Custom orthotics are shoe inserts made specifically for your feet in order to treat foot pain, discomfort, deformities, or an abnormal gait or walking pattern. Orthotics can be prescribed to people of all ages, from young children to seniors. They are designed to cushion and support the feet, reduce symptoms of various foot disorders, and make going about your day-to-day life more comfortable.

A variety of foot conditions can warrant a custom orthotics prescription. Pain from chronic foot injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or a stress fracture, can be helped by wearing cushioning, or supportive orthotic inserts in your shoes. Symptoms from common foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes can also be managed, and the progression of the disorders stopped or slowed down, by wearing orthotics. Foot structure abnormalities, like flat feet or high arches, can cause discomfort while walking or standing, which can be alleviated with orthotics. An abnormal gait, for example, one in which your feet turn too far inwards while walking, can also be corrected with custom orthotics.

If you are experiencing any foot pain or discomfort, please consult with a podiatrist. This specialist can determine if custom orthotics are right for you and prescribe them.

AllCare Foot & Ankle Center is available to treat foot and ankle ailments such as diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, warts and painful calluses.

Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are very common injuries with more than 3 million suffered each year in the US. They occur when the ligaments in the ankle are severely stretched or torn. Medical attention will be necessary to rule out a fracture, as often it is difficult to tell the full extent of the injury.

Bunions
A bunion is a bone deformity usually occurring at the base of the big toe. This is a progressive condition that is made worse by inward pressure from tight shoes. Bunions can be very painful, and in some instances surgery may be necessary to remove them.

Flat Feet
Flat feet is a condition where the entire, or nearly entire, bottom of the foot meets the ground when standing. Depending on the severity, symptoms of flat feet can range from severe pain to non-existent.

Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a characterized by one or more of the toes having a bend in the middle joint. This occurs because of weakening of the muscle due to poorly fitted shoes or a genetically inherited trait.

Diabetes and Your Feet
Diabetes is a systemic illness that can affect many different parts of the body. This is especially true for the feet. Proper foot screening is incredibly important for diabetic patients and any kind of cut or sore should be taken very seriously.

Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a bony protrusion that occurs on the heel. It is often confused with plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament. When a heel spur is painful it can make it quite difficult to walk.

Corns
Corns and calluses are hard layers of skin that usually form due to friction. Generally, they will be in areas of the foot that are bearing weight, or areas that frequently rub against the shoe. Soft corns are typically found between the toes.

Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot is a very common fungal infection that affects countless people around the world. It will manifest itself on the skin of the foot, in many cases in between the toes. Because fungi proliferate in warm, damp environments, keeping the feet clean and dry is of utmost importance in avoiding athlete’s foot.

Summary: Final Rule Implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the Final Rule implementing the prohibition of discrimination under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. The Final Rule, Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities, will help to advance equity and reduce health disparities by protecting some of the populations that have been most vulnerable to discrimination in the health care context. The final rule explains consumers’ rights under the law and provides covered entities important guidance about their obligations.

Section 1557 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities.

Section 1557 builds on long-standing and familiar Federal civil rights laws: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act). Most notably, Section 1557 is the first Federal civil rights law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all health programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.

Section 1557 has been in effect since enactment of the ACA in 2010 and the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has been enforcing the provision since it was enacted.

Coverage of the Rule

The rule covers:

− Any health program or activity, any part of which receives funding from HHS (such as hospitals that accept Medicare or doctors who accept Medicaid);

− Any health program that HHS itself administers;

− Health Insurance Marketplaces and issuers that participate in those Marketplaces.

Attention: If you speak any of the listed below languages – language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you.

Please call:   State Health Insurance Assistance Program Language Line 800-792-8820