Custom Orthotics

Custom foot orthotics are designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look similar to insoles, but are biomedical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot while you walk. We understand that everyone is different, which is why custom foot orthotics are made just for you.

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Surgical Corrections of Foot Disorders

In most cases, invasive methods are not necessary to correct many foot disorders. Though in more extreme conditions, surgery may be required. The need for surgery will depend on the severity of the condition, the amount of pain the patient is experiencing, and the patient’s past response to various treatments.

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Wound Care

Ulcers on the foot may not always come with pain, but they are serious conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional. The symptoms of ulcers may include drainage, or red, inflamed tissue. To properly diagnose and develop a treatment plan x-rays may be ordered.

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Digital X-Rays

At Tolboe Foot & Ankle, we value your time and are proud to offer our patients in-house, state-of-the-art digital radiographs. We understand that proper treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis, and our digital x-ray service enables us to diagnose and confirm any bone or soft tissue injuries and conditions that can be hard to determine through a physical exam. Unlike traditional x-rays that use film, digital x-rays are safer exposing patients to less radiation and faster allowing doctors to view results within minutes. With this state-of-the-art technology, we can save you time and begin customizing treatment and therapies for your needs.

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Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be caused by cutting your toenails too short or not cutting them straight across. They can also result from trauma, such as stubbing your toe, or in other cases wearing shoes that are too tight. People whose toes tend to curl or individuals who suffer from a disease such as arthritis are more susceptible to have ingrown toenails.

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Bunions

Bunions, a prominent, bony bulge at the joint of the big toe, are one of the most common forefoot problems. Caused by the big toe and the next toe colliding, the big toe moves out, protruding toward the inside of the foot. This protrusion causes the big toe to veer toward the other toes and often overlaps them. The skin over the area may be red and sore from abnormal friction, causing the patient discomfort and improper walking often develops to accommodate the pain.

Bunions are commonly caused due to improper footwear restricting the toe area. The deformity can result through medical conditions, such as arthritis or as an inherited structural flaw.

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Corns

Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and are the hard center is surrounded by irritated skin. While corns can be found on the bottom of the foot where pressure is usually applied, it is more common that you find corns on the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. When pressure is applied, corns can cause significant pain and discomfort.

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Calluses

Calluses, on the other hand, don’t usually cause pain. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.

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Hammertoes

A hammertoe is caused when the PIP (proximal interphalangeal joint or middle joint) of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toe is contracted and causes the toes to bend. This bony prominence can put pressure on the toes and rub when wearing shoes. Left untreated, hammertoes become more rigid and less invasive, non-surgical measure are ineffective.

Hammertoes are caused by a muscle or tendon imbalance. It may be hereditary, caused by trauma or ill-fitting shoes.

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Diabetic Foot Care

Nearly a quarter of Americans with diabetes experience foot problems related to poor circulation and neuropathy. Minor injuries are magnified and cause severe problems if not taken care of quickly.

Neuropathy

Oftentimes, patients complain of numbness or insensitivity in their feet. The peripheral nerves carry signals from your brain to your muscles, skin, and internal organs and glands. Neuropathy affects these nerves and inhibits their function resulting in the loss of feeling, generally in hands and feet.

Diabetics experiencing foot neuropathy may not feel the pain of cuts and sores due to the lack of feeling in this area, and if left untreated, the wounds can ulcerate and eventually result in possible amputation. It’s important to make daily foot care and observation a priority.

Poor Circulation

Those with diabetes often experience poor circulation caused by peripheral vascular disease. The arteries narrow, reducing the amount of oxygen circulating in the body. The lack of oxygen impairs the body’s ability to heal as quickly due to the insufficient amounts of nutrients feeding the skin and other tissues. If not treated immediately, wounds and other trauma issues can quickly lead to ulceration, infection and more critical conditions.

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Warts

Caused by a virus, this soft tissue condition can be incredibly painful. The virus enters through small cuts or abrasions and thrives in warm, moist environments. Left untreated, warts can spread into clusters and grow to an inch or more in circumference.

Contact through skin or blood can spread the virus, like any other infectious lesion. And though most warts are harmless, they are still considered a viral infection and are often uncomfortable.

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Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain has many sources such as a stress fracture, arthritis, nerve irritation or tendonitis. It’s important to have heel pain properly diagnosed so the true cause of the ailment can be identified.

Repetitive stress and overuse of a specific area can cause the fat pad in your heel area to thin out. This ailment is caused by shoes that are too flat, and the heel area develops soreness.

Most often, heel pain is caused when the fibrous band of tissue (plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes becomes inflamed, diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. The most painful times often occur in the morning or after resting the foot for long periods of time, but it subsides throughout the day. For some, the pain returns after being on their feet for extensive amounts of time.

Those individuals with flat feet or high arches are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis, though unsupportive footwear on hard surfaces can strain the plantar fascia and cause inflammation as well.

Often associated with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs can cause heel pain as well. Calcium deposits gather on the bottom of the heel and cause bony protrusions, known as heel spurs, seen only on x-rays.

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Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by repeated ankle sprains and is described as the gradual giving way of the outside of the ankle. Some symptoms of ankle instability include constant inflammation or swelling, tenderness, and instability in the ankle. After a sprained ankle, the ligaments become stretched and torn. Proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and rehabilitate the tissues within the ankle that affect your balance. In addition, physical therapy, medications, and bracing can help treat chronic ankle instability. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains, or possibly surgery.

