FootAnkle.com

Children’s Flat Foot Seattle

2012-01-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

It is absolutely normal for very young children to show little or no arch in their feet. As your child grows, their feet will develop an arch naturally, usually by the ages of 6-10 years old. By this time, if your child’s feet have not developed a proper arch, they may have a condition known as children’s flat foot, or pes planus. How can you tell if this is the case? You probably can’t, but a fully trained and certified podiatrist will be able to diagnose and treat this condition.

For an evaluation of your children’s flat foot, and an effective treatment plan, make an appointment today to visit the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington.

Shoes for children’s flat foot

Buying the proper shoes, properly fitted to your child’s feet, will usually go a long way to improving problems caused by children’s flat foot. Although the younger your child, the less likely he or she will need arch supports in shoes, as they grow, your child will benefit from support with regularly replaced, high quality, properly fitted shoes. Check out our Children’s Shoe Buying Guide.

Children with pathologic flat foot, children who are overweight or obese, and children with other medical conditions which contribute to the condition of children’s flat foot, may all benefit from quality shoes with proper arch support. These shoes should be replaced every 3-4 months, should be made of breathable, stretchable material such as leather or canvas, should be comfortable from day one, and should not be hand-me-downs.

To help you provide proper footwear for your child, read about children’s shoes here. If you are still concerned about your child having children’s flat foot, make an appointment today for a checkup with us. Please bring a couple of pairs of your children’s shoes with you.

Heel Pain in Foot | Seattle Heel Pain Center

2012-01-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

If you have been experiencing chronic heel pain in foot, it is likely time to visit a podiatrist for advanced treatments for heel pain. At the Seattle Heel Pain Center, an adjunct to the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington, we offer a number of conservative, non-invasive treatments for chronic heel pain which have proven to be very effective.

Even the most persistent heel pain can usually be treated without surgery, with the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If you’ve already tried our home treatment guide, the 10-Step Home Treatment Plan for Heel and Arch Pain as well as the use of over-the-counter orthotics, it may be time for more advanced treatment options.

Our doctors, Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale, are experts in the use of advanced treatments for heel pain in foot, such as custom made and fitted Foot Orthotics for Heel Pain, as well as Shockwave Therapy Extracorporal shockwave and Percutaneous Ultrasound Guided Approach to Plantar Fasciitis (Dry Needling) . These treatments are non-invasive, eliminating the need for surgery, and are usually pain free.

If you are experiencing heel pain in foot, or arch pain, make an appointment today to see us in our Seattle office.

If you live or work outside the Seattle area, we have made available a List of Podiatrists Outside Washington State, to help you find relief from your heel pain in foot.

If you live in the Seattle metro area, the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington and the Seattle Heel Pain Center are the first choice for referral of persistent and chronic foot problems.

Our doctors, Dr. Douglas S. Hale and Dr. Lawrence Z. Huppin are skilled foot and ankle physicians with advanced training, respected credentials and meaningful experience. Drs. Hale and Huppin have more than 15 years experience each, are well known for their conservative yet effective treatment of your feet, and have earned the trust of hundreds of referring physicians.

Heels Hurt Seattle | Seattle Heel Pain Center

2012-01-12T15:51:00.000-08:00

While there are a variety of conditions which can make your heels hurt, by far the most common condition is plantar fasciitis. If your heels hurt, you can rest assured that you will get the correct heel pain diagnosis by making an appointment at the Seattle Heel Pain Center, where we specialize in the treatment of heel pain.

Why your heels hurt

Heel Spurs

First, it must be said that heel spurs, if you have them, are not actually the reason that your heels hurt. A heel spur will form when the arch of your foot flattens excessively. When your arch flattens it will cause your foot to lengthen, and when your foot lengthens it will cause your plantar fascia to tighten. When the plantar fascia tightens it tugs on the heel bone and, over time, your heel bone reacts to this by forming a spur. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis.

It is actually the tightened plantar fascia which is making your heels hurt, not the heel spur.

Heels Hurt in the Morning

Plantar fasciitis and many other heel conditions are caused by damage to the tissue that connects into the heel, the plantar fascia. The damage to this tissue causes inflammation.

As you walk about during the day, the simple act of walking, with the muscles of your foot contracting and pressure from the ground pressing on the heel, acts like a massage of your foot, preventing inflammation from building up in the heel. However, when you lie down at night or sit for a while during the day, this massaging effect is halted allowing for the build-up of inflammation once again, resulting in a recurrence of the pain.

This cycle is repeated each time you rest, then walk, then rest again.

Orthotics can bring relief when your heels hurt

Plantar Fasciitis

Proper arch support to relieve the stretching of the plantar fascia will most often result in the reduction of your heel pain. This is achieved most often through the use of quality orthotics, custom made to fit your foot, or over the counter.

We offer a list of the best prefabricated orthotics and other home treatments for plantar fasciitis here.

The proper fit and use of well-made orthotics will, in all likelihood relieve your heel pain. If your heels hurt, whether occasionally or chronically, you should make an appointment today to visit us at the Seattle Heel Pain Center of the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington; where our goal, in every case, is to relieve your heel pain as quickly as possible and provide a treatment plan that will give you long-term relief.

Kids Feet Seattle

2011-12-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

Have you ever compared your feet to your child’s feet? They look a bit different, don’t they? Not just in size, but in structure too. There is a reason for this, of course. Kids’ feet are not simply smaller versions of the adult foot. There are obvious, and not-so-obvious, structural differences which determine the type of care kids’ feet require. At the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington, we are the first choice of people seeking help with kids’ feet Seattle.

We specialize in kids’ feet

All parents must understand that their kids’ feet are not miniature adult feet. Kids’ feet are still developing. Relatively soft cartilage is present and the bones are still forming. Especially during the first year of life, kids’ feet will be incredibly soft and pliable. This means that any abnormal, repetitive pressures can easily cause the foot to deform (from poorly fitting shoes, for example). The rules you have learned about taking care of your own feet simply do not apply to what is best for your kids’ feet.

Here are some things to look for when trying to decide if your kids’ feet are developing properly:

Does your child complain of pain in their feet, ankles, or legs?
Have you noticed that your child is regularly tripping and falling?
Do your child’s shoes tend to wear unevenly?
Does your child asked to be carried more than other kids of the same age?
Have you noticed an unusual gait or foot position when your child is walking or running?
Have you noticed any skin rashes, hard skin, lumps, or bumps on your kids’ feet?

Kids Feet Seattle Clinic

If your answer to any of the above questions is “Yes,” your child needs an evaluation by a qualified kids’ feet specialist. Problems with kids’ feet are one of our primary specialties and both Dr. Hale and Dr. Huppin treat kids’ feet on a daily basis. We love working with kids and always make their visits with us as easy, painless, and even fun, as possible.

If you live in the Seattle area or the Puget Sound region, make an appointment for your child at The Foot and Ankle Center of Washington.

Bunion Surgery Seattle

2011-12-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Early treatment for bunion pain can help prevent surgery. However, if you suspect you need surgical care or want a second opinion before bunion surgery, we’ve put together some frequently asked questions about bunions to help you make an informed decision.

At our Seattle foot and ankle clinic, we approach bunion treatment by 1) determining the cause of the bunion pain and 2), helping to avoid further damage to the joint. In the majority of cases, pain can be eliminated and the joint protected without having to do bunion surgery. This is especially true if early treatment is sought.

If you need bunion surgery, we consider this as a last resort, but our surgeons have some of most advanced training in the region. Both Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale have been named Seattle’s Top Doctors and are experts in bunion surgical care. Our approach to bunion surgery includes educating patients and helping to determine the right surgical procedure. This will depend on foot type, severity of the deformity, activities, and symptoms.

Conservative therapies, such as foot orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist, have been shown to control abnormal foot mechanics and prevent the need for surgery. Orthotics that conform as close as possible to the arch of the foot— known as Total Contact Foot Orthotics—are a highly effective, conservative option.

Make an appointment to meet with Dr. Huppin or Dr. Hale in Seattle.

Download the free report: Ten Secrets to Relieve Bunion Pain. It includes a section on "How to Find the Best Bunion Surgeon Near You” and how to decide if surgery is necessary.

Children's Foot Care Seattle

2011-12-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

Children need regular foot check ups as they grow up. Many foot problems are present at a young age and when caught early later problems can be prevented. At our Seattle podiatry clinic, we specialize in the needs of children’s feet—including heel pain, injuries, shoe problems, bunions, children’s arthritis, and more.

A comprehensive children’s foot check-up should begin as soon as your child starts to walk. We also recommend evaluations at age 3 when the foot is more developed, and again at age 6 when starting grade school. A foot evaluation is also important before engaging in any kind of sports.

If you live in the Seattle area or the Puget Sound region, make an appointment for your child at The Foot and Ankle Center of Washington.

The children’s foot care provided includes:

1. Help for pain in the feet, knees or ankles. If your child complains of pain in these areas, or you notice your child regularly tripping and falling, there could be lower body alignment issues.

2. Shoe and healthy walking evaluation. If the wear and tear in child’s shoes is uneven, your child may have an unusual gait or foot position. If anything is unusual, or your child insists of being carried more than normal, an exam may be necessary.

3. A comprehensive foot evaluation. Walking patterns, wearing the right shoes, normal muscle function, and determining if inherited foot problems are present are some of the areas that should be checked.

Request an appointment for your child at our Seattle podiatry clinic.

Night Splints for Heel Pain Seattle

2011-12-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

Heel and arch pain is one of the most common complaints we hear from patients. This has led us to develop a heel pain protocol at the Seattle Heel Pain Center. We also offer reviews of products designed to help with heel pain.

Night splints can be helpful in treating plantar facilities (heel pain), Achilles tendonitis, and morning heel pain. In combination with other heel pain therapies, most patients using night splints find significant relief. One study showed that 80% of patients saw significant improvements in the first month.

We have reviewed a number of night splints for heel pain treatment. The Dorsal Night Splint and the Plantar Night Splint are our top choices. These fit on different areas of the foot (the top or bottom) and the fit depends on personal preference. There is also Night Splint Sock that can be used as an alternative.

Tips for Using Night Splints

Wear it at night to bed. Also, if you’ll be sitting for more than 30 minutes during the day, a night splint can be effective.
If you have heel pain in both feet, we suggest initially purchasing just one night split. Most people find that wearing two splits is uncomfortable.
When starting treatment, plan on using the night splint consistently for the first 3-4 weeks.

For the most rapid relief of pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If you live in the Puget Sound area, visit our Seattle Heel Pain Center. Appointments for heel pain treatment can be made here.

Bunion Pain Seattle

2011-11-30T21:43:00.001-08:00

Bunions are our specialty and can be successfully treated at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington in Seattle. Our skilled podiatrists use conservative, effective therapies to relieve bunion pain and prevent it from returning.

