plantar fasciitis

The Trouble with Flip Flops

Posted by drjills on in Heel, plantar fasciitis

If you’re like many people, flip flops are your summer shoe of choice. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we understand the appeal of this style of footwear: easy to slip on and off, cool and breezy to the feet. However, flip flops, if worn full time, can cause a good deal of harm to your feet. Traditional flip flops have essentially zero arch support. This means over time that they encourage your feet to become flatter. Flat feet results in arch and heel pain. When your arch is not properly supported, you can also cause an inflammation of the plantar fascia—the long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. This also leads to heel pain and when severe, can make walking extremely painful.

Due to the total lack of structure, flip flops also provide no protection to your feet. Ankle twisting injuries, cuts and scrapes and even trip and fall accidents are all more likely when wearing flip flops.

Healthy Solutions

If you find that you are experiencing any of the painful symptoms of the conditions described above, it’s time to take a break from flip flops. Switch to summer styles that have proper arch support and provide heel and insole cushioning. Today, there are companies making better flip flops—with the same ease of wear but with better construction and features that enhance foot health.

As your feet transition to styles that are better for them, you may find the following products will help reduce discomfort. For added arch support, try our Full-Length Orthotics. Exceptional shock absorption and ultra-thin, lightweight construction make them perfect to wear with nearly all summer styles. Gel Arch Pads can also help and they are self-stick, easy to use and washable for multiple uses. They are available in two thicknesses for custom comfort. You may also like our Adjustable Heel Pads—three layers that can be peeled down for the best height for you.

If you have foot or ankle discomfort, chances are we have a product that can help. Shop our online catalog to see our entire line of products. All of our items are easily ordered online. For more information, contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Getting Back in the Game with Walking or Running

Posted by drjills on in arch, plantar fasciitis0 Comment

As many parts of the country are starting to re-open and we’re seeing more days of nice weather, we at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads know that many people will be looking to increase their exercise, especially if COVID 19 disrupted your normal fitness routine. One good way to do this is by starting a walking or running program. There are several pros to these forms of exercise:

  • It allows you to workout and maintain a safe social distance
  • It’s free
  • You can do it practically anywhere—even indoors if you have a treadmill

As with any sound exercise program, however, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind:

Start Slowly—doing too much too soon is a surefire way to incur injuries. The best plans are those that begin with a low level of intensity of activity for a relatively short period of time and then build up gradually to more strenuous, longer walks/runs.

Take Care of Your Feet—of course, a pair of good quality running or walking shoes is a prerequisite for this type of exercise. If you currently have shoes, inspect them to make sure there are no signs of wear. Be sure that your footwear addresses any chronic foot problems that you have. If plantar fasciitis or flatfeet are a concern, for example, you’ll want to make sure your shoes have excellent arch support. We offer several products that can help, including: our Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve and Arch Steppers. Our Full-Length Orthotics can help correct foot imbalances and promote the proper alignment of feet for decreased pressure on painful areas of the foot and ankle and improved biomechanical function. If you suffer with heel pain, you might appreciate our Gel Heel Cup which provides comfortable cushioning with every step.

Deal with Pain Promptly—if your new walking or running plan results in new or increased foot or ankle pain, contact your Podiatrist to schedule a telemedicine or in-person visit to evaluate the source the of your discomfort. Some problems, such as “runner’s toe,” where your toe gets bruised from the repeated pounding up against the front of your shoe, are not harmful and can be relieved with a product like our All Gel Toe Cap. Your foot doctor will be able to prescribe the correct treatment for your foot problem.

We have many products that can increase comfort when walking or running. See all of our products on our online catalog. All items are easily ordered online, and we are offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

March Madness Highlights Basketball Injuries

Posted by drjills on in plantar fasciitis, Turf Toe0 Comment

It’s almost time for March Madness and at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we know many people are looking forward to this exciting basketball event. Viewers may also see a wide variety of foot and ankle injuries occurring on the court. Basketball, like all sports, makes unique demands on your feet and can result in several different kinds of foot and ankle trouble.

Cushion the Blow

When you think of basketball you think of players pounding up and down the court. This repetitive impact puts a lot of pressure on the ball of your foot and heels.