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Flat Feet

Flat feet, sometimes referred to as fallen arches, are caused by overpronation. In normal running or walking, the foot rolls slightly inward to accommodate movement. When the foot rolls inward more than normal, you see overpronation. Flat feet look as if the entire sole of your foot makes contact with the floor.

This condition is often related to other problems with lower back, hip, ankle and knee. This structural deformity in the foot can be caused by trauma, health problems, improper fitting shoes or run in the family.

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Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a specific type of fungal infection that typically begins between the toes. A common cause of athlete’s foot is sweaty feet that are confined to tight shoes for a long period of time. Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete’s foot is contagious and should be carefully monitored and treated. Athlete’s foot can easily be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection is likely to recur. Prescription medications also are available.

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Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendinitis is caused by overuse of the band of tissues that connects the lower region of your calf muscle to your heel bone, also known as your Achilles tendon. Those at a higher risk for Achilles tendinitis are runners engaging in intense training or middle-aged people who participate in sports on occasion.

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Neuromas

A neuroma is a condition in which the nerve is “pinched” or more specifically there is a benign growth of nerve tissue in the foot. This painful condition is frequently found between the third and fourth toes. It is often described as a burning sensation, tingling or a numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. This condition can be caused by deformities in the foot, trauma or improper footwear. Additionally, repeated stress can aggravate a neuroma.

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Geriatric Foot Care

As we age, foot problems are almost inevitable and completely normal. However, there are important steps to take to make sure you stay on your feet.

Health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues may cause problems that present themselves in the feet. It is very important to monitor your foot health and seek medical attention whenever you notice a problem. Below are some daily tips and tricks to keep your feet healthy.

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Ankle Sprains

A sprained ankle occurs when you twist your ankle in an abnormal way causing the ligaments holding your ankle bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and proper treatment.

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Toenail Fungus

Known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is caused when microscopic fungi enter your toenail, generally through trauma, and thrive in the warm, moist environment it finds. Nails become thick and discolored and patients often experience pain and discomfort.

Incidents increase with age but toenail fungus can affect anyone at any point. Public areas, swimming pools, gyms and shower stalls or any warm, moist environment can enable fungus to thrive and be picked up or shared.

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Peripheral Neuropathy

As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.

Once damage to nerves occurs, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are gradual and worsen with time. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to aid in the prevention of damage to those specific nerves.

Foot Fractures

Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common and rarely debilitating. There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.

Depending on the fracture and placement, different treatments will be discussed. Foot fractures typically heal on their own, although more serious cases may require surgery.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot is fractured so treatment can begin right away.

Gout

Often we associate arthritis with older patients who have lived an active lifestyle. Gout, on the other hand, can affect anyone. Gout is a common form of arthritis that is known for its sudden attacks of pain and joint tenderness. Joints that are affected by gout are often hot to the touch, swollen, and very tender. While symptoms are not chronic, it is essential to take preventative measures to manage gout as its side effects can be debilitating and intolerable.

Ankle Pain

The foot and ankle are highly specialized structures that absorb the weight of the body and enable us to move. Experts estimate that the force and pressure on your feet when walking can be up to two times your body weight. This pressure can increase with more vigorous movements such as running and jumping. With so much pressure on your feet and ankles, they undergo a lot of wear and tear throughout your life and are highly susceptible to injury and trauma.

The foot and ankle are a complex system of bones, ligaments, muscles, and joints that provide the structure and stability we need to move freely. If any of these components become compromised or weakened due to injury, overuse, degenerative conditions, or sprains, it can significantly impact your foot’s ability to move and function properly.

Pediatric Foot Conditions

Pediatric foot conditions often go unnoticed and are often misdiagnosed. Most doctors dismiss any pediatric foot issues as being a part of normal structural development that children will eventually outgrow. However, foot problems are often prevalent in children due to their high levels of physical activity. Children are resilient, meaning that any potential foot issues may be overlooked.

MLS Laser treatment (for pain relief and tissue healing)

BENEFITS TO MLS LASER THERAPY

Our office offers MLS Laser Therapy. Our doctor’s are prepared to answer all of your questions to decide if MLS is a right choice for you.

REDUCES SWELLING

MLS Laser Therapy drains swollen areas resulting in less bruising and inflammation.

REDUCES PAIN

MLS has a beneficial effect on nerve cells and stimulates muscle trigger points noninvasively. Pain is blocked from being transmitted to the brain and decreases nerve sensitivity providing you with pain relief.

FASTER WOUND HEALING

The laser light stimulates development of damaged tissue.

REDUCES SCARRING

IMPROVED NERVE FUNCTION

Laser light speed up the process for nerve call reconnection and increasing potential of muscle healing.

IMPROVED VASCULAR ACTIVITY

Ankle Arthroscopy

At Tolboe Foot & Ankle, we are proud to offer ankle arthroscopy to patients seeking ankle treatment.

What is Ankle Arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive ankle surgery that uses a fiber-optic camera to guide your surgeon in treating various ankle conditions.

If you struggle with arthritis in your ankle, an injury, infection, ankle fracture, ankle instability, or need ankle fusion surgery, an ankle arthroscopy may be recommended. Your doctor may also recommend an ankle arthroscopy to examine and repair tendons and ligaments of the ankle.

Compared to traditional ankle surgery procedures, an ankle arthroscopy can have a significantly shorter recovery time, less scarring, and faster healing.