Friday, April 1
Plantar Fasciitis
Friday, April 8
Metatarsalgia
Friday, April 15
Bunions
Friday, April 22
Athletic Lifestyles
Friday, April 29
Arthritis & Diabetes
Co-hosted by
DR. GEORGE AMPAT
Orthopedic Spinal Surgeon
and Medical Consultant
To celebrate Foot Health Awareness Month this April, we are hosting 5 Live Q&A sessions with our medical consultant Dr. George Ampat.
An Orthopedic Surgeon at Royal Liverpool University Hospital and a Clinical Teacher at the School of Medicine at The University of Liverpool, Dr. George has assisted Aetrex in several orthopedic research projects and recommends Aetrex to his patients. His mission is to provide a quality orthopedic opinion to promote wellness, relieve suffering, and restore health with minimal surgical intervention.
We’ll be discussing different types of foot ailments, their causes, symptoms, and how Aetrex can help! If you suffer from foot pain, feel free to submit your questions below for Dr. George to answer during the Live Q&A!
Tune in & make sure to ask your questions!
YOUR QUESTIONS
Choose your topic from the list below
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Sheila! Plantar fasciitis is a very common foot ailment that often feels like a pain in the heel or arch area, usually in the morning or after sitting down for a long period of time. Neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet and is often associated with diabetes. To help re-create the natural alignment in your feet, I recommend trying orthotics to help support each step. The Aetrex L420 Compete Posted Orthotics are great for plantar fasciitis; they have arch support and a posted heel to help keep the foot in the neutral position: https://www.aetrex.com/compete-orthotics-l420w-L420W.html?lang=en_US If you have neuropathy, the Aetrex L200 Conform Orthotics are a supportive choice to help comfort and protect those with diabetes related foot issues: https://www.aetrex.com/conform-orthotics-l200w-L200W.html?lang=en_US As always, it’s best to reach out to a physician if you are experiencing any type on foot pain.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Jayashree! If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is extremely important to wear supportive shoes. People often shop with the visual style or appearance of the shoe in mind and tend to look past the comfort features. Finding a shoe that is supportive, comfortable, and has enough room inside to insert an orthotic is the key! If you do have plantar fasciitis, I recommend reaching out to a physician to help accurately diagnose you.
Dr. George Ampat: Hello Mitali and thank you for this great question! Our feet were originally designed to walk barefoot on soft, uneven surfaces such as dirt, sand, and grass. However, today we walk mostly on hard surfaces and aren’t able to distribute pressure evenly. Aetrex Orthotics are made with premium, supportive, yet flexible materials to help naturally align your body and help transfer pressure away from high pressure areas. Custom orthotics are commonly very hard, rigid, and can cost a few hundred dollars. Not only are Aetrex Orthotics supportive, but they are also a fraction of the price and range from $60 - $80. Before spending a lot of money on an expensive custom orthotic, I recommend trying Aetrex Orthotics and to reach out to a physician to help you if you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Edna and thank you for your question. Heel spurs are quite common and at most times not necessarily painful; in medicine we actually call them an “incidental finding.” I recommend seeing a physician to have an X-ray and diagnostic testing to confirm if the heel spur is the cause of the pain first. There are many reasons for heel pain like unsupportive shoes, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and more. Many surgeons do operate on heel spurs, but you need to verify if whether the heel spur is the cause of your pain. The simplest way to help with heel pain is to wear an orthotic. Again, ensure that the heel spur is the cause of the pain first by seeing a physician to make sure you are not labeling the heel spur as the cause when it may be something else.
