Welcome to the personal website of

Dr. Michael A. Zapf, DPM, MPH, FACFAS, FACFAOM

Thank you for visiting the web site of Dr. Michael Zapf. He is a member of the Agoura-Los Robles Podiatry Centers

The "real" practice web site, the one that contains registration forms, doctor information for all the office and directions to the office is located at:

www.conejofeet.com   ç Click here

I am Dr. Michael Zapf. I have been offering a full range of podiatric medical services, from ingrown nails to heel pain and foot surgery, to my friends and neighbors in the Las Virgenes, Conejo and Simi Valleys since 1985. This is my personal web site. It has been up since 1990 and has received more than 2 million visits. The entire site is my responsibility only and nearly everything on the site was written by me. You are welcome to peruse this site and learn what you can about me, your feet and the problems your feet can develop. Things happen fast in medicine so whatever you read could well be outdated, especially if it was written many years ago. On this site you will read historic articles that I wrote for a lay audience as long as 25 years ago, so please do not take anything on this site as definitive or as applying directly to your condition. You may wonder why I have my own site even though there is also an official practice site. Well, my partners are of a younger generation raised on tweets, e-mails and iPhones. They want a professional site that they believe better represents the professional nature of our practice. They also believe that people no longer take the time to read anything of length. I, on the other foot, think there is still a world out there full of people who still read lengthy descriptions of problems and solutions. if you are one of those old fashioned readers, then this site if for you. Let me know what you think. Let me know you are out there.

Please note that all information and photographs on this site are copyrighted by me, Michael Zapf, DPM, and cannot be used for any private or commercial purposes. I work with two other podiatrists in my practice who may or may not share any of my ideas and philosophy. Do not expect them to practice the way I do or even believe in any of the speculation I present here. If you appreciate what I have written and want me to be your treating doctor, you will have to ask for me specifically. Even if my office says at first, " He is booked until next month",  I still want to see you as long as you are a little flexible with your schedule. If your visit is an emergency, I know that  you will be happy with either of my associates, Dr. Darren Payne or Dr. Steve Benson. They are exceedingly well trained and capable in any foot emergency.

Michael Zapf, DPM, MPH, FACFAS, FACFAOM     (If you want to know what all those initials mean, click here   è  

Our office phone number is (818) 707-3668 and my e-mail address is zfootdoc [at] doctor [dot] com

Agoura Hills Office: 28240 Agoura Road, Suite 101, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Thousand Oaks Office: 555 Marin Street, Suite 290, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

For the address, hours and registration forms please see the practice web site: www.conejofeet.com

07/24/2010

To Order Foot Supplies è ç click

For Information about Laser Treatment for Fungal Nails Click hereè
 

For information about Shockwave Therapy for heel pain          click here è

Exciting news!!! New Thousand Oaks Location  è

Orthotics

" I no longer feel open hostility towards others due to my wonderful orthotics"...Seriously, not having aching feet is such a relief. It's amazing how much better my whole body feels, and how much better my overall patience level is, all due to these orthotics". ... Stephanie H., Agoura

"I am a very satisfied patient of