HomeAbout SuzanneContact SuzanneLatest NewsVideo GalleryShow Search
This week's episodes
HIV Over 50HIV Over 50
Bra InterventionBra Intervention
Sex Talk with Sue JohansonSex Talk with Sue Johanson
VulvodyniaVulvodynia
Vaginal ProlapseVaginal Prolapse
Fecal IncontinenceFecal Incontinence
www.suzanne.tv
Print Friendly Version
Helpful Hints
  • To prevent foot problems, always buy properly fitting shoes that are deep enough in the toe box and have plenty of cushion and support. If you have orthoses, remember to wear them when shoe shopping to be sure they fit and don't slip in the shoes you want to buy.
  • Don't ignore foot and ankle pain - it can lead to more problems. Instead, seek help from your podiatrist.
  • Orthoses help decrease the risk of sores that may occur among patients with circulatory diseases or diabetes. If you suffer from any of these problems, ask your doctor if orthoses could help.
  • Your orthoses must be kept in good condition to function properly. If your orthoses crack, begin to lose their shape or start rocking in your shoes, they may need replacing.

Surfing Suggestions

View this week's video clip
Show Summary

Orthoses! What?


at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

Did you know the average person walks 10,000 steps a day? That's a lot of mileage for any two feet - especially if you suffer from foot problems, such as bunions and hammertoes, or poor foot posture, which can accelerate wear and tear on joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the feet, ankle and legs. Maybe you experience increased pain under the heels and balls of feet, due to a thinning or loss of natural fat pad cushioning in these areas. Or you suffer from arthritis, a condition that can further aggravate the pain.

Suzanne's guest Dr. Kendrick A. Whitney, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics at the Temple University Foot and Ankle Institute, shares some good news for bad feet.

It comes in the form of shoes inserts, or orthoses - cushioned devises that are placed inside your shoe to help control the way your foot moves. They can improve balance, prevent falls that may result in injury and reduce the progression of foot problems.

To find out if orthoses are right for you, see a podiatric physician for a lower extremity evaluation. The podiatrist will identify your foot problems and determine the best possible treatment.

Orthoses are available in a wide variety of materials - from rigid plastic to soft foam. In addition, orthoses may be purchased over-the-counter or can be custom made for your feet. Orthoses can be made for dress shoes, athletic shoes - even ski boots.

To create a custom pair, your doctor will make casts of your feet so your orthoses can be built to exact detail. After covering the bottom of your foot with gauze and plaster of Paris, your podiatrist may hold your foot in position as the cast dries. The cast hardens quickly and will be removed from your foot in a very short time. When both feet have been set, the casts will be sent to a lab, where technicians will fill them with plaster to make models of your feet, from which they will form orthoses to match your doctor's specifications. You can expect to receive your orthoses in about three weeks.

By controlling foot movement, your orthoses can make it easier to get on with your life and the activities you enjoy. In addition to improving foot posture and balance, orthoses can also improve knee alignment and overall body posture. For maximum results, wear your orthoses daily and visit your podiatrist regularly. Your feet with thank you for it!
DisclaimerComcast