Dr. George Ampat: Hello Sally! Pain from plantar fasciitis is usually felt in the arch and heel, and the worst step is the first step in the morning. Since your pain is more in the arch area and on the back of the foot, it sounds like it could be symptoms of Achilles tendinitis. The simplest solution would be to try an orthotic and to see a physician to help you get a clear diagnosis.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Richard! Yes, all the Live videos will be posted afterwards here and also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vimeo, and YouTube.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Sandra! In many cases, the plantar fasciitis may not come back again and you have relief from the plantar fasciitis you have had, but you must understand if you once had plantar fasciitis you should always be aware that there is a possibility it may come back. An orthotic is a great way to continue proper foot health and is not only needed when you have pain. For example, if you have a decaying tooth, then you don’t need tooth paste and a toothbrush at that moment. You need to use them even when your teeth are not decaying to help properly take care of them throughout your lifetime. Same goes for our foot health; we need to get good miles out of our feet and make sure we have the proper support. A car tire goes about 25,000 miles in a lifetime, but our feet go 110,00 miles in a lifetime; that’s almost 4 times around the globe! Therefore, it’s important to get your feet scanned to find out the best recommended orthotics for you so you can go the extra mile. It is important for everyone to wear good shoes with supportive insoles inside them and especially if you have had a previous episode of plantar fasciitis.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Mary! The inserts are a great step towards relief from your plantar fasciitis, but it’s important to also make sure you are wearing supportive shoes and properly stretching your feet. The Plantar Fasciitis Kit includes a premium orthotic that has arch support and a posted heel to help align your body and prevent overpronation, a pair of orthotic flips to continue your recovery when you’re at home, a foot roller to help relieve pressure and tension in your feet, and a stretching guide to help support your recovery plan: https://www.aetrex.com/plantar-fasciitis-kit/?lang=en_US. If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis it’s best to reach out to a physician for support and a diagnosis.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Theresa and thank you for your valid question. It is good that you are wearing supportive shoes, but sometimes even supportive shoes do not have an orthotic built-in. Nearly 90 to 95% of plantar fasciitis will resolve with appropriate orthotic support and stretching exercises. I recommend that you use an appropriate orthotic and stretch the muscles both in your feet as well as the calf twice daily. This practice, if continued regularly, is likely to resolve your pain. If you are interested, I recommend trying the Plantar Fasciitis Kit. It includes a premium orthotic, a pair of orthotic flips, a foot roller to help relieve pressure and tension in your feet, and a stretching guide to help support your recovery plan: https://www.aetrex.com/plantar-fasciitis-kit/?lang=en_US
Dr. George Ampat: Hello Jasmine and thank you for your relevant question. The most ideal would be for you to wear an orthotic with an arch support and a medial posting. The arch support would elevate and restore your normal arches. The medial posting is where there is a greater and thicker support on the inside of the heel as compared to the outside of the heel. This should address the overpronation. Surgery is very rarely required, but you may want to consider seeking advice from a suitably qualified health professional.
Dr. George Ampat: Thank you for your question, Dorothy. It depends on the extent of your talonavicular joint problem, but in most cases an orthotic with an arch support to restore your normal arches would be all that is required. However, if you have fixed flat feet then orthotics may not be suitable. I recommend consulting a qualified health professional to help you.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Lori and thank you for your genuine question. In most cases of plantar fasciitis, an appropriate orthotic to support the arches and cradle the foot alongside stretching exercises to stretch both the muscles in the feet and the back of the calf is all that is required. Currently I do not think more rehab from a physical therapist is required as long as you can perform the stretching exercises at home twice a day and also use the orthotic. If using the orthotic regularly and performing the stretching exercises twice a day for 15 minutes does not provide adequate relief, then I recommend that you seek advice from a suitably qualified health professional like a physical therapist.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Dana and thank you for sharing your foot ailments. Baxter’s neuropathy is rare but can cause chronic heel pain which can mimic plantar fasciitis. It is good that you are seeking help from a qualified health professional. Stretching, orthotics, medications, injections, and surgery have a role in Baxter’s neuropathy. Following the advice of your health professional is the most appropriate action.