The type of bunion treatment that is best for you will depend on a few factors: your foot type, the severity of the deformity, your activity level, and your symptoms. Download your free report – Ten Secrets to Relieve Bunion Pain.

If you have a bunion, you’ll notice pain in the big toe joint or an enlargement of the big toe joint. Bunions are closely related to Hallux Limitus and Hallux Rigidus. All of these problems can be treated non-surgically, but if not treated early, they will get worse overtime.

Studies show that bunion pain responds positively to custom orthotics and conservative treatments. For the best results, the orthotics must be made using non-weightbearing casts of your feet and follow precise casting methods. The feet should be in the proper position to ensure that the orthotics will have the best fit.

Both of our Seattle podiatrists have extensive training in orthotics and bunion pain and Dr. Huppin is a nationally recognized authority on foot orthotics.

If the bunion does not respond to conservative therapies, bunion surgery is considered. We use strict criteria for determining if bunion surgery is necessary. Dr. Hale is our bunion surgical specialist and one of the top bunion surgeons in the United States.

Don’t live with bunion pain. Make an appointment to visit the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington today.

Bunion Pain Seattle

2011-11-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

Both of our Seattle podiatrists have extensive training in orthotics and bunion pain. If the bunion does not respond to conservative therapies, bunion surgery is considered. We use strict criteria for determining if bunion surgery is necessary. Dr. Hale is our bunion surgical specialist and one of the top bunion surgeons in the United States.

Don’t live with bunion pain. Make an appointment to visit the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington today.

Children's Foot Doctor Seattle

2011-11-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

Seattle podiatrists Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale are experts in foot mechanics and the unique foot and ankle problems of children. While kids can develop many of the same conditions as adults, growing feet often need specialized treatment.

At the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, our doctors are highly trained in the unique needs of kids. From toddlers to adolescents, there are common foot problems that can develop due to wearing the wrong shoes, heel and arch pain, sports injuries, flat feet, ingrown toenails, and even arthritis in children’s feet.

If your child complains of foot pain, don’t ignore the symptoms. While some foot problems can go away on their own, kids should not have to live with foot pain. Children with foot problems can have negative effects in physical, social and psychological development. This is one of the reasons it’s important that children and adolescents get highly capable, results-oriented attention right away.

At our Seattle foot and ankle clinic, we help children to get the most positive results over the long-term. This means getting your kids back to their current activity level as soon as possible and preventing pain from returning.

If your child has foot, ankle, or knee pain, call us right away. Our clinic is located near downtown Seattle and we see children from throughout the region. Appointments can be scheduled online here.

Treatment for Bottom of Heel Pain in Seattle

2011-08-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

The most common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, causes the bottom of the heel to hurt. This usually happens when the foot flattens too much and the tissue at the bottom of the foot (known as the plantar fasica) tightens. As tension in the bottom of the heel increases, the pain gets worse. If plantar fasciitis is not corrected, the arch will continue to collapse and the condition can become chronic and difficult to treat.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Seattle

Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale are specialists in heel pain treatment—even if the pain has lasted for months or years. We use a specific heel pain program to get patients back on their feet as quickly as possible. Since most cases of plantar fasciitis are not treated correctly or are under-treated, we developed the Seattle Heel Pain Center to treat all types of heel pain, including bottom of heel pain and chronic pain.

Our goal is correct the cause of the condition and reduce the tightness in the heel area as quickly as possible. We focus first on non-surgical solutions, including some of the best orthotics for heel pain. These orthotics fit closely to the arch of the foot and are known as total contact orthotics. If you’ve had orthotics in the past and they were not prescribed correctly or did not resolve the pain, orthotic therapy at the Foot and Ankle Clinic can help.

Other non-invasive treatments include Dry Needling Therapy, which has a high success rate and is a painless procedure. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is an option for chronic heel pain that has been diagnosed for six months or more. Dr. Hale was one of the first physicians in the State of Washington certified to perform this type of advanced therapy.

Don’t live with stubborn heel pain. Request an appointment at our Seattle podiatrist clinic today. Most patients find significant relief in just a few weeks.

Treatments for Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

2011-08-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

At the Seattle Heel Pain Center at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale are specialists in heel and arch pain treatment. Both Seattle podiatrists are experts in orthotic therapy and correcting biomechanical problems in the foot. Over the years we have found that heel pain is highly preventable, yet it is the most common complaint we hear from patients. This has led us to develop specific treatment plans and our heel pain program at the Seattle Heel Pain Center.

This condition, which is also known as plantar fasciitis, can become difficult and chronic if not treated early. However, it can almost always be resolved even in the most difficult and long-lasting cases without surgery. More than 95% of our patients report that their condition has been successfully treated within a few weeks.

Our best practices for heel pain treatment include:

Decrease the tightness on the plantar fasciitis. When the foot flattens too much, the plantar fascia tightens, leading to inflammation and discomfort. If this problem is not resolved, treatment is likely to fail.
Reduce the inflammation and pain fast. Initial pain relief can be achieved through a combination of evidence-based heel pain treatments.
Orthotic therapy for long-term pain relief. Several studies show that custom foot orthotics specifically designed to treat plantar fasciitis, including total contact orthotics, is the most effective way to prevent pain. We see many patients at our office who have orthotics that do not provide enough arch support. We are experts at troubleshooting all orthotics and prescribing, casting, and fitting new ones.
Prevent the problem from returning. There are standard and non-invasive options to keep heel pain away and prevent surgery. These work for most patients, including those who have had past treatment failures. Learn more about these approaches here.

If you live in the Puget Sound region and are experiencing heel pain, we can help. Make an appointment now to see us in our Seattle clinic.

Foot Heel Pain Seattle

2011-07-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

If you are suffering from heel and arch pain, there are a number of treatments that will give you long-term relief. In fact, even if you have stubborn heel pain that has not responded to standard therapy, there are conservative options that should be considered before surgery.

At the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, we work with patients across the region who visit our Seattle Heel Pain Center. Due to the great number of patients who suffer from heel pain, we established a heel pain protocol based on the latest research. This includes the use of specialized foot orthotics for heel pain and the minimally invasive Extracorporal Shockwave Therapy. A new treatment, Dry Needling, has also been shown to be effective, and despite the name, it’s painless for you.

Studies have shown that most heel pain responds to a conservative treatment plan—especially when prescribed correctly. Patients who come to the Seattle Heel Pain Center who have had past treatment failures will usually find relief, without surgery. Even if your pain has lasted months or even years, in most cases it can be resolved.

Seattle podiatrists, Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale, have advanced training to resolve all heel and arch pain. They are among the nation’s most informed and experienced in the use of orthotic therapy and have earned the trust of thousands of patients over the years.

Request an appointment to visit our Seattle heel pain clinic.

Morning Heel Pain Seattle

2011-07-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Patients with heel pain often notice it is worse first thing in the morning when getting out of bed. This is because the leading cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, involves the shortening of the plantar fascia during sleep. The result is inflammation as the tissue stretches when the foot flattens and the arch is not supported. Most people find that morning heel pain reduces after walking stretches the area, but it often returns again in the evening.

At the Seattle Heel Pain Center, we specialize in treating heel pain and treat patients throughout the Puget Sound region. We have found that this condition is often undertreated, yet when treated correctly, there is an almost 95% success rate. Our treatment approach is to determine the cause of the pain, relieve the pain as quickly as possible, and prevent it from returning.

Both of our podiatrists are experts in solving heel pain and providing lasting relief using the latest technology and non-invasive techniques. Dr. Huppin has is a national leader in foot orthotic therapy and biomechanics and Dr. Hale is one of the first physicians in the Seattle area to perform Extracorporal Shockwave Therapy, a non-surgical technique that provides lasting relief. Both doctors specialize in conservative care and are leaders in orthotic therapy, including specialized orthotics for plantar fasciitis

Most patients at the Seattle Heel Pain Center find significant relief in as quickly as a few weeks. Don’t let heel pain keep you from walking comfortably in the morning. Make an appointment now to see us in our Seattle office.

Seattle Heel Pain Treatment Center

2011-07-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale specialize in heel pain treatment. In fact, heel pain is the most common problem treated in our Seattle clinic and we are experts in providing rapid and long-lasting relief. We have developed a set of treatment plans that relieve most cases of heel pain within a few weeks and then prevent it from returning. These "evidence based" protocols are based on ongoing evaluation of medical research related to plantar fasciitis and other types of heel pain. In light of the epidemic of heel pain that is now occurring we have a specialty clinic within our practice, The Seattle Heel Pain Center, devoted to providing relief of plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain.

We are able to treat even the most stubborn cases of heel pain. If you have heel problems that other practitioners have not been able to cure, we encourage you to make an appointment in our Seattle office for a second opinion. In fact, the Seattle Heel Pain Center is where other doctors send their patients who are not getting better.

Treatment Goals – Rapid Relief of Pain and Prevent Return of Symptoms

Our first goal in treatment is to relieve your pain as quickly as possible. Once your pain has been relieved we then develop a program to prevent it from returning.

Heel and arch pain have many potential causes, so for treatment to be successful it must first be determined specifically why you have pain. Our first step is to evaluate the cause of your pain and then develop short and long term plans to get you back to full activity as soon as possible. When treated correctly surgery is almost never necessary.

Why Does Treatment of Heel Pain So Often Fail?

Too often, treatment of plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and other causes of heel and arch pain fail because the problem is simply undertreated. Another reason we see treatment of heel pain fail is a lack of awareness of the latest research on the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. Treatment recommendations have changed dramatically in the past five years and not everyone has kept up.

How long does it take to get better?
Plantar fasciitis is the number one cause of heel pain. Too often plantar fasciitis is not treated correctly or is under-treated. This leads to pain that lasts months or years longer than it should. When treated with correct protocol, most patients see significant relief within a few weeks. Some get better faster and some take a bit longer and require more involed treatment. We can usually let you know on the first visit what you can expect. The sooner treatment is started; the easier the problem is to treat. If you are experiencing heel pain or arch pain, make an appointment today to see us in our Seattle office.

We have more detailed information on plantar fasciitis treatment plans avaible here.

Orthotics for Heel Pain:

Foot orthotics are a valuable part of the long-term treatment of plantar fasciitis. But it is absolutely critical that orthotics be made correctly.

Several studies have shown that the most effective way to accomplish this is to use foot orthotics that conform extremely tight to the arch of the foot. These are known as total contact orthotics. Unfortunately, most orthotics fail to completely eliminate heel pain because they do not conform to the foot as they should.

Detailed information on how orthotics should be made to treat plantar fasciitis and other forms of heel pain can be found here.

Haglund's Deformity Treatment - Seattle Podiatrist

2010-12-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

Haglund's deformity is an enlargement of the back of the heel bone and one of the most common causes of heel pain that we treat in our Seattle foot clinic. Pain occurs at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches into the heel bone. It is a particular problem for women as pressure from women's dress shoes often irritates the enlarged heel bone. This is why Haglund deformity is often called a "pump bump".

