Items filtered by date: June 2025

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground. This condition can lead to foot pain, fatigue, poor posture, and strain on the ankles, knees, or lower back. Foot orthotics help by providing arch support, improving alignment, and redistributing pressure across the feet. They enhance stability and reduce discomfort during walking or standing. A podiatrist can assess the structure and function of your feet, identify any underlying issues, and create custom orthotics tailored to your needs. With professional guidance, orthotics can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications. If you experience discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective support and personalized foot care.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact William Beaton, DPM from Advanced Podiatry and Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in St. Petersburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain in runners is a common issue often caused by plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and stress fractures. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, while metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot. Stress fractures result from repetitive impact and overuse. Stretching can help ease discomfort, including the seated towel stretch to improve flexibility and rolling a frozen water bottle under the arch to reduce inflammation. Wearing properly fitted running shoes with good support is essential. A podiatrist can evaluate pain, identify the underlying cause, recommend targeted stretches and footwear, and provide treatment to promote healing and prevent further injury for long-term foot health. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact William Beaton, DPM of Advanced Podiatry and Wound Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in St. Petersburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet can offer important clues about your overall health. Dark spots or unusual discoloration under the toenails may indicate melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Horizontal or vertical lines in the nails may suggest low levels of magnesium, zinc, or certain vitamins. Chipped or cracked toenails may be linked to digestive or gut health issues that affect nutrient absorption. These visible changes should not be ignored, as they may reflect deeper systemic concerns. A podiatrist can help identify the underlying cause of these signs through a thorough examination while offering treatment to support both foot and general wellness. If you have foot pain or notice changes to your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you with overall foot health.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact William Beaton, DPM from Advanced Podiatry and Wound Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in St. Petersburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.