Dr. George Ampat: Hello Cindee and thank you for sharing your story. If you have had plantar fasciitis before, there might be a possibility it will come back again. If you are currently still wearing orthotics and are still experiencing pain, it may be time to replace your orthotics. I recommend changing orthotics every 6 to 9 months, depending on how frequently they are being used. Since the support does not feel as strong as it used to, it may be time to replace them. I recommend seeing if that helps and to reach out to a physician for a diagnosis.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Marc and thank you for sharing your story. Aetrex Orthotics can help relieve common foot pains like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and more. At the moment, the only men’s shoes Aetrex sells are orthotic flips like Maui and Bali. We recommend trying a pair of orthotics with a posted heel and memory foam cushioning like L2220 Men’s Memory Foam Posted Orthotics to insert inside of your shoes: https://www.aetrex.com/memory-foam-orthotics-l2220-orthotics-L2220M.html?lang=en_US I also recommend seeing a physician to help you get a diagnosis.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Darlene and thank you for your question. Many people with plantar fasciitis find relief with wearing an orthotic inside their supportive shoes. The key is to make sure that both your shoes and orthotics have the proper support features to help you go the extra mile. I recommend trying the Plantar Fasciitis Kit which includes a pair of premium orthotics, a pair of orthotic flips to wear around your home (especially since the first step in the morning is usually the most painful), a foot roller to help relieve pressure and tension in your feet, and a stretching guide to help support your recovery plan: https://www.aetrex.com/plantar-fasciitis-kit/?lang=en_US It would also be very beneficial to see a physician for a diagnosis.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Carleen! Wearing supportive footwear with orthotics and daily stretches can help relieve pain and discomfort from plantar fasciitis. The orthotics will help re-create the natural alignment in your feet and will help support each step you take. If you are interested, I recommend trying the Plantar Fasciitis Kit: https://www.aetrex.com/plantar-fasciitis-kit/?lang=en_US The kit includes a pair of premium orthotics, a pair of orthotic flips, a foot roller to help relieve pressure and tension in your feet, and a stretching guide to help support your recovery plan. Walking is a very healthy and beneficial activity; therefore, I would recommend wearing orthotics in your walking shoes to see if it helps. I also recommend reaching out to a physician for a diagnosis.
Recommended Products for Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Amanda! Thank you for sharing your story. Orthotics do not prevent the occurrence of Hallux Limitus, but they can help provide relief from pain. I recommend trying an orthotic like the L2305 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-w-metatarsal-support-L2305W.html?lang=en_US These orthotics have 43% more memory foam cushioning in the forefoot. The L2405 Customizable Orthotics with Metatarsal Support is also a good style to try: https://www.aetrex.com/customizable-orthotics-l2405-orthotics-14-L2405W.html?lang=en_US These orthotics have removable gel pods that can help customize your comfort. I also recommend seeing a physician to help you get a diagnosis.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Lainie! Aetrex has a range of orthotics that have metatarsal pads to help provide relief. The callus develops because of increased pressure underneath the heads of the second third and fourth metatarsal heads. The metatarsal pad elevates the metatarsal heads and will help decrease the pressure going through that part of the foot. This can prevent calluses from recurring. I recommend trying the Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-w-metatarsal-support-L2305W.html?lang=en_US These orthotics have 43% more memory foam in the forefoot to help with foot discomfort or fatigue.
Dr. George Ampat: Hello Anna and thank you for sharing your story. You may want to try an orthotic with a metatarsal pad if you have not been using one yet. A metatarsal pad helps unload pressure at the metatarsal area to help provide cushioning and support. I recommend trying the L2305 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-w-metatarsal-support-L2305W.html?lang=en_US These orthotics should be able to help provide the comfort that you require to be able to continue walking.
Dr. George Ampat: I understand your predicament and I am sorry about that. I suggest that you try using orthotics. The orthotics should help distribute the weight passing through your feet over a wider area and can prevent calluses from developing. I recommend trying the L2300 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-orthotics-L2300W.html?lang=en_US These orthotics have 43% more memory foam in the forefoot to help with foot discomfort or fatigue.
Dr. George Ampat: Hello Denise and thank you for your question. I recommend reaching out to a physician to help you get a clear diagnosis after examining your feet in person.
Dr. George Ampat: Hello Denise and thank you for sharing your story. Aetrex has many supportive and water-friendly sandals to choose from that can help keep your feet comfortable. These styles are water-friendly which means if they get wet, they can dry to their original form: https://www.aetrex.com/water-friendly-sandals/?lang=default The Maui is a great style to try: https://www.aetrex.com/aetrex-flips-grey-L3100W.html?lang=default Along with arch support, they feature Cobra Orthotic Technology that helps alleviate forefoot pressure.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Robert and thank you for sharing your story. I’m happy to hear that the Aetrex Orthotics have been helping you. Aetrex makes many orthotics with different technology features and for different activities; therefore, I would recommend to get an Aetrex foot scan at a location near you here: https://www.aetrex.com/store-locator.html The foot scan will be able to help identify your pressure points, arch height, and which orthotics would suit you best. I hope you can find the best orthotics to help provide comfort and support.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Margene and thank you for your question. If you have a high arch, it is likely that there is an increase pressure on the heads of the metatarsals. One of the options I would recommend is an orthotic with more cushioning and a metatarsal pad like the L2305 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-w-metatarsal-support-L2305W.html?lang=en_US hese orthotics will provide more cushioning over the entire foot and will be the most ideal for you.