Treatment for this problem is focused on decreasing pressure on the back of the heel. We try to do this non-surgically if at all possible. Treatment may include:

Custom Foot Orthotics,
Oral anti-inflammatory drugs
Icing
Strengthening exercises for the Achilles tendon
Stretching exercises may help reduce Achilles tendon tension.
Heel lifts
Modifications to shoes
New shoes
In some cases, temporary immobilization in a walking boot or cast can allow the tissue to heal.

More detail on treatment options for Haglund's deformity can be found here. Home remedies for Haglunds deformity can be found here.

If you have painful Haglund's deformity, make an appointment to see us in our Seattle clinic.

Patients Guide to Foot Orthotics

2010-08-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

We have published a whitepaper designed to help people learn everything they need to know before getting custom foot orthotics. Regardless of where you are getting your orthotics, we recommend reading this document before you are casted for (or pay for) the orthotics. The information in the whitepaper will guide you in asking the right questions and finding the best doctor to make your orthotic devices.

This is essentially a consumer's guide to help you decide when orthotics are the best treatment for your problem and how to ensure you get the best possible orthotics. If Consumer Reports were to look at foot orthotics, we hope this is the type of article they might publish.

You can download the "Patients Guide to Foot Orthotics" here.

Careful of Orthotic Scams - Seattle Podiatrist

2010-08-07T14:06:00.001-07:00

We see patients every week who have spent hard earned money on orthotics that are no better than an arch support purchased from a pharmacy. I had a patient from Kirkland this past week who had spent over $400 on orthotics and wanted an evaluation because her heel pain did not seem to be getting any better. When I checked the orthotics next to her foot it was easy to see that the orthotics did not match the shape of her arch at all.

A number studies have shown that to best relieve heel pain, orthotics should conform very close to the arch of the foot. This enables the orthotic to transfer pressure off of the heel and to reduce tension on the plantar fascia. These orthotics that conform close to the arch are called "total contact orthotics". Her orthotics came no where near her arch.

I asked her how the cast of her foot was taken and she told me that the podiatrist she had seen had used a foam box to get the image. Unfortunately, when this foam box technique is used, weight is placed on the foot that causes it to flatten out. This results in a flat orthotic - one that does not work to reduce heel pain.

Foam box casting is shown at right.

This is a quick and cheap method of taking a cast, but not an effective one to make orthotics to treat problems such as heel pain, bunions, tendonitis or ball of foot pain.

Before having orthotics made, ask if the doctor uses a foam box to make their orthotics. If so, we recommend going elsewhere.

More information on casting for orthotics is available here.

10 Secrets to Relieving Bunion Pain - Free Report

2010-06-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

Heel Spur Surgery Seattle

2010-04-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

I had a potential patient call today wondering if we "do heelspur removal surgery". The fact is, that we COULD surgically remove a heel spur, but in most cases this is a surgery that is rarely if ever necessary, and in fact, is often dangerous. Heel spur surgery should be considered only as a very last resort and even then it is usually not the best choice for treating heel pain.

Twenty years ago heel spur excision surgeries were fairly common. It seemed logical. Someone had pain at the heel and had a spur there, so you remove the spur. The problem was, it often didn't cure the heel pain and the surgery has a lot of potential complications. More recent studies have shown that it is not the heel spur that causes a sore heel, but rather, inflammation and tightness of the plantar fascia where it attaches to the heel.

We are almost always able to relieve heel pain without resorting to surgery. In fact, if someone is recommending heel spur surgery to you we recommend that you get a 2nd opinion, 3rd opinion and a 4th opinion before proceeding. Heel spur surgery is almost never necessary and we have seen many patients who have had bad outcomes from heel spur surgery.

You can read about our treatment protocol for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis here.

If you are in the Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Tacoma or Redmond, WA areas you can make an appointment to see us in our Seattle foot clinic.

Marthon Runners Shoe Recommendations - Seattle Podiatrist

2010-04-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

I've had a lot of runners in the office the last few weeks who are training for the Seattle Rock n Roll marathon and are looking for our recommendations for running shoes.

There is no perfect running shoe. It depends on your foot type, foot shape, weight and running style. So the key to getting the best shoe for a marathon or half-marathon is to have an evaluation of your feet either by a sports medicine podiatrist or a well trained and experienced running shoe specialist in a specialty shoe store.

If you wear arch supports or orthotics, be sure to wear them when you try on running shoes.

Some of the Puget Sound shoe stores where we have found that the personnel are routinely very well trained and that we recommend for marathon runners include:

Seattle: Super Jock n Jill, Sound Sports, Shoes N Feet
Tacoma: Shoes N Feet
Federal Way: Shoes N Feet,
Auburn: Brooks Outlet
Bothell, WA: Brooks Outlet
Everett, WA: Shoes N Feet
Bellevue, WA: Foot Zone, Shoes N Feet
Issaquah: Foot Zone
Redmond: Foot Zone
Lynnwood: New Balance Store
Kirkland, WA: Everyday Athlete

It's really worth it to go to shoe stores with well-trained personnel. Some shoe stores do not have personnel trained well in fitting running shoes. We recommend avoiding places like Neo Vita, Nordstrom and Big 5. We just have not had good luck with our patients getting well fit shoes in these stores. Although these stores may have some very good personnel, we have not seen the consistency that we have with our recommended list of shoe stores.

I do want to make sure everyone knows that I have a small financial interest in Shoes N Feet. My business partner, Dr. Doug Hale, has no interest in any shoes stores.

If you are in Seattle, come see us in our foot clinic for a pre-marathon evaluation.

Bainbridge Island Orthotics

2010-03-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington are nationally known experts in foot orthotic therapy. If you are a candidate for foot orthotics, they will ensure that you get the best possible orthotics for your feet. Read more here to learn why our orthotics tend to work better than those from most other practitioners.

How Should Your Foot Be Casted for Custom Orthotics?
There are different techniques that can be used to obtain a cast of the foot to make custom foot orthotics. Studies have shown that some techniques are effective while others are not. Unfortunately not all practitioners use the methods that have been shown to be most effective. This may be because they are not familiar with the literature, because they want a faster or cheaper way to take the image of the foot, or because they were sold a “computerized” system that looks impressive but does not work particularly well.

If you are asked to walk across a computerized force plate to have the orthotics made, look for another practitioner. Studies have shown definitively that effective orthotics cannot be made from this technique.

The only casting method that has been shown in the medical literature to be effective in producing the most effective custom foot orthotics is a three-dimensional non-weightbearing cast or image of the foot. In this technique the foot is held in a precise position – essentially the position in which it should function. The image of the foot can be taken using plaster, fiberglass, or a laser scan.

For residents of Bainbridge Island who need foot orthotics it is worth the ferry trip to Seattle to ensure that you get the best possible orthotics to take care of your condition.

Fractured Foot Treatment near Bellevue, WA

2010-03-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

Fractures of the bones of the feet are relatively common injuries but are often left untreated. Many people, assuming an injury is less serious than it actually is, put off treatment.

If you think there is any possibility that you may have fractured your foot, make an appointment to see us right away in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic. Let our receptionist know that you think you might have a fracture and she will get you an appointment right away. You can read more about foot fractures here.

Even toe fractures should be treated immediately - don't assume that there is nothing you can do. In fact, toe fractures must be treated appropriately to avoid long term complications. More information on toe fractures can be found here.

If you think you may have fractured your foot, ankle or toe, avoid bearing weight on it until you see us.

We are located in Seattle just off I-5. Our foot clinic is convenient to Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

Flat Foot Treatment near Kent, WA

2010-03-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale both are well-known specialists in treating pain associated with flat feet. Our goal is to always treat flat foot in a manner that relieves your pain quickly. Surgery is almost never necessary.

Flat feet can cause a number of different problems. These include heel pain, tired feet, bunions, knee pain, back pain and arthritis of the foot and ankle.

We are the only local center of excellence for treatment of the flat foot - it's worth the trip to our Seattle clinic to ensure proper treatment. Read here for more detailed information on our treatment plan for flat feet.

Our Seattle foot and ankle clinic is just off I-5 and is convenient for patients from Kent, Auburn, Burien, Tukwila and other Puget Sound cities.

Don't live with the pain caused by flat feet. Call us today for an appointment at our convenient Seattle office.

Pain in the soles of the feet - Foot Doctor Seattle

2010-03-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Do the soles of your feet hurt? The most common cause of pain in the soles of the feet is plantar fasciitis. Commonly thought of as a condition that primarily causes heel pain, pain in the plantar fascia occurs almost as often in the arch - or sole - of the foot.

Whether the pain is at the heel or in the sole, this is a problem that responds very well to treatment - as long as treatment is done correctly. We do see many patients who have suffered from years of pain affecting the soles of their feet - and have even seen several other doctors - without relief.

Our protocol for treatment of pain in the soles of the feet is based on evidence based studies and is extremely effective at relieving pain quickly and for the long term. Details on our treatment for plantar fasciitis and other problems affecting the soles of the feet can be found here.

If you have pain in the soles of your feet, contact us for an appointment in our Seattle office.

If you are not located in Seattle, Bellevue, Edmonds, Shoreline or other towns in Puget Sound, some self treatment hints for pain in the soles of the feet can be found here.

Don't Let Foot Pain Ruin Your Vacation - Seattle Podiatrist

2010-03-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Travel can put tremendous load on your feet. The increased walking and activity that occurs during a vacation can lead to heel pain, ball of foot pain, arch pain and simple tired feet.

We can help prevent these foot and ankle problems on your next trip and treat any of these foot conditions that are bothering you before your trip. In fact, one of our specialties is helping people enjoy their travel with little or no foot pain.

The earlier you come to see us the better. But even if you are leaving tomorrow, we can likely help you avoid foot and ankle problems on your next trip. Make an appointment today to see us in our Seattle office.

Losing Weight Will Decrease Foot Pain - Seattle Podiatrist

2010-02-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

We always encourage our patients to lose weight to help their foot pain. Losing even 5 lbs can make a tremendous difference in helping to reduce force on the feet.

Jillian Michaels of NBCs The Biggest Loser has a good point to make about how to improve your weight loss results. She makes the point that it is all about the math:

To lose a pound, you must burn 3,500 calories.

You can only do so much weight training without injuring yourself and slowing results
You can't starve the weight off: You must eat at least 1200 calories every day or your body will go into a mode where it trys to save calories and retain fat.
Therefore, to increase weight loss, you must do more cardio exercise. Cardio allows you to burn additional calories without overtraining.

Think about the math: Let's say you eat about 1,500 calories a day andwe assume your base metabolic rate (BMR) without exercise is 1,600. Now say you do two one-hour cardio sessions that burn 500 calories each (one in the morning and one at night).

