Foot & Ankle

Playlist 1 – Dr. DuMontier Tips & Tricks

Video 1: Lace-Up Ankle Brace: Tips & Tricks with Dr. DuMontier 
Today, we’re going to cover the proper application of a lace-up ankle brace and share a few tips and tricks to make it more comfortable and effective. 

When you first take the brace out of the package, undo all the Velcro parts and free up the straps. The laces come pre-tied, like a new pair of shoes, so you need to loosen them up to slip the brace on easily. Make sure the tongue is flat to prevent the laces from digging in. 

To put the brace on, slide it over your foot like a shoe liner. Make sure the tongue stays flat. Lace up the brace, ensuring it is snug but comfortable for a secure fit. After tying the laces, adjust them as needed. 

Next, take the straps and wrap them around the arch of your foot. Cross them under the arch and back up, attaching them to the Velcro on the opposite side. Adjust the tightness to provide the most support where needed. Finally, cover the laces with the top strap, adjusting it for comfort. 

This brace allows up-and-down foot movement while providing side-to-side support to reduce stress on the ankle ligaments. If you experience discomfort where the brace presses against the bone, you can remove the plastic support pieces inside the brace, which can help relieve pressure while still providing adequate support. 

For added comfort, wear a sock that extends above the brace to prevent chafing and irritation. 

Video 2: Cast Boot: Tips & Tricks with Dr. DuMontier 
Hi, I’m Dr. Tim DuMontier, an orthopedic surgeon at Olympia Orthopedic Associates specializing in foot and ankle surgery. Today, I’m going to provide some tips and tricks for using a cast boot or walking boot, including how to use the air inflation feature to make it more functional and comfortable. 

The most commonly used boot here at Olympia Orthopedics is the Aircast boot. When you first get the boot, it comes packaged with Velcro straps. Remove the straps and attach them back to themselves to prevent tangling. The boot has a soft inner liner and air bladders that can be inflated for a customized fit. If the liner gets dirty, you can wash it with hand soap and water, then let it air dry. 

When using the boot, wear socks that go up to the knee, like athletic socks, to help keep swelling down and provide a better fit. You can also use a cast liner over shorter socks to prevent slipping. 

To put on the boot, open the Velcro straps and ensure your heel is all the way back and down in the boot. Wrap the soft padding around the leg and attach the plastic front piece. This piece helps distribute pressure evenly when the straps are tightened. 

The boot includes air bladders labeled “1” and “2” that can be inflated to ensure a snug fit. Use the dial to select the bladder, then pump to inflate. To deflate, turn the dial and press the button behind the pump. Once adjusted, you don’t need to inflate or deflate it each time you wear the boot. 

If you experience discomfort from the plastic pressing on the top of the foot, you can remove that piece and use only the straps for support. For those with high arches or bony prominences, this often improves comfort. 

The boot is meant for walking, but it may not be as comfortable as a regular shoe. If you need more arch support, you can add an insole from your shoe or use a custom orthotic. The boot has a rounded bottom and is slightly thicker than a regular shoe, which can sometimes cause discomfort in the back or hip. To balance this, wear a shoe with an elevated heel on the opposite foot or use a platform device like “Level Up” to even out the height. 

I hope this video has been helpful in providing tips and tricks to make your boot more functional. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the team at Olympia Orthopedics. 

Video 3: Airlift PTTD Brace: Tips & Tricks with Dr. DuMontier 
Today, we’re going to go over the application of the Airlift PTTD brace, designed specifically for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), a common cause of low arches and foot pain. This brace is a good alternative while waiting to get fitted for custom orthotics or other supports, and it is less cumbersome than a cast boot. 

The brace has an air bladder that fits under the arch to provide support. To apply the brace, undo the Velcro strap and slide the brace on. The strap wraps around the back and helps center the brace on the foot. Pull the strap tight to lift the arch and attach it securely with Velcro. 

The brace also has an air valve and pump to adjust the bladder’s firmness. Insert the pump nozzle into the valve and inflate it to the desired level of support. If it’s too tight, it can cause discomfort or make it difficult to put on shoes. To deflate, reverse the pump direction. 

A useful tip is to put your shoe on first and then inflate the brace. This ensures a snug, comfortable fit tailored to the specific shoe you are wearing. 

Playlist 2 – Podiatry FAQ with Dr. Winter

Video 1: Podiatry FAQ – Common Problems 
Hi, my name is Dr. Amy Winter, a podiatrist at Olympia Orthopedic Associates. Today, I want to talk about some common foot problems I frequently see in the clinic. 

Calluses can be painful, but they are treatable. At Olympia Orthopedic Associates, we trim calluses and teach patients how to care for them at home. To help prevent calluses, wear shoes that are long and wide enough. You can also file calluses with an emery board and apply emollients like lotions, shea butter, or Vaseline. Calluses often result from biomechanical deformities, so arch supports and an evaluation of your shoe gear can help prevent them. 

Warts are another common foot problem, especially in children. They are treatable and shouldn’t cause discomfort or prevent kids from staying active. We can provide relatively painless treatments to manage warts. 

Nail fungus is another issue that causes embarrassment and pain. It is often caused by athlete’s foot and can be prevented by wearing shoes in public areas, keeping feet dry, changing socks, and using foot powders. If you have an active case of nail fungus, it’s time to see me at Olympia Orthopedic Associates. We want to keep your feet healthy and your life in motion. 

Video 2: Podiatry FAQ – Ingrown Toenails 
Hi, I’m Dr. Amy Winter, a podiatrist at Olympia Orthopedic Associates. I’d like to discuss a common issue I see frequently in the clinic: ingrown toenails. Many people suffer from them without realizing there is a permanent solution to stop pain and infections. 

In the office, we offer temporary excisions where we remove part of the toenail and let it grow back slowly, or permanent removal options where the toenail will not grow back, preventing future pain and infections. 

At home, you can manage pain by soaking the toe, applying Neosporin or Vaseline, and ensuring your shoes are not too tight. The procedure for ingrown toenails is relatively painless and does not interfere with normal activities. It can be done during a standard office visit, and it is suitable for all ages, from newborns to people in their 90s. 

If you’ve been suffering from ingrown toenails, a single office visit may help you walk pain-free again. If you’re experiencing foot pain, please call Olympia Orthopedic Associates and ask for the Foot and Ankle team. 

Video 3: Podiatry FAQ – Plantar Fasciitis 
Hi, I’m Dr. Amy Winter, a podiatrist at Olympia Orthopedic Associates. Today, I’d like to discuss plantar fasciitis, commonly known as heel pain or heel spur syndrome. It is a very common issue. 

I take a non-operative approach to treating plantar fasciitis. At home, you can manage it by stretching the calf muscles, wearing arch supports, and using anti-inflammatory techniques such as icing. In the clinic, we can provide cortisone shots, prescribe physical therapy, and recommend arch supports. We can also evaluate your shoe gear to see if it is contributing to the problem. 

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain, redness, and swelling, especially after periods of rest. Sometimes, the pain can resolve on its own, but if it persists, it’s important to be seen at Olympia Orthopedic Associates’ Podiatry Department. Pain is not normal, and it’s always best to address it early.