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Patricia. An orthotic with a metatarsal pad can help relieve pressure on the nerves and help provide relief. If you haven’t tried an orthotic with a metatarsal pad yet, then I recommend trying the L2305 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-w-metatarsal-support-L2305W.html?lang=en_US
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Dorene and thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry to hear you are experiencing pain. I recommend trying the L2405 Customizable Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/customizable-orthotics-l2405-orthotics-14-L2405W.html?lang=en_US Along with arch support and a metatarsal pad, these orthotics feature gel pods that you can remove to help alleviate specific pressure points that best suits your needs.
Dr. George Ampat: Hello Dana. Thank you for sharing your story. Baxter’s neuropathy is rare, but can cause chronic heel pain which can mimic plantar fasciitis. It is good that you are seeking help from a qualified health professional. Stretching, orthotics, medications, and more have a role in Baxter’s neuropathy. Following the advice of your health professional is the most appropriate action.
Recommended Products for Metatarsalgia
Dr. George Ampat: Hi Rossana! I’m sorry to hear that you have pain in the ball of your feet. My first suggestion would be to try an orthotic with a metatarsal pad like the Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/memory-foam-orthotic/?lang=en_US These orthotics have 43% more memory foam in the footbed and also include a metatarsal pad to help with relieve pressure from the ball of foot pain. I also recommend trying the L2405 Customizable Orthotics with Metatarsal Support. Along with a metatarsal pad, they include gel pods that can be removed to help customize to your needs: https://www.aetrex.com/customizable-orthotics-l2405-orthotics-14-L2405W.html?lang=en_US Hopefully the orthotics can help provide relief.
Dr George: Hello Crystal! Comfortable shoes that accommodate your feet and toes are essential. In addition, orthotics with a metatarsal pad may help relax the soft tissues and may help decrease the hammer toes. I recommend trying the L2305 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-w-metatarsal-support-L2305W.html?lang=en_US These orthotics have 43% more memory foam cushioning in the forefoot and may be able to help provide comfort.
Dr George: Hi Rebecca! I think you have the right solution, Aetrex orthotics with metatarsal support and PT. If the orthotics are controlling the splaying of your toes than you are on the right track.
Dr George: Hello Carol and thank you for your question. The treatment depends on how severe the hammer toes are. In most cases, roomier shoes and orthotics with a metatarsal pad can help provide pain relief and comfort. I recommend trying the L2305 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-w-metatarsal-support-L2305W.html?lang=en_US These orthotics have 43% more memory foam cushioning in the forefoot and may be able to help provide comfort.
Dr George: Hi Kama and thank you for sharing your story. Bunion surgery may involve osteotomies and in this form of surgery, the bone is broken and then allowed to heal in the corrected position. This takes time and hence the downtime. My advice would be to consider an orthotic with a metatarsal pad to see if it provides reasonable relief. The L2305 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support may be able to help: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-w-metatarsal-support-L2305W.html?lang=en_US Along with arch support and a metatarsal pad, they feature 43% more memory foam cushioning in the forefoot.
Dr George: Hi Emma and thank you for your question. We answered your question and showed a few exercises on our Live Q&A that can help with bunions. You can watch it on this page, but here is a link to the video too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_R2RRivb_8&list=PLfTlbW4ddDhlIK-M68BCroEK2dWdEK9OR&index=2
Dr George: Hello Edward! Choosing a supportive shoe with a wide toe can help relieve pressure from the bunion area. I also recommend choosing a style that has a removable insole so you can insert an orthotic with memory foam cushioning inside. I recommend trying the L2200 Memory Foam Orthotics: https://www.aetrex.com/memory-foam-orthotics-l2200-orthotics-L2200M.html?lang=en_US These orthotics feature a layer of slow recovery IQ150™ memory foam that customizes to your foot to help relieve pressure and provide superior cushioning.
Dr George: Hi Jennifer and thank you for your question. Yes, bunions are hereditary. Bunions do not cause foot drop.
Dr George: Hi Patrice. It is good to hear that you are wearing wider issues and doing foot exercises in addition to losing weight. Orthotics with metatarsal pads may help with the tailor’s bunion: https://www.aetrex.com/search?q=metatarsal+support&prefn1=arch-type&prefv1=High A metatarsal pad helps unload pressure at the metatarsal area and provides cushioning to help relieve discomfort.