The two sessions, along with your regular activity, will speed up your BMR to at least 2,000. As a result, you will have burned about 1,500 calories that day — that is, almost half a pound. At that rate you will be losing up to 3.5 pounds a week.

So, look closely at the math and we always recommend that you work with a trainer for best results.

Podiatrist Recommended Flip-flops

2010-02-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

Looking for sporty, fashionable flip-flops that have great arch support? Watch the video and then take a look here

Barefoot Running in Seattle

2010-01-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

Barefoot running has become an increasing trend, and a possible alternative or training adjunct to running with shoes. While anecdotal evidence and testimonials proliferate on the Internet and in the media about the possible health benefits of barefoot running (often using a very minimal shoe like the one shown at left) research has not yet adequately shed light on the immediate and long term effects of this practice.

Barefoot running has been touted as improving strength and balance, while promoting a more natural running style. However, risks of barefoot running include a lack of protection--which may lead to injuries such as puncture wounds--and increased stress on the lower extremities. Currently, inconclusive scientific research has been conducted regarding the benefits and/or risks of barefoot running.

I’m currently seeing several injuries a week related to barefoot running. In general, I think some experienced runners can use barefoot running as a training adjunct, but unless you have near perfect foot mechanics, you do run significant risk of injury. If you do want to try barefoot running, however, we'll work with you to make your runs as safe as possible.

We encourage runners to consult a podiatrist with a strong background in sports medicine to make an informed decision on all aspects of their running and training programs. To make an appointment in our Seattle office, click here.

Foot Disorders - Seattle Podiatry Doctor

2010-01-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

It is never "normal" for your feet to hurt. The most common causes of foot pain are biomechanical abnormalities that lead to abnormal stress on some portion of your foot. It could be too much tension on a ligament, too much pressure on the bottom of your foot, or too much compression within a joint.

Our job is to determine what is causing the stress that is leading to your foot or ankle pain and then to eliminate that stress in the most conservative, effective and quickest way possible.

The most common causes of foot pain treated in our clinic are:
Heel pain
Ball-of-foot pain
Big toe joint pain
Ingrown toenails

Don't live with foot pain. If you are suffering from pain anywhere in your feet or ankles make an appointment to see us today in our Seattle clinic.

Short Leg Treatment - Seattle and Bellevue

2010-01-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

People who have one leg shorter than the other can develop a number of associated problems. These include foot pain, hip pain and back pain. The symptoms associated with short leg syndrome, also called leg length discrepancy or short limb, usually respond readily to appropriate treatment.

Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington are experts at diagnosing and treating the pain and walking problems associated with a short leg.

Unfortunately, the problems associated with short limbs are often treated incorrectly. Many of our patients with limb length disorders suffer needlessly for years before getting appropriate treatment.

The Foot and Ankle Center is the Puget Sound areas premier center for treatment of limb length discrepancy. People with limb length problems come to see us from throughout the Puget Sound area - from Kirkland to Everett and Bellevue to Tacoma.

You can read detailed information here about short leg syndrome. If after reading this, it sounds as though we can help you, make an appointment to see us in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

FDA: Pinpointe Laser Not Approved for Nail Fungus Treatment

2009-12-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

Subscribe Here for Updates on Laser Nail Treatment for Toenail Fungus

We have been bothered by many of the advertising claims that are occurring regarding treatment of nail fungus with the Pinpointe Laser. In fact, according to CBS Atlanta:

Mary Long with the FDA said, "The PinPointe Laser has been cleared for marketing by the FDA for soft tissue cutting. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA for the treatment of toenail fungus." The FDA said that doctors can use the laser for any type of treatment, but they are not able to advertise treatments that are not FDA approved."Promotion of medical devices for unapproved or uncleared uses violates FDA regulation," said Long.

You can see the video of this news story here.

We are advising patients in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic to avoid treatment with the Pinpointe nail laser as that there is little evidence that it is effective for treating this problem. We are keeping a close eye on another laser coming to market - the Noveon Laser by Nomir Medical Technologies. Nomir is waiting for FDA approval before bringing their laser to the market. In our opinion, this is a far better and more ethical way of doing business. If we feel that this laser offers effective treatment for toenail fungus, we will make it available to our patients.

Subscribe here to receive email updates as more information becomes available regarding laser treatment of nail fungus.

Foot Orthotic Specialist near Sammamish, WA

2009-12-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale are specialists in the use of foot orthotics and own the premier center for orthotic therapy in the Puget Sound area. To ensure the best possible outcome from your foot orthotics, it is worth the trip from anywhere in the Seattle area - from Sammanish to Bremerton and Olympia to Marysville.

Click here to learn why our orthotics work better

If you have biomechanical problems and want to know if you might benefit from orthotics, click here to make an appointment in our Seattle podiatric foot and ankle clinic.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment near Kirkland, WA

2009-12-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

Plantar fasciitis is the most common problem we treat in our foot and ankle clinic - and the most common cause of heel pain and arch pain. Our goal when treating plantar fasciitis is as follows:
1. Relieve the immediate pain
2. Get you back to full activity as fast as possible
3. Prevent the problem from returning

There has been a tremendous amount of research and literature on plantar fasciitis in the last few years. Our treatment protocol for plantar fasciitis is based on this information and we can usually get most patients back to activity within a few weeks.

There are a number of reasons why our treatments tend to be more effective. You can read more detail here.

Patients with plantar fascitis travel to see us from Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Edmonds and throughout the Puget Sound region. Contact us today for an appointment.

Waterproof Shoes and Boots to Wear with Orthotics

2009-12-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

It's cold and snowy throughout much of the country today. As the weather gets wet and cold each year, our patients start asking what kind of cold weather shoe can they wear with orthotics. Many snow boots, for example, are very unstable and don't work well for people with plantar fasciitis and other foot problems.

Our recomendation is to get an overshoe that will allow you to wear your regular shoes and orthotics, but still keep you dry and warm. Our favorite are made by NEOS. Details on NEOS overshoes are available here.

Achilles Tendonitis Treatment near Bellevue, WA

2009-12-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of new research that has recently come out on the best treatment options for Achilles tendon pain. Based on this we have made some changes to our standard treatment protocol. Details on Achilles treatment available here.

I think the most important message I can give about this problem is not to ignore it. Achilles tendonitis can be very resistant to treatment and if not treated correctly the problem can last for years. Our standard protocol for treatment of Achilles tendinitis has been developed over a number of years based on the best available information in the literature and our own experience. Overall, we are very successful at providing a cure for Achilles problems, but it does take some time and a commitment on the part of the patient.

If you have Achilles tendon pain we look forward to working with you on providing effective treatment and getting you back to full activity as soon as possible. Contact us today for an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

If you are not in the Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma or Seattle area, we have some home treatment hints for achilles tendon pain here. We do, however, advise everyone with this problem to work with a podiatrist who is familiar with the current treatment protocol for this problem. This is a problem that is often difficult to treat. Your best bet is to work with a professional.

Study Shows Achilles Tendonitis Relief with Foot Orthotics - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-12-09T22:04:00.000-08:00

An interesting study was published last year in the journal Sports Biomechanics looking at the use of foot orthotics in the treatment of achilles tendonitis.

This study examined the of orthoses in participants with a history of chronic Achilles tendon injury. Twelve participants ran at self-selected speeds on a treadmill with and without customized orthoses. Participants reported between 50 and 100% (average 92%) relief from symptoms with the use of orthoses.

Custom foot orthoses have always played a role in our overall treatment plan for treating achilles tendonitis. This study, as have several others, helps demonstrate the effectiveness of the orthotics.

Additional information on Achilles tendonitis is available here.

To make an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic, contact us today.

Reference:
Orthotic control of rear foot and lower limb motion during running in participants with chronic Achilles tendon injury. Donoghue OA, Harrison AJ, Laxton P, Jones RK. Sports Biomech. 2008 May;7(2):194-205

Laser Nail Treatment - Seattle Podiatry Clinic

2009-12-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

Latest Updates to Availability of Laser Nail Treatment Available Here

If you have a toenail with a fungal infection you have probably seen a lot of advertising for laser treatment of toenail fungus. Unfortunately, there is still no valid evidence that this treatment is effective for treatment of fungal nails. There is a study ongoing, but the first results will not be available until August 2010. We advise you to avoid this treatment until these or other results become available.

You can find a number of websites and advertisements touting the benefits of laser nail treatment. For the most part, we find the claims exaggerated at best. Here is what they are saying :

"FDA Approved" - The truth is that the laser has been cleared to use on humans by the FDA, but the FDA has NOT approved the laser for treatment of fungal nails.

"88% Effective": This is based on one very small and poorly done study. Don't believe these claims. Here is what Consumer Reports had to say about the study

For now we are still advising our patients to avoid this procedure. You will end up paying a lot of money for a treatment that has essentially no evidence that it works.

We are keeping watch for the upcoming studies. In fact, we hope that new studies will show this to be an effective treatment. If you would like to be informed when new information is available, you can register here for our Laser Toenail updates.

Pinched Toe Treatment in Seattle

2009-12-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

There are a number of conditions that usually lead to the pain commonly referred to as "pinched toes". Often this just means that there is too much pressure on your toes because your toes are curled and / or crooked. These crooked toes are called hammertoes, mallet toes, claw toes and clawed toes. Hammer toes can form on anyone's feet. They are more bothersome to women because women's shoes tend to be tighter.

You can learn more about pinched toes and how to treat them here. If you are in the Seattle area make an appointment to see us in our Seattle Foot Clinic for evaluation of your toe pain.

If you live elsewhere, there are some self treatment hints for pinched toes and hammer toes at the bottom of this page.

Foot Orthotics in High Heel Shoes - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-12-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

A 2005 study published in the journal Applied Ergonomics showed that the use of custom orthotics in high heeled shoes reduce force under the ball-of-the-foot and the heel by about 25%.

The key to success is to make sure that the orthotic conforms extremely close to the arch of the foot. These are called "total contact orthotics".

We have been extremely successful in helping women wear high heels much more comfortably. For an evaluation of how we can help you wear high heels with no pain, contact us for an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

More info on wearing high heels comfortably.

Orthotics Seattle

2009-12-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, there are a lot of lousy orthotics made in Seattle. Some are uncomfortable, some don't function correctly. Here is a list of criteria to look for in an orthotic practitioner.

Custom foot orthotics are an extremely valuable tool to treat a number of foot, ankle, knee, hip and back problems. If you are going to invest in a pair of orthotics, make sure you get them only from someone who is an expert in orthotic therapy.

To ensure best function from orthotics, make sure that the podiatrist who is making your orthotics meets these criteria:
1. Is aware of the most recent research regarding the best orthotic prescriptions for your particular problem.
2. Has at least 5 years of clinical experience in orthotic therapy
3. Guarantees orthotic comfort
4. Is an expert at troubleshooting orthotic problems.
5. Performs adjustments to orthotics on-site
6. Only the doctor, not an assistant, should cast the foot.

Detail on each of the above criteria is available here.