Plantar fasciitis—an inflammation of the plantar fascia which runs along the bottom of your foot—is a common and chronic problem for many players that causes heel and arch pain. Correcting technique and wearing basketball sneakers with better arch support can help. So can using our Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve or our Moleskin Plantar Fascial Straps.

Metatarsalgia and Sesamoiditis—these are conditions that are brought about by excess pounding on the ball of the foot and the metatarsals. Stress fractures are also not uncommon. Protecting the vulnerable areas are key. Our Gel Dancer’s Pad allows you to shift weight away from sore metatarsals and cushions the ball of the foot. Superior protection can also be provided by our Flat Gel Metatarsal Strap Cushion.

Twists and Turns and Sudden Stops

In addition to constant pounding, your feet have to make a lot of sudden stops and starts and changes of direction as well as pushing off to shoot and score consistently. This increases the risk of turf toe, a sprain of the big toe. Our Carbon Stabilizer Plates can reduce the risk for this disorder. Another helpful product is our Turf Toe/Bunion Strap.

Ankle sprains and Achilles tendon problems are also common among basketball players. Injuries to these areas requires proper rest, exercises and full rehabilitation in order to prevent them from sidelining a player. We recommend our Achilles Heel Sleeve and our Gel Malleolar Sleeve to help in these areas.

No matter what your favorite sport is, we have products that can protect your feet. You can see all of our products on our online catalog. All items are easily ordered online, and we offer free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Foot Problems Plague Football Players

Posted by drjills on in Achilles Tendonitis, Heel, plantar fasciitis, Toe, Turf Toe0 Comment

Well, Super Bowl 54 is in the books and at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we want to take this opportunity to talk about some of the injuries commonly associated with the game. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an NFL pro, there are certain foot and ankle problems that are seen more frequently due to the movements required for the sport.

Achilles tendonitis—this is an inflammation of the long tendon that runs along the back of your lower leg connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. A sudden burst of physical activity as well as repetitive motions that puts stress on the tendon such as sprints and hill climbing can all cause inflammation or rupture. Exercises that stretch and strengthen the calf can help. To get relief from Achilles tendonitis we recommend our Achilles Heel Sleeve or heel lifts. We offer several types of lifts including Adjustable Heel Lifts, and those made of cork and felt.

Plantar Fasciitis—running up and down the field puts a strain on the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that traces the bottom of the foot, which in turn can cause severe heel pain. Wearing shoes with good arch support off the field and keeping the plantar fascia well stretched can decrease symptoms. Our Arch Binder and Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve apply gentle but firm support, while our Gel Heel Cup will protect your heel and lessen pain.

Turf Toe—another common injury to football players is Turf Toe. It is actually a sprain of the big toe and is the result of excessive pushing upward of the big toe joint that happens when running, pushing off and jumping, particularly if you play on an artificial turf field. Football players suffer the largest number of turf toe injuries. Our Carbon Stabilizer Plates are helpful in preventing or limiting turf toe injuries because they stiffen the sole of the shoe and limit the range of motion of the forefoot.

No matter what your sport, we have products that will help increase comfort and decrease risk of injury. To see all of our products, view our online catalog. All of our products can be easily ordered through our website or contact  us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Don’t Get Sidelined with Plantar Fasciitis

Posted by drjills on in arch, Heel, plantar fasciitis0 Comment

What do Peyton Manning, Albert Pujols, Ryan Hall and Stephanie Catley all have in common? They are all professional athletes who have suffered with plantar fasciitis at one time or another during their careers. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that this condition affects both professional and amateur athletes. Plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia—a long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot—can cause pain in the arch of the foot or the heel. There are a variety of factors that can increase your risk for this condition including:

  • Biomechanical issues such as flatfeet or overly high arches
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Playing on hard, flat surfaces
  • Being overweight

If your Podiatrist diagnoses plantar fasciitis there are a number of nonsurgical treatment options and suggestions that may help:

  • Limiting physical activities for a time to give your heel and arch a rest
  • Stretching and physical therapy—exercises that give calf muscles a good stretch can ease pain
  • Don’t walk barefoot—it puts extra strain on the plantar fascia
  • Change to shoes that have better arch support and a slightly raised heel
  • Night splint to help keep the plantar fascia stretched overnight and reduce early morning pain that is characteristic of this condition.

At Dr. Jill’s, we offer several products that can relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis and help reduce inflammation of the plantar fascia including, Gel Heel Cup, Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve, Arch Binder and our Plantar Fascial Straps – Moleskin.

