CUSTOM BRACING

Dr. Levick provides specialized care for conditions like drop foot, toe walking, and tendonitis, offering custom bracing solutions to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

At Levick Foot & Ankle Institute, we provide specialized care for various foot and ankle conditions to restore function and mobility.

Regardless of the etiology, bracing may be necessary to decrease inflammation and correct biomechanical issues. Dr. Levick specializes in custom bracing for patients utilizing high-tech materials and strapping. Patients are able to pick closure type and color to match their everyday needs.

Drop Foot

Drop foot refers to the inability to lift the front part of one’s foot off the ground when walking, resulting in a scuffing or dragging of the foot or lifting the thigh (known as “steppage” gait). It is most often caused by nerve or muscle disorders or damage or by a central nervous system disorder. Dr. Levick utilizes only the most advanced laboratories to create a custom brace that will fit into your shoes and prevent tripping.

Toe Walking

Toe walking, a condition in which a person walks on the toes or ball of the foot, is most often seen in young children learning to walk. A child who does not outgrow toe walking in early childhood should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon. Toe walking may be idiopathic (habitual) or it can be caused by a shortened Achilles tendon (equinus deformity) often associated with a neurological or muscular disorder.

Tendonitis 

Tendonitis is an inflammation of one or more tendons. The inflammation is caused by activities involving repetitive use of the tendon, overuse of the tendon or trauma (such as an ankle sprain). Symptoms of tendonitis include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Warm to the touch
     

Acute tears are caused by repetitive activity or trauma. Immediate symptoms of acute tears include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Weakness or instability of the foot and ankle

As time goes on, these tears may lead to a change in the shape of the foot.


Degenerative tears (tendonosis) are usually due to overuse and occur over long periods of time, often years. In degenerative tears, the tendon is like taffy that has been overstretched until it becomes thin and eventually frays. The symptoms of degenerative tears may include:

  • Sporadic pain (occurring from time to time) on the outside of the ankle
  • Weakness or instability in the ankle
  • An increase in the height of the arch
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