Custom Orthotics vs. Over-The-Counter Orthotics

Why are our Orthotics better than a Prefab orthotic?

Orthotics is a very broad term. It can range from an off the shelf device that is built to fit an average foot with only minor problems to a custom pair created specifically for you. There are some prefab/over-the-counter orthotics that do work better than the rest. We can discuss these at your appointment- and we have them for sale at our office.

At Pasadena Orthopedics, each of our orthotics are made to fit the person's feet. We do this by scanning each foot using a digital scanner. It is not messy, highly accurate, and takes less than 5 minutes. The 3D scan is then sent to a laboratory for 3D printing. You will pick up your orthotics in 1-2 weeks.

Many insurances do cover one pair per year. However we also take cash payment if your plan does not cover this service.

If you have a severe lower extremity deformity, you may be better suited for an Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO). This is also pictured below. Call 626-517-0022 for an appointment to be evaluated today!

Bunionette Deformity (Tailor's Bunion)

Overview: This bony bump forms on the outer side of the foot at the base of the fifth toe. Like a traditional bunion where the big toe is, a bunionette on the 5th toe can be sore and painful. The skin covering the bump can become red and irritated.

Causes: A bunionette is typically caused by footwear. High heel shoes and shoes with pointed toes are common culprits, because they place constant pressure on the toes and cause them to misalign. Bunionettes can also develop because of congenital structural problems of the foot.

Etiology: A bunionette forms gradually as the base of the fifth toe becomes partially dislocated. The toe turns inward, exposing the head of the metatarsal to the outer side of the foot. The head of this bone is then subjected to constant pressure from footwear, and this pressure causes a bony bump to form.

Symptoms: The most obvious symptom of a bunionette is a bony prominence at the base of the fifth toe. The skin at the bunionette may be thickened and calloused, and the bump may be tender and painful. A person who has a bunionette may have trouble finding comfortable shoes.

Treatment: Bunionettes can often be treated without surgery. A person with a bunionette may be encouraged to avoid wearing shoes that place stress on the toes. Pads can be worn on the outer side of the foot to help relieve pressure and cushion the foot. If these options are not effective, surgery may be needed to remove the bunionette and to realign the toe. This can be done through a minimal incision so you can get on with your life! Call us to discuss further at 626-517-0022.

Warts

Plantar warts affect 14 percent of Americans annually. If you're one of the unlucky ones, learn how to recognize this common foot issue and seek treatment with Dr. Sara Shirazi.

Overview: Plantar Wart is a type of wart that forms on the sole of the foot. It causes a patch of thickened skin. Plantar warts are common, and they aren't harmful. But they can be tender, and they can be embarrassing and contagious.

Causes: Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. We call it "HPV." You can come into contact with this virus if you walk barefoot in places that are warm and damp. It can enter the sole of your foot through a cut or a sore. It infects the outermost layer of your skin.

Symptoms: A plantar wart can be uncomfortable. It can cause pain when you stand or walk. Most plantar warts are no larger than a pencil eraser. Your wart may be flat like a callus. It may grow inward instead of outward. It may have tiny black dots in its center. You may have one wart, or you may have several. They can form in a cluster. In some cases a cluster of plantar warts grows very large and covers much of the sole of your foot.

Treatment: In some cases, plantar warts don't need to be treated. Over time, they often clear up on their own. But a painful or unsightly wart can be treated and removed. Often times, these do present in pediatric patients. No need to worry---Call us at 626-517-0022 to discuss further!