We offer a wide variety of products that can help improve your comfort and performance when doing sports. Check our online catalog for a complete listing. All of our products can be easily ordered through our website or contact  our friendly and professional staff for help by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Resolve to Deal with Foot Pain in the New Year

Posted by drjills on in Achilles Tendonitis, arch, Bunion, plantar fasciitis0 Comment

Okay, the holidays are officially winding down and it’s time to stop putting off dealing with chronic foot pain. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that patients tend to procrastinate when it comes to taking care of foot and ankle discomfort. Long holiday to-do lists may have provided a convenient excuse for not seeking treatment but now it’s time to get your foot pain evaluated by a Podiatrist and get help. Chances are, you’ll wish you took action sooner. Although some treatment plans make time to completely alleviate foot or ankle pain, we have many products that can help with most common podiatric problems in the meantime.

Plantar fasciitis—pain in the arch and heel, especially when you first put your feet on the floor in the morning are characteristic of this condition. It’s caused by inflammation of the long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot known as the plantar fascia. Patients with flat feet or those who wear shoes with insufficient arch support are more likely to experience plantar fasciitis. We suggest you try our Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve or Arch Binder. Hurting heels will get relief with the Gel Heel Cup.

Achilles Tendonitis—this long, strong tendon that runs down the back of your lower leg can become aggravated through overuse or due to changes in the biomechanics of your feet. Achilles tendonitis sufferers can benefit from our Achilles Heel Sleeve, which protects and gently reduces pressure around the sore area.

Bunions—after periods of increased activity it’s not unusual for bunions to be hurting more. We offer a number of products that can provide comfortable padding to bring pain relief and provide a barrier between the bunion and footwear. A few to consider include, Removable and Slip On Felt Bunion Pad, Gel Bunion Sleeve and our Gel Bunion Cushion.

Whatever foot problem has been bothering you, we have a product that will help as you get treatment. To see a complete listing of all our products, view our online catalog. You can easily order any of our products online through our website or contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Foot Pain Can Lead to Falls

Posted by drjills on in Ball of Foot, Corns, plantar fasciitis0 Comment

September is the month for Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Every 11 seconds, a senior citizen is treated in an emergency room for a fall injury. In fact, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries to older adults. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that one of the primary reasons for falls is foot pain. If your feet hurt, it changes your gait. It’s natural to try to walk in a way that prevents pain. However, altered walking patterns can throw off your balance and result in trips and falls. Our foot pads are designed to relieve foot pain due to a wide variety of podiatric problems. Below are some common sources of foot pain and a sampling of the products we offer to bring relief.

Plantar Fasciitis—inflammation of the plantar fascia (the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot) gives many patients excruciating heel pain. If you suffer with plantar fasciitis, consider the following products: Gel Heel Cup, Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve and the Plantar Fascial Straps – Moleskin.

Corns—they may be tiny, but corns can be incredibly uncomfortable. Often corns are a secondary condition associated with deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Products that can help cushion corns and decrease pain include: Gel Corn Pads, Gel and Fabric Toe Cap and Clear Gel Pressure Points.

Ball of Foot Pain—there are several conditions that can result in pain in the ball of the foot, including metatarsalgia, neuromas, fat pad atrophy and dropped metatarsal heads. To increase comfort while standing and walking, we suggest: Gel Ball of Foot Cushions, Ball of Foot Cushion – Ultra Thin and Gel Foot Cover.

We offer foot pads for virtually every type of foot pain and disorder. If you are experiencing foot discomfort, be sure to schedule a visit with your Podiatrist. Browse our online catalog or visit our Deerfield Beach, FL store to find the best pads and products to help relieve pain and make walking more comfortable. If you have questions about any of our products, contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Helping Senior Feet

Posted by drjills on in Achilles Tendonitis, arch, Heel, plantar fasciitis0 Comment

In September we recognize Falls Prevention Day. One of the most common reason for falls is foot pain which can cause a patient to walk in such a way that they avoid the pain but may compromise their balance. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads,  we have many ways that patients can reduce foot pain.

Gel Heel Cup—the fat pad on the heel naturally atrophies as you age. If you get to the point where there is not enough cushioning on the heel, pain can ensue. Our Gel Heel Cup cushions your heel with every step. These incredibly comfortable gel pads are also machine washable and designed to be used in all styles of footwear.