For a complete orthotic evaluation, contact us to make an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

How to Stretch Your Shoes at Home

2009-11-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

We have just posted instructions on how to effectively stretch your own shoes. Also included are tips on how to stretch women's boots.

Here are your shoe stretching hints and instructions.

Shoe Repair in Seattle

2009-11-30T16:38:00.000-08:00

If you are in need of shoe repair or modifications in the greater Seattle area, you can see our list of recommended shoe repair shops here. Other local shoe repair facilities are welcome to contact us for an interview if they would like to be included on the list.

Shin Splint Treatment in Seattle

2009-11-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

Shin splints can be an incredibly frustrating injury and very resistant to standard treatments. With proper treatment, however, most patients suffering with shinsplints can get back to full activity - even running.

Most studies show that shin splints are caused by excessive tension on one of two muscles - either the posterior tibialis muscle or the anterior tibialis muscle. Treatment of the problem is then aimed at decreasing tension on, and strengthening, the involved muscle and tendon.

Our protocol for treating shin splints is based on the current best research on this problem and we are very successful at getting those suffering with shin splint pain and other leg pain back to full activity in a minimum of time.

More details on treatment of shin splints can be found here.

If you are experiencing shin splint pain, contact us today to make an appointment. We are experts in treating shin splints in runners, basketball players, soccer players and other athletes. Because our treatment protocol can usually get you back to full activity in the minimum time possible, it's worth the trip to see us in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic from anywhere you happen to be in the Puget Sound area - including Shoreline, Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way and Kent.

Flat Foot Treatment Specialists in Seattle

2009-11-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

One of the conditions we are most successful in treating with orthotic therapy is flat feet. Flatfoot can cause many different types of painful conditions including heel pain, bunions, neuroma, knee pain, ankle pain, hip pain and back pain.

Pain associated with a flat foot responds extremely well to foot orthotic therapy as long as the orthotics are prescribed and made correctly. Unfortunately many people with flat feet have had poor outcomes with orthotics. This is due to the fact that the severe forces associated with a flat foot are not controlled with standard foot orthotics. In fact, because the foot presses so hard on the orthotic, patients can find poorly prescribed orthotics very uncomfortable.

A number of studies have demonstrated how orthotics for flat foot should be made. By following these recommendations we can almost always control the pain associated with flatfoot and we are able to guarantee orthotic comfort.

If you have flat feet and are experiencing foot, ankle, knee, hip or back pain; make an appointment to see us in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

Seattle Weight Management Program Recommendation

2009-11-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

We treat many patients who are trying to lose weight. The weight loss program we usually recommend is the Weight Management Program at Swedish Hospital. Use the link to learn how they are different.

We have a special interest in working with patients who are working at losing weight. Excessive weight places great force on the feet and often leads to foot pain. Unfortunately, foot pain can prevent exercise needed for weight loss. So it is critical that your feet be protected if you are on a weight loss program.

Make an appointment to see us before you start an exercise program. We'll help you prevent foot problems that can limit exercise and weight loss.

Learn more about foot problems associated with obesity at these links:
Weight Loss and Foot Pain
Obesity Can Cause Foot Pain
Obesity and Knee Pain

Podiatrist Recommended Shoes - New List Available Now

2009-11-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

Download your free list of recommended shoes here. We update this list every 2 - 3 months. It includes athletic shoes, walking shoes, dress shoes, sandals - even slippers and socks.

These shoes have been evaluated by Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale in shoe stores in the Seattle area. A new list was posted last week.

Midfoot Arthritis - Treatment in Seattle

2009-11-18T22:36:00.000-08:00

Midfoot arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain affecting the top and mid portion of the feet. Arthritis can be due to an injury or simply be caused by wear and tear over time. One of the most common causes is being overweight. Carrying excessive weight places such great force on the feet that the joints can be damaged.

When arthritis is present, almost any joint motion will cause pain. Luckily, we can almost always eliminate the pain of mid-foot arthritis. Surgery is almost never necessary.

To treat midfoot arthritis, we must first determine exactly which joints are arthritic. We do this by an evaluation of your foot and often will use x-rays to closely evaluate your joints. Once we have determined which joints are arthritic we will design a treatment plan to eliminate the painful motion of those joints. This might include strengthening exercises, stable shoes, total contact orthotics, or shoe modifications such as rocker soles. In rare situations, surgery might be necessary. Surgery, however, is always our last resort. If you think you might have midfoot arthritis, call us today for an appointment in our Seattle office.

Biggest Loser in Seattle - Foot Pain and Weight Loss

2009-11-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

I was watching the Biggest Loser last night (a guilty pleasure) wondering once again how many of those contestants are wearing foot orthotics. Carrying excessive weight puts tremendous force on the foot. And being overweight and excercising as they do dramatically increases that force. So the odds of a foot injury among the constestants (and anyone who is trying to lose weight) is extremely high.

Much of the force being applied to the feet can be minimized with the use of the correct shoes and foot orthotics. At the very least, every obese person who is beginning an excercise program should be in an extremely stable over-the-counter arch support. Click here to see our favorite arch support for heavier people.

Unfortunately, if you weigh over 230 pounds, even the best OTC arch support will often not provide adequate support and will require a custom orthotic. To provide the best protection, the custom orthotic must be prescribed very specifically to spread force over a larger surface area. For example it should conform VERY close to the arch of foot. This is called a total contact orthotic.

If you are overweight and starting a weight loss program, make an appointment to have your feet evaluated as soon as possible in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic. A foot problem can stop a weight loss program in mid-stream, protect your feet now so you can keep exercising.

For more on obesity and foot pain, click here.

Toenail Laser Treatment Evaluated by Consumer Reports - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-11-18T15:29:00.000-08:00

Latest Updates on Laser Treatment of Fungal Nails Available Here

Consumer Reports has weighed in on the lasers that are currently being marketed for treatment toenail fungus. As we have been saying, there is simply not enough evidence to support the use of laser for treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungal infection). We are currently recommending against this treatment, but we are keeping an eye on the research. If they can provide any evidence that their laser works, we'll let you know. Here is a what Consumer Reports had to say (from Consumer Reports Health Blog, Oct. 16, 2009):

Q&A: Does laser toenail treatment work?

I’ve seen ads for the PinPointe FootLaser, which promises to treat toenail fungus. Does it work? —A.G., Port Chester, N.Y.

That’s unclear. The laser’s manufacturer only provided us with one small, poor-quality study involving 17 patients with toenail fungus, most of whom appeared to experience remarkable improvement after the treatment. While the study reported no adverse effects, the system zaps the fungus with very high heat, which in theory could damage healthy tissue around the toenail. And it costs about $1,000, which insurance doesn’t cover. Until more evidence is available, it’s probably best to stick with more-established treatments, including the oral drugs itraconazole (Sporanox and generic) and terbinafine (Lamisil and generic), and the topical drug ciclopirox (Penlac and generic), which is slightly less effective but has fewer side effects than the oral drugs.

Find out what could be causing your toenail fungus and see our tips on keeping your nails healthy. And for more on how to get rid of toenail fungus, see our comparison of 7 drug and non-drug treatments (subscribers only), including the ones mentioned above.

For those of you in the Puget Sound area, including Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville and Issaquah, we can offer you the best treatment alternatives. Contact us for an appointment.

Ski Boot Custom Footbed Specialists - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-11-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

We are specialists in prescribing all types of foot orthotics, but as a life-long skier and former ski patroller, some of my favorite orthotics to make are those for ski boots.

Skiing is an unusual sport and requires a very specialized orthotic insole for the best comfort and control over the ski.

We have just updated the ski orthotics page of our website. Before you have any foot beds made for ski boots, read this article on orthotics for ski and snowboard boots.

If you would like to have an evaluation for custom ski orthotics, contact us for an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

Foot Injury - Same Day Treatment - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-11-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

If you have experienced a foot injury call the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington - we will do everything possible to get you in our clinic on the day that you call or the next business day.

This urgent service is available for injuries and other emergencies only. Other non-emergent problems will have to wait until a regular appointment time is available.

Foot injuries should never be ignored and, in fact, should be treated as soon as possible, before an injury worsens. Contact us today for same or next business day treatment of your foot or ankle injury. There may be a wait once you arrive in our office, but we will work you in and take care of your injured foot. The Foot and Ankle Center of Washington is the first choice for treatment of ankle and foot injuries for patients throughout the region - from Alderwood. Edmonds, Shoreline and Lynnwood to Bellevue, Renton, Federal Way and Kirkland. Contact us today for an appointment.

More information on foot injuries is available here.

Growing Pains - Seattle Podiatrist Specializing in Children's Foot Problems

2009-11-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

Leg pain of unknown cause in children are often called "growing pains". While not well defined, there has been some interesting research lately on treatment of growing pains.

In a 2003 recent study, children who had both leg pain and flat feet were given orthotics to support the flat feet. Both the children and the parents were asked to grade the pain level with and without the orthotic devices. (1)

All of the children improved with orthotics. In fact, 100% of the pain was relieved with orthotic treatment. In addition, when orthotics were removed, the pain returned.

If your child is experiencing "growning pains", make an appointment for them to be evaluated in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

(1) Evans AM. Relationship between "growing pains" and foot posture in children. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 93(2):111-117, 2003.

Treatment of Corns on Toes in Seattle

2009-11-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Painful corns on toes are caused by excessive pressure on the toe. Rubbing of the skin of the toe caused by a hammertoe or simply a shoe that is too tight will result in a thickening of the skin and formation of a corn. Pain then occurs because of extra pressure that occurs from the thickened skin. If you are anywhere in the Seattle area, make an appointment to see us in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic so that we can help relieve your toe pain.

Our goal when treating corns is to relieve 100% of your pain, remove the corn, and to provide you the information and treatment necessary to help prevent them from returning.

The most common cause of a corn is a hammertoe. In most cases we can treat this problem without surgery. You can get detailed information on treatment of corns and hammertoes here.

Learn about self treatment of corns and hammertoes here.

Ball of Foot Pain Relief - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-11-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Don't live with pain in the balls of your feet. If you live anywhere in the Seattle area it is worth the trip to our foot and ankle clinic to ensure that you find relief in the fastest and most conservative way possible. We can relieve ball of foot pain in almost every situation with very conservative treatment. There are several common causes of pain under the ball of the foot. These include:

Metatarsalgia and Capsulitis
Neuroma
Sesamoiditis (pain under the big toe joint)
Calluses

To learn more about each of these problems, use the links above to visit our website. Or contact us today to make an appointment.

Foot Pain in Children - Seattle Pediatric Foot Specialists

2009-10-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

It is never normal for kids to experience foot pain, so if your child is experiencing problems affecting their feet or legs, make an appointment for them to be evaluated in our Seattle office.

More often than not, foot pain in kids is due to mechanical factors and can be treated with shoe changes, exercises, arch supports or other very conservative treatments.

