed by a Podiatrist. To see what other conditions we can help with, shop our online catalog or our Deerfield Beach store. Questions? Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).