Dr George: Hi Carollynn and thank you for your feedback. I will forward your ideas to the Aetrex Product Development Team.
Dr George: Hello and thank you for your questions. All Aetrex shoes have comfort features built-in to help support your feet like arch support and pressure relief technology throughout the footbed: https://www.aetrex.com/footwear/?lang=en_US Walking barefoot on hard surfaces like concrete or wooden floors can be harmful and cause foot pains, which is why you should wear an orthotic when standing on those surfaces. However, if you are walking barefoot on soft ground like grass or sand, then that is okay since the soft ground cradles your foot with each step.
Recommended Products for Bunions
Dr George: Hi Chris and thank you for sharing your story. It truly depends on what provides you with maximum comfort. If a neutral running shoe with orthotics provide comfort, then my recommendation would be to use that. Even in a supinated foot, orthotics allows for wider area of weight bearing. I don’t think you will have to quit running, but I recommend listening to your body and choose what feels comfortable.
Dr George: Hi Gwen! There is no harm in exercising barefoot as long as you are on soft ground. However, if the ground is hard and not soft (sand or grass) then walking barefoot is not going to be comfortable.
Dr George: Hi Linda! I would recommend to get an Aetrex foot scan at a location near you here: https://www.aetrex.com/store-locator.html The foot scan will be able to help identify your pressure points, arch height, and which orthotics would suit you best. If you do not want to get your foot scanned, then I recommend trying the L805 Train Orthotics with Metatarsal Support: https://www.aetrex.com/train-orthotics-l805w-L805W.html?lang=en_US You may also want to see a physician to help.
Dr George: Hi Gail and thank you for your question. Supportive and comfortable shoes and sandals are essential. I recommend trying a style that has support features built in or ones that can accommodate an orthotic with a posted heel to help support flat feet like the L405 Compete Orthotics: https://www.aetrex.com/compete-orthotics-l405w-L405W.html?lang=en_US Many athletic shoes have a removable insole, so you can easily remove them and insert an Aetrex orthotic. You can also try the Xspress Runner 2: https://www.aetrex.com/women-xspress2-runner-pink-XS109W.html?lang=en_US These sneakers come in a wide width option and include many comfort features. A sandal like the Jillian Sport has arch support and adjustable straps to help accommodate different widths: https://www.aetrex.com/jillian-braided-quarter-strap-sandal-black-SC450W.html?lang=en_US
Dr George: Hello Fre. Inserting an Aetrex orthotic into your athletic shoes can help provide comfort and support. I recommend trying the L400 Compete Orthotics: https://www.aetrex.com/compete-orthotics-l400w-L400W.html?lang=en_US Aetrex also has many supportive sneakers for lightweight activity like the Carly: https://www.aetrex.com/carly-arch-support-sneakers-AS106W.html?lang=en_US and Xspress Runner 2: https://www.aetrex.com/women-xspress2-runner-pink-XS109W.html?lang=en_US
Dr George: Hello Wendy and thank you for your question. It’s important to wear supportive shoes and orthotics, especially if you are on hard surfaces. I recommend trying an orthotic like the L800 Train Orthotics to support your feet while playing pickleball: https://www.aetrex.com/train-orthotics-l800w-L800W.html?lang=default These orthotics have a center layer of FitGuard™ that cushions every stride with slow recovery memory foam.
Dr George: Hi Don and thank you for your question. Golf involves striking the ball with aim and at a great force. Even though golf is a non-contact sport, the amount of energy transferred is significant. I recommend trying an orthotic with arch support and a metatarsal pad to help. Along with arch support, the L405 Compete Orthotics feature a cupped heel to cushion and stabilize the back of foot and a metatarsal pad to redistribute weight to relieve ball-of-foot discomfort: https://www.aetrex.com/compete-orthotics-l405m-L405M.html?lang=en_US
Recommended Products for Athletic Lifestyles
Dr George: Hi Dorothy! I recommend trying a memory foam orthotic like the L2300 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics: https://www.aetrex.com/women-s-premium-memory-foam-med-high-arch-orthotics-L2300W.html?lang=en_US The arch support should be able to help stabilize the talonavicular joint and the rest of the orthotic would help cradle the entire foot.