More information on the more common foot complaints in children are available on our website:

Seattle's Heel Pain Treatment Experts

2009-09-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

The most common problem we treat is heel pain. We have very specific goals when treating your heel pain. Those are:

Treat your heel pain in the most effective yet conservative manner
Get you back to full activity as quickly as possible
Avoid surgery. Surgery is almost never necessary to treat heel pain if conservative treatment is done correctly.

Our web site has detailed information on treating heel pain. Use these links to learn more:

Toenail Laser Treatment near Redmond, WA

2009-09-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Latest Updates to Availability of Laser Nail Treatment Available Here

We have seen some Seattle TV commercials recently for laser treatment of nail fungus infection - so we thought it was time for another update.

There are currently no studies that support the use of the laser advertised on television for treatment of fungal nail infection. In fact, the first significant nail fungus study on this laser just started in June 2009. Results will not be available for at least a year. Given the lack of data and high cost associated with the laser treatment, we are advising our patients to avoid this treatment at this time.

Once we see the results of the study our opinion might change.

In addition, in the next few months another laser will be coming on the market for treatment of nail fungus. Although there is no long term study to support the use of this new laser, they at least have 6 months of data so far showing good results. If they still have good results at one year, we will recommend this treatment.

For now, we advise you not to spend money on unproven laser treatment for fungal nails.

More details on laser nail treatment here.

If you are in Redmond, Seattle, Everett or elsewhere in the Puget Sound area, we can provide you with treatment options for fungal nails. And we'll offer the laser too - if they can prove to us that it works. Appointment information here.

Bunion Removal Seattle

2009-09-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

We have developed a page on our website designed to provide you with unbiased and factual information to help you make an informed decision when you are considering bunion surgery.

Removal of bunions should never be taken lightly. There are a number of potential complications associated with bunion removal surgery. In fact, we recommend that you try all conservative treatment for bunions before proceeding with surgery. We can often provide patients with complete relief of their symptoms with conservative treatment - even when you have been told by other clinics that surgery is the only option.

If it does turn out that bunion surgery is necessary, we have one of Seattle's most experienced and skilled bunion surgeons.

Continue reading to learn critical information that every bunion patient must know before considering surgery.

Also, always get a second opinion before proceeding with bunion removal surgery. We have patients coming from Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, Olympia and beyond for second opinions prior to bunion surgery.

Same Day Ingrown Toenail Treatment near Everett, WA

2009-08-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

If you are experiecing pain from an ingrown toe nail, call the Ingrown Toenail Clinic at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington - we will do everything possible to get you in our clinic on the day that you call or the next business day.

This urgent service is available for ingrown toenails and other emergencies only. Thick toenails and other non-emergent problems will have to wait until a regular appointment time is available.

Ingrown toenails should always be treated ASAP, before infection sets in or gets worse. We offer nearly painless treatment of ingrown toenails. And don't let a previous bad experience with ingrown nail treatment keep you from seeing us. The most common thing we hear after the treatment is "that was easy, I wish I hadn't waited so long". Contact us today for same or next business day treatment of your ingrown toenail. There may be a wait once you get to the clinic, but we will squeeze you in and take care of your nail quickly and easily. The Ingrown Toenail Clinic at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington is the first choice for ingrown nail treatment for patients throughout the region - from Everett. Mukilteo, Shoreline and Lynnwood to Bellevue, Redmond and Issaquah. Contact us today for an appointment in our Ingrown Toenail Clinic.

Same Day Ingrown Toenail Treatment near Kent and Auburn, WA

2009-08-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ingrown toenails can be very painful and if they are not treated early, an infection can occur. For this reason, we make sure that patients with ingrown toenails are seen right away. Let our receptionist know that you have an ingrown nail and she will do everything possible to get you in on the day that you call or the following business day. If you are coming from Kent, Auburn Federal Way, Renton, Mercer Island, Burien, or anywhere outside of Seattle, she will find you a time that helps you avoid traffic. Call now for an appointment in our Ingrown Toenail Clinic.

Ingrown nails heal quickly after the ingrown portion of the nail is removed. The ingrowing portion of the nail is removed by trimming the nail corner or the edge of the nail back to the cuticle. We make the procedure comfortable for you by using a local anesthetic to eliminate the discomfort. We will make sure that your toe is completely numb before taking care of the nail problem. Contact us for an appointment.

Remove Bunions near Bellevue, WA

2009-08-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

If you have bunions and are considering surgical removal of your bunions, we have developed a page on our website that is designed to teach you everything you need to know to make an informed decision and help you avoid possible complications from bunion surgery. Don't have bunion surgery until you read this page carefully.

In fact, you may find that we can relief all of your buinon pain without resorting to surgery.

Patients throughout the Puget Sound area - from Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way and beyond come to our Seattle foot and ankle clinic for treatment of their bunions and for second opinions before considering surgery.

Don't rush into having foot surgery. Make an informed decision and get multiple opinions before proceeding. Continue reading to learn how to make bunion surgery complications less likely.

Remove Bunions Seattle

2009-08-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

If you think you might be a candidate to have bunion surgery, confusion can set in quickly as you start to research the best methods to remove bunions. There is a tremendous amount of information available and much of it is contradictory. You may get information from your doctor, friends, internet and/or family members. We have developed a page on our website designed to cut through the clutter, help you identify the false information, and assist you in making an informed decision.

In fact, you may not need bunion surgery at all. In most cases, we can treat the pain caused by bunions without surgery. In fact, we feel strongly that surgery should be a last resort. We surprise many bunion patients with our ability to help them avoid surgery when they have been told previously they have no choice but to have bunions removed surgically. If you have tried all conservative treatment, however, and bunion pain is causing pain or limiting your activity, surgery can be a very effective option. Click here to learn the critical information you need to make an informed decision about bunion surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment near Bellevue, WA

2009-08-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale are experts in the effective treatment of plantar fasciitis. In fact, plantar fasciitis and other heel and arch conditions make up the most common problem treated in our foot and ankle clinic and we are a referral center for treatment of even the most difficult and longest lasting cases of heel pain. We are usually able to help patients - even those who have already seen numerous other practitioners.

Treatment Goals – Rapid Relief of Pain and Preventing Return of Symptoms
Our goal when treating your plantar fasciitis is to relieve your pain as rapidly as possible and then prevent the problem from returning. There are many underlying causes of plantar fasciitis. The first thing we do is evaluate the cause of your pain and then develop a program to get you back to full activity as soon as possible. When treated correctly surgery is almost never necessary.

We are so successful at treating even stubborn plantar fasciitis that patients come see us from throughout the Puget Sound area. Whether you are in Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island or Renton - it's worth the trip to the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Same Day Teatment of Ingrown Toenails in Seattle

2009-08-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

We specialize in quick and nearly painless treatment of ingrown toenails. Ingrown nails can become infected and this infection can worsen if not treated early. Therefore, if you have an ingrown toenail we aim to see you within one business day of your call.

This urgent service is available only for ingrown nails and other urgent problems. Thick toenails and other non-emergent conditions will be treated at our next regularly available appointment.

There may be a bit of a wait in our office as we are working you into our schedule, but if you have an ingrown nail we don't want you put off treatment for another day. Contact the Ingrown Toenail Clinic at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington today.

If you are traveling from Burien, Seatac, Federal Way, Kent, Bainbridge, Tukwila or other areas outside of Seattle, let our receptionist know so we can schedule you a time to help you avoid traffic.

Same Day Ingrown Nail Treatment in Seattle

2009-08-13T10:16:00.002-07:00

If you are suffering from an ingrown toe nail, call the Ingrown Toenail Clinic at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington - we will do everything we can to get you in the same day that you call or the next business day. This urgent service is available for ingrown toenails and other emergencies only. Thick toenails and other non-emergent problems will have to wait until a regular appointment time is available.

Ingrown toenails should be treated immediately, before infection sets in or worsens. We offer nearly painless treatment of ingrown nails. If you have a had a bad experience in the past, don't let that keep you from coming in. The most common thing we hear after the treatment is "that was easy, I wish I hadn't waited so long".

Contact us today for same or next business day treatment of your ingrown toenail. There may be a wait once you get to the clinic, but we will squeeze you in and take care of your nail quickly and easily.

The Ingrown Toenail Clinic at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington is the first choice for ingrown nail treatment for patients throughout the region - from Bellevue, Kirkland and Issaquah to Edmonds, Shoreline and Lynnwood.

Same Day Ingrown Toenail Treatment near Renton, WA

2009-08-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ingrown toenails can be very painful and if they are not treated early, an infection can set in. Thus, we make sure that patients with ingrown toenails are seen right away. Let our receptionist know that you have an ingrown toenail and she will do everything possible to get you in on the day that you call. If you are coming from Renton, Mercer Island, Burien, or anywhere outside of Seattle, she will find you a time that helps you avoid traffic. Call now for an appointment.

Ingrown nails heal quickly after the ingrown portion of the nail is removed. The ingrowing portion of the nail is removed by trimming the nail corner or the edge of the nail back to the cuticle. Usually, a local anesthetic is used to lessen the discomfort.

Treating an ingrown nail is a nearly painless procedure for our patients. If your toe is painful we will ensure that your toe is completely numb before taking care of the nail problem. We even numb up your skin with a cold spray before you are given a local anesthetic. The most common statement we hear after taking care of an ingrown toenail is “That was easy - I wish I hadn’t waited so long!”

Best Foot Doctor near Bellevue and Mercer Island

2009-08-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Located just off I-90 and I-5 and less than 20 minutes from Bellevue and less than 15 minutes from Mercer Island, Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale are nationally renown foot and ankle specialists with a special focus on treating difficult problems using conservative treatment options. We are the region's top orthotic specialists and surgery is always our last resort.

Whether you are suffering from heel pain, ball-of-foot pain, bunions or you just want to make sure you get theabsolutely best pair of orthotics, learn about your treatment options at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington before choosing a foot doctor.

If you need a foot doctor, contact us today to make an appointment. Let our receptionist know that you are coming from Bellevue or Mercer Island and she will find you an appointment time that helps you to avoid bridge traffic.

Gout Treatment near Bellevue, WA

2009-08-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Gout can be extremely painful. If you think you might be having foot pain due to a gout attack, contact us to make an appointmen t. Tell our receptionist that you think you are having a gout attack and she will to squeeze you into the schedule within one day - in many cases the same day. We are experts at relieving the pain of acute pain due to gout.

Click here to learn more about gout

Because our gout treatments provide rapid relief of foot pain due to gout, we have gout patients come see us in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic from throughout the Puget Sound area - from Bellevue, Kirkland, Everett, Renton, Federal Way, and all the way to Tacoma.

Hiking Foot Problems - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-08-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

If you have foot pain or ankle problems when hiking, make an appointment to see us in our Seattle foot and and ankle clinic as soon as possible. We have a special interest in getting hikers back on the trail as soon as possible.