Plantar Fasciitis Gel Sleeve—another common source of foot pain stems from the plantar fascia—that long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your toes to your heel. Our Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve can help relieve discomfort from high or fallen arches, tired feet or weak arches. Easy to slip on, this product can be worn with or without shoes to strengthen your arch and give the necessary support.

Achilles Heel Sleeve—this product helps bring relief for another common foot condition: Achilles tendonitis. The soft gel pad inside the sleeve can provide gentle compression and thereby reducing pain and pressure around the tendon.  An added bonus—the Achilles Heel Sleeve can be washed and re-used over and over.

Dealing with foot pain promptly and following your Podiatrist’s instructions for relieving it is just one way senior patients can reduce their risk of falls. Other recommendations include:

  • Get eyes examined regularly.
  • Discard shoes that are worn out.
  • Make modifications to your home by removing objects that can trip you up and improve safety with grab rails and additional lighting.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic foot condition as a senior, chances are we have a product that will help lessen your pain. View all of our products through our online catalog. If you have questions, contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Insoles Make Your Feet Say, “Ahhh….”

Posted by drjills on in plantar fasciitis0 Comment
a picture of different shoes

If you spend long hours on your feet every day, standing and walking, we at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads know it’s natural for you to experience tired and aching feet. Insoles are a way of adding extra cushioning to your shoes which improves comfort and can lessen fatigue. Insoles can also be part of a solution for chronic foot problems such as plantar fasciitis. Below are some of our many popular insole products.

Memory Mold Insoles—not only are these insoles ultra-comfortable, they contain memory foam which helps them conform to your unique feet for a custom fit. The Memory Mold Insoles are lightweight and durable and can be used to aid in treatment of several foot disorders including heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Hidden Comfort Insoles for Open Shoes—these wonderfully cushioned insoles have a secret. They are incredibly slim and provide discreet cushioning for more open shoe styles such as sandals, sling backs, slides and strapped shoes. Hidden Comfort Insoles for Open Shoes are also latex free.

Half Spring Steel Insoles—in addition to providing additional cushioning to the footbed, insoles can also be used to limit foot motion. Conditions such as turf toe, arthritis, hallux limitus and any condition that requires a semi-rigid foot bed will benefit from the Half Spring Steel Insoles. The plates in these insoles are constructed to limit dorsiflexion at the MP joints.

You may be surprised to learn all of the many chronic podiatric problems that our foot pads and other products can help with. See all of our products on our online catalog or consider visiting our Deerfield Beach, FL store. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is also ready and able to help you decide on the best foot pad products for your condition. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Dealing with Flip Flop-itis

Posted by drjills on in arch, Heel, plantar fasciitis0 Comment

What? You’ve never heard of flip flop-itis? At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we share the concern of many Podiatrists that patients who spend too many hours in traditional flip flops are likely to suffer with foot pain and possibly sustain an injury to their feet or ankles. The problem with traditional flip flops is that they offer no protection to your feet. They also have zero arch support. This can cause heel pain and aggravate the plantar fascia increasing the risk for plantar fasciitis. Below are some products to help with the effects of overuse of flip flops (but they do not take the place of wearing more supportive shoes!).

Gel Arch Pads—wearing flip flops all the time encourages your arches to flatten. Gel Arch Pads offer soft gel to support weak arches and also helps with pronated related foot problems. These self-stick cushions are easy to apply. They can be used in all styles of footwear. They are washable and can be re-used many times.

Arch Binder—this product helps relieve both arch and heel pain. An elastic sleeve provides gentle compression to the arch. The Arch Binder comfortably lifts and supports the plantar fascia. Simply slip over your foot like a sleeve. It fits either the left or right foot and is washable and re-usable.

Gel Heel Cup—sore heels will feel like they are floating on a cloud with these cushioned gel pads. Gel Heel Cups are a great item BUT they will never stay in place in an open toe shoe like a Flip Flop and are meant for sneakers or any shoes with a closed heel. They provide superior relief for tender heels. These cups can be used over and over.

We offer products to treat all types of foot pain and discomfort. To see all of our products, view our online catalog or visit our Deerfield Beach, FL store. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service. If you have questions about our products, contact us by calling: (866) 366-8723.