Congratulations!

Starting August 2009, Dr. Neuhaus is now:

Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery

Board Certified in Foot Surgery

Board Certified in Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery

Congratulations to Dr. Neuhaus on this great accomplishment!!!

A New Study for Heel Pain Solution

New Study Compares Over-the-Counter Foot Inserts with Prescription Orthotics

Prescription “arch supports” gaining statistical ground in medical community

June 23, 2009

Bethesda, MD – A new study being conducted at one of the nation’s top podiatric medical colleges looks to better understand a device that many podiatrists prescribe everyday in their practices—customized foot orthotics, also referred to in the medical community as orthoses.

The three-year study, funded by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), is currently investigating the success rate of foot orthotics in the treatment of patients suffering from plantar heel pain—an ailment that many podiatrists are able to treat successfully with prescription orthotics. The study, which will focus on a total of 300 patients, ages 18-75, is also comparing prescription orthotics to over-the-counter, prefabricated insoles—another common recommendation for managing heel pain.

Prescription orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that help to correct faulty foot function, or to remedy foot pain. Sometimes referred to as prescription "arch supports," many podiatrists can measure a patient’s foot for an orthotic device in just minutes. The in-office process often includes either taking a cast mold of the patient’s foot or taking a digital image to obtain the patient’s distinct arch and heel pattern needed to fit the orthotics. After custom manufacturing, the finalized orthotic is fitted and dispensed to the patient with specific instructions for wear.

"Prescription foot orthotics are an important treatment that a podiatrist uses to help our patients recover from painful injuries and return to an active lifestyle," said Dr. Ronald D. Jensen, APMA president. "Such as with many other prescribed medical treatments, it is vital that evidence-based, statistical data be gathered in a scientific environment to support the use of custom foot orthotics for patient care."

Prescription foot orthotics, which often last several years before replacement is needed, customarily fall into three broad categories: those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection. They are often used as a conservative treatment by podiatrists before considering more intrusive means of correction, such as surgery.

Heel Pain Sufferers

Do you ever suffer from heel pain? If so, here is some information that could help!

Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or a cyst. Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed which results in heel pain.The most common causes of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot, problems with arches, wearing non-supportive footwear on hard surfaces, and obesity. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain on the bottom of the heel, usually worse upon arising.

To learn more about this, please visit our website at www.neufoot.com. Feel free to look around and we look forward to hearing from you soon!