Our goals when treating hikers are to relieve your pain as quickly as possible and then to provide you the tools and information you need to continue hiking painfree.

Details on treatment of foot problems found in hikers can be found here.

If you are coming to see us for your foot problem, be sure to bring your hiking boots.

The Podiatrist for Hikers near Seattle

2009-08-01T16:50:00.001-07:00

Hiking is a very unique activity – it involves extensive walks over uneven ground often while carrying extra weight and puts your feet under extreme pressure. Without proper support to decrease this pressure, foot pain can quickly ruin a hike.

The Seattle area is a mecca for hikers and we have treated thousands of hikers and take a special pride in helping you hike as far and as often as you want without foot pain.

We often use orthotics when treating hikers. The orthotics provide enhanced support to the heel and back of the foot and decrease pressure under the ball of the foot. If symptoms are minor and there are few biomechanical problems present, then prefabricated orthotics often work well. For people with more involved problems we are specialists in the fabrication of custom orthotics.

If you think you may be a candidate for custom orthotics it is critical that your orthotics be made correctly. Learn more here about why our orthotics often work better. We are experienced in producing hiking orthotics for all levels of hikers. To find out if you are a candidate for prefabricated or custom orthotic devices, contact us to make an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

Heel Pain Treatment Specialist near Burien, WA

2009-08-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale are the region's premier podiatrists for treatment of heel pain. We are experts at providing relief that gets you back to full activity in minimal time and helps prevent return of your heel pain. With proper treatment, surgery is almost never necessary.

Many of our patients live south of Seattle and find the trip to our Seattle foot and ankle clinic well worth the trip north. Continue reading to learn how to find relief for your heel pain.

If our standard treatment protocol does not provide compete relief, newer treatments allow our podiatrists to treat even the most stubborn heel pain non-surgically.

If you live in Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines or elsewhere south of Seattle, let our receptionist know when you make an appointment so that we can find you an appointment time that allows you to avoid rush hour.

Intense Exercise can Reduce Risk of Cancer

2009-08-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

Much of our Seattle foot and ankle practice is made up of people who develop foot pain while exercising. Our first goal is to get them back to their activity as soon as possible. Our second goal is to give them all the tools they need to prevent foot or ankle pain from limiting their exercise in the future.

The study discussed in this article demonstrates just how important it is to keep exercising - and exercising intensely. This study showed a 50% decrease in the risk of certain cancers in men who exercised intensely each day.

Don't let foot pain limit your exercise. Contact us today for an appointment.

Pinpointe Laser for Nail Fungus - Seattle Treatment

2009-07-25T14:42:00.001-07:00

Latest Updates on Availability of Laser Nail Treatment - Click Here

The Pinpointe Foot Laser for treatment of toe nail fungus started this week a multi-site trial to evaluate it's effectiveness in treating fungal toenail infections. While we applaud this study, it will take at leaste 12 months to get useful results. Until that time, we cannot recommend this treatment to our patients in the Seattle, Bellevue, Everett and Tacoma areas.

Unfortunately, there is yet no real evidence that this laser is effective for treatment of nail fungus and we are advising our patients to not spend the money on treatment of fungal nails with the Pinpoint laser at this time. Our recommendation on the PinPointe Laser may change once we see the results of their study on laser treatment for nail fungus.

More details on laser treatment of fungal nails can be found here.

Orthotics for Lateral Knee Pain - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

We treat a large number of knee problems with the use of foot orthotics. In the medical literature there are two knee conditions have been shown to respond relatively well to foot orthotic therapy - those are patello-femoral pain syndrome (Runner's Knee) and medial knee pain (inside of the the knee).

There is little in the literature to support the use of orthotics to treat lateral knee pain although we do know that we can decrease force through the outside portion of the knee joint by using an orthotic with a particular type of wedge.

I had a patient present to the office yesterday with a 10 year history of pain on the outside of his knee. He had had multiple work-ups of the knee and nothing was found to be wrong. But whenever he ran for more than 20 minutes he would develop pain.

The gentleman had traveled to see us from Wenatchee. Because he made such a long trip, I wanted to test whether or not he was likely to get pain relief from my orthotics. We applied a special taping to his foot with some specific wedges that would simulate the type of foot orthotic that is likely to help patients with lateral knee pain. We then him out on a run.

He returned an hour later saying that he had run for more than 40 minutes without developing lateral knee pain - the first time in 10 years. Based on that information we went ahead and casted him for orthotics. We will mail them to him in eastern Washington and then he'll come back to Seattle after he has worn them for a few weeks for a follow-up visit.

Whether you are from Western Washington, Eastern Washington, Portland or right here in the Seattle area, it is worth the trip to see us to ensure you get the best possible orthotics. Regardless of how far you travel, we will try to work with your travel schedule. Contact us today to make an appointment.

We do have many patients who travel a long distance to see us for orthotic therapy. Learn why our orthotics better.

If you would like hotel suggestions, please let us know.

Laser Treatment of Toenail Fungus Infection - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-07-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Latest Updates on Availability of Laser Nail Treatment - Click Here

UPDATE: There are two companies competing in the field of laser treatment of toenail fungus.

The Patholase Pinpointe Foot Laser is currently on the market. The problem we see with this unit is that there are no studies supporting it's use in the treatment of nail fungal infections and it is not FDA approved for treatment of toenail fungus. Given this information, we have decided that it is not a treatment would benefit our patients at this time. There is a new study on the use of this unit in the treatment of nail fungus that is ongoing. We don't expect useful results from this study for 12 months.

The other unit is the Noveon Laser. There are studies showing that the Noveon Laser can cure the fungus in about 80% of cases. These are very impressive results BUT the current studies only go out 6 months. So we do not know how effective the Noveon Laser is long-term.

The Noveon Laser is likely to have FDA approval for treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus) by the end of August 2009. Of the two nail lasers, we think the Noveon is the far superior unit.

Our advice, however, is to not spend your money on treatment by either unit now. Wait a few months to see if the 9 and 12 month studies on the Noveon offer continued positive results.

If we feel that this will be a useful treatment, we will make a laser available to our patients for treatment of nail fungus. You can use the link below to sign up for updates on nail laser treatment.

Detailed information on treatment of toenail fungus by laser can be found here.

If you are interested in laser treatment of your toenail fugus in the Seattle, Bellevue, Everert or Tacoma regions, check back to our webpage at the first of September or complete the form on this page.

Painless Foot Wart Treatment - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-07-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Before and After CryoProbe Treatment

We recently introduced a new treatment for removal of plantar warts (verruca) - a CryroProbe. This essentially painless treatment is performed with a unit that allows us to apply to the wart an extremely cold spray pressure - 750 lbs per square inch of pressure. This pressure helps the spray penetrate to the deepest portion of the wart. Usually one treatment is enough, although sometimes two, and rarely three are needed.

Why it Works Better Than Simply Freezing
You may have had warts frozen before. Freezing alone is usually not effective at eliminating warts on the foot. CryoProbe treatment is different because the spray is under extreme pressure - allowing it to penetrate to the deepest part of the wart and effectively remove warts.

Painless
One great thing about the CryoProbe is that not only is it effective, but most patients experience absolutely no pain.

Contact us today for an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

Orthotic Specialists near Northgate - Seattle, WA

2009-07-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

The economy has made everyone cost conscious, but it’s important that people do not cut corners on foot care that might cost them more in the future.

Our goal is to treat our patients in the most effective and least expensive method possible. When a patient requires some sort of arch support to treat their problem, we will usually recommend an inexpensive prefabricated orthotic if we feel it has the potential to treat their condition. Sometimes, however, custom foot orthotics are simply the most effective treatment for a particular problem.

Orthotics are used to treat many problems including bunions, ball-of-foot pain, heel pain, arthritis and tendonitis.

Although most orthotics provide some relief, there is, unfortunately, a tremendous variation in quality among orthotics and orthotic practitioners. There are some companies that make superior orthotics because of the research and development that they put into it. The orthotics we use have all been clinically tested for many years, and have a proven track record.

The quality of the doctor who prescribes your orthotics is also essential. Podiatrists and others offering reduced-rate procedures, with poorly made orthotics, should make patients think twice. Learn more here about how orthotics should be made.

If you live in the Northgate, Mountlake Terrace, Lake City or other northern parts of the Seattle area, it is well worth the trip down I-5 to our foot and ankle clinic on First Hill. Good orthotics can last more than a decade. Make sure you are spending your money on the best possible pair.

Costco Orthotics - Be an Informed Consumer

2009-07-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have had several patients inquire lately about the foot orthotics that are now being sold at some Costco stores. Let me explain exactly how these orthotics are made so that you can make an informed decision before spending any money.

First, the devices sold at Costco are not custom to your feet. You do stand on a scanning device, but what this device does is to simply size your foot. Then based on this size, an arch support that matches the size of your foot is pulled from a shelf and shipped to your Costco store where you can pick it up.

The scanner used at Costco is manufactured by a company called PedAlign (San Diego, CA) and marketed at Costco as OrthotixRx. The scanner uses a technology called "grayscale pixilation" to take an enhanced black and white photograph of the bottom of your foot. This image is only in 2 dimensions and does not provide the 3-dimension information necessary to create an orthotic that is custom to your foot. These units were marketed to podiatrists for a number of years, but because grayscale pixilation units cannot provide a 3-dimensional image of the foot, the units could not be used to create a truly 3-dimensional custom orthotic device. The other problem with the units is that they required the foot to be weight-bearing. Several studies have shown that orthotics made from weight bearing inages result in an orthotic that does not work well for the majority of problems that orthotics are used to treat. More information on this, and a list of the studies, is available here.

So, what you are getting at Costco is a relatively good over-the-counter arch support - but is it a good deal?

I think the Costco foot orthotics are about 20% - 30% overpriced. You can find very good over-the-counter orthotics between $40 and $60. Costco charges about $90. Given that, they are not a bad over-the-counter arch support and you may want to give them a try. They are certainly a far, far better deal then you get at places like NeoVita where you are charged several hundred dollars for an arch support worth about $30. Just realize that you are not getting custom orthotics from Costco. When making price comparisons you need to compare these to OTC devices like Superfeet, not to the custom orthotics you get from a medical practitioner.

If you have a foot problem, see a podiatrist first. A good podiatrist will let you know if you would benefit from over-the-counter arch supports or custom orthotics - and help you find the best device for your foot.

Heel Pain and Orthotic Specialist near Mill Creek, WA

2009-07-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

If you are experiencing heel pain - or any other foot or ankle problem - you want to see a specialist who can cure your pain in a manner that is fast, effective and conservative. Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington are nationally known experts in the treatment of heel pain. The Foot and Ankle Center is the preferred referral center for heel pain patients by doctors throughout the Puget Sound area.

Located less than 30 minutes from Mill Creek, it is worth the trip down I-5 to ensure that you are getting the best treatment for your heel pain. Learn about heel pain treatment at the Foot and Ankle Center before making a choice of doctors.

Foot orthotics are a common treatment option for heel pain - and they work well if they are prescribed correctly. Unfortunately, many orthotics are not prescribed correctly. If you are considering orthotic therapy, learn here how to ensure you get the best orthotic to treat your problem.

Little Toe Pain - Treatment in Seattle

2009-07-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

Pain in the little toe can be surprisingly debilitating. Often called the pinkie toe, the 5th toe or the baby toe, pain in this last little piggy can throw off your entire body. We advise not to live with a baby toe that hurts - it is almost always very easy to treat, and surgery is almost never necessary.

Common causes of pinkie toe pain include hammertoes, corns, bone spurs, fractures and even sprains. Even toenail problems can lead to pain when shoes press on them.

If you are experiencing a sore little toe, call us today for an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

Best Podiatrist near Edmonds, WA

2009-06-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Located just off I-5 and less than 30 minutes from Edmonds, Dr. Huppin and Dr. Hale are nationally renown foot and ankle specialists with a special focus on treating difficult problems using conservative treatment options. Surgery is always our last resort.

Whether you are suffering from heel pain, ball-of-foot pain, bunions or you just want to make sure you get the best pair of orthotics, learn about your treatment options at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington before choosing a foot doctor.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain contact us today to make an appointment. Let our receptionist know that you are coming from Edmonds and she will find you an appointment time that avoids rush hour.

Wakeboard Lessons in Seattle

2009-06-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

Nothing to do with feet today - just want to make a recommendation if you are looking for wakeboard lessons in the Seattle area. We have been taking lessons from Greg at Northwest Riders and give him the highest recommendation. If you want to learn to wakeboard or improve your skills, get hold of Greg. You won't be disappointed.

Northwest Riders Wakeboard Lessons.

Hard to Treat Heel Pain - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-06-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

We are experts at treating even the most difficult and long lasting heel pain. Medical studies in the last few years have shown why some people have very difficult to treat heel pain (plantar fasciitis) that does not respond to standard treatments.

Our protocol for recalcitrant (long-term and unresponsive to treatment) heel pain and heel spurs is based on the current best evidence in the medical literature. Almost everyone can be treated without resorting to surgery.

More information on heel pain is available here.

Information on one of several treatments available for difficult to treat, stubborn heel pain is available here.

For patients from Federal Way to Mulkiteo to Bainbridge Island to the Sammanish Plateau, the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington in Seattle is the best choice for treatment of even the most resistant heel pain.

Marathon Foot Injury Treatment, Seattle, Monday, June 29, 2009

2009-06-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

If you suffered a foot injury during the Rock n' Roll Marathon on Saturday, call us Monday morning or use the online form here to request an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic. We have left a few appointment slots open Monday and Tuesday for treatment of post-marathon foot and ankle problems.

Slots are limited, and you may have to wait a while in the office, but we will try to get you in. Let our receptionist know that you ran the marathon.

Learn more about marathon injuries

Swollen Foot - Treatment in Seattle

2009-06-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

There are many causes of swollen feet, but we can usually figure out what might be causing your foot to swell by performing a simple examination.

Some possible causes of a swollen foot include (but are not limited to):

Stress Fracture
Gout
Sprain
Infection
Allergy
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Vascular disease
Pregnancy
Water Retention
Obesity

If your foot is swollen, make an appointment to see us right away. It may be nothing, but swelling can also indicate some serious conditions. Don't wait to come see us.

Weak Ankles - Treatment - Seattle Podiatrist

2009-06-22T18:43:00.001-07:00

Weak ankles (turning, rolling or twisting your ankle for no reason) are a common problem that should always be treated. Numerous studies show that people prone to turning their ankles are much more likely to develop ankle arthritis. Research over the past decade has showed that weak ankles can be treated conservatively - surgery is almost never necessary.

Learn about our protocol for weak ankles here.

Ankle instability should be treated as soon as possible. Make an appointment today to see us in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

Radio & TV Orthotic Ads - Buyer Beware

2009-06-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

Orthotic Advertising on Radio and TV
We would like to offer some consumer protection advise today.

You may have heard Seattle-area radio or television commercials promoting “custom fit” orthotics at shoe and orthotic retail stores. While these devices are not bad, we feel that they are extremely over-priced. You can get OTC devices that we feel are more effective for most people for less than $50.00. Our advice is to be very careful – you should never pay more than $60.00 for an “orthotic” unless it is made from a cast of your foot by an experienced and skilled medical professional.

What these stores call "custom fit" just means that they are taken out of a box and are sized to your foot. Using the word "custom" seems to us to be designed simply to confuse potential customers - these are not custom made orthotics - they are simply very overpriced over-the-counter arch supports.

There are many high quality off-the-shelf orthotics on the market and they can be purchased at many high-quality Puget Sound area shoe stores. Most cost $30.00 - $60.00. Not the $150 and more charged by the companies with the heavy radio and tv advertising.

Just be careful. If you have a foot problem, see your primary care doctor or a podiatrist for a diagnosis - not a clerk in a shoe store. And NEVER spend more than $60 on an arch support or orthotic unless it is made from a cast of your foot by a trained medical professional. Neo Vita, Neovita, good feet, foot solutions.

Knee Arthritis Treatment with Foot Orthotics - Seattle

2009-06-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

There are a number of studies showing that specific types of foot orthotics can decrease pain in patients with a history of arthritis affecting the medial (inside) portion of the knee. These "laterally wedged" orthotics act to decrease force through the damaged portion of the joint. It sometimes takes a couple modifications to achieve the best results, but many patients do very well with these specialized foot orthotics.

Osteoarthritis affecting the lateral compartment (outside) of the knee has not been shown to respond as well as medial compartment arthritis. Arthritis affecting both compartments is not likely to be helped with foot orthotics.

Other types of knee pain also respond to foot orthotics. Learn more about knee pain and orthotics here.

Call us today to make an appointment to be seen for an evaluation in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.

Podiatrist - Ballard, WA

2009-06-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Foot and Ankle Center of Washington is the premier referral center for foot and ankle problems for patients throughout the Seattle area - including patients coming from Ballard, Magnolia, Fremont and Downtown Seattle. We are conveniently located on First Hill, just across from Swedish Hospital. At the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, you are in highly capable hands. Drs Douglas S. Hale and Lawrence Z. Huppin are skilled foot and ankle physicians with advanced training, respected credentials and meaningful experience. Dr. Hale completed one of the most respected residencies in the country, serves as chief-of-staff of podiatry and residency director at renowned Swedish Medical Center and has a statewide reputation for excellence. Dr. Huppin completed an exclusive fellowship in orthotics and biomechanics and has since become a leading national authority on the subject and is medical director for ProLab Orthotics - the leading education based orthotic lab in the country.

Best Podiatrist near Bellevue, WA

2009-06-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a podiatrist near Bellevue, it's worth the trip across Lake Washington see Dr. Huppin or Dr. Hale at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, the Puget Sound region's premier center for foot and ankle care.

It is just an 18 minute drive from Bellevue to the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington. We provide Bellevue residents relief from foot and ankle pain by nationally renowned podiatrists who have a special interest in helping you avoid surgery whenever possible.

Our clinic is especially convenient for patients coming from Bellevue, being just off of I-90 on Seattle's First Hill. Contact us today for an appointment. Let our receptionist know you are coming from Bellevue and she will help you find an appointment time that avoids traffic.
neo vita, neovita, foot solutions

Heel Pain Treatment Specialists near Renton, WA

2009-06-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Heel pain should be treated in a manner that pain is relieved quickly and the patient is given everything they need to prevent return of the problem. Our specialty is treating heel pain and we are the premier heel pain referral center in the Puget Sound region. Click here to learn detailed information about our approach to heel pain.

If you live in Renton, Kent, Tukwila, Auburn or any area south of Seattle, it is an easy trip to our clinic on First Hill, just off of I-5, near Swedish Hospital.

To eliminate heel pain fast and permanantly, it's worth the trip to see Dr. Hale or Dr. Huppin. Make an appointment today.

Foot Orthotic Specialist near Kenmore, WA and Bothell, wa

2009-06-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

The Foot and Ankle Center is your best choice for foot orthotic therapy.

If you are a candidate for custom foot orthotics, you have many choices on where you can go. When you choose Dr. Hale or Dr. Huppin to make your orthotics you will achieve greater relief of pain and improved comfort compared with other practitioners.

Evidence Based Orthotic Therapy
The primary reason for our superior outcomes is a focus on Evidence Based Orthotic Therapy – evidence based medicine (EBM) applied to orthotic therapy.

We regularly review the medical literature related to orthotic therapy and biomechanics. This provides us with the information as to how to write orthotic prescriptions to help you achieve the best outcomes. It also allows us to provide our patients with realistic expectations about what they can expect from orthotic treatment. Learn more about why our orthotics work better.

If you live north of Seattle in Bothell, Kenmore, Lake City or Mount Lake Terrace, it's an easy trip down I-5 to our clinic on First Hill near Swedish Medical Center. Call today for an appointment.

Orthotics for Back Pain - Seattle Orthotic Specialists

2009-06-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Abnormal foot function can cause some cases of back pain. In a 1999 study of patients with low back pain, gait problems were detected in all patients. 84% of the patients studied experienced improvement with the use of custom foot orthotics.

Dr. Hale and Dr. Huppin have a very specific approach to back pain treatment. Read about our protocol for treatment of back pain with foot orthotics.

Sometimes even a good over-the-counter arch support can help back pain. Here are some that we recommend.

Be sure to avoid the arch supports from the company that advertises heavily on the radio and tv. What they call "custom-fit orthotics" are really just over-the-counter arch supports that they mark up over 500%. You can get the exact same devices they sell for under $50

Fallen Arches - Treatment in Seattle

2009-06-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Fallen arches is really just another term for flat feet. Whatever you call them, having a flat foot can cause a lot of pain. Click here to learn more about flat feet.

Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet
It is important to talk a little about orthotics for flat feet - because many people with flatfeet have had previous bad experiences with orthotics. There is a reason that many flatfooted people have tried both over-the-counter and custom orthotics in the past and had poor outcomes.

The problems are due to the fact that standard orthotic devices do not provide enough control to support a flatfoot. This results in orthotics that are not comfortable, don't work well or both. Research in the past 10 years, however, has demonstrated how orthoses must be made in order to be both very effective at relieving symptoms and extremely comfortable for the patient to wear.

We follow strict protocol to ensure optimum function and comfort of our orthotics and we guarantee . The use of proper orthotics can help prevent further flattening of the foot and the need for surgery. Read more here about why our orthotics tend to work better. Read more here about why our orthotics tend to work better.

Whether you live in Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish or Seatac, if you have flat feet, it is worth the trip to see us in our Seattle clinic. Call today to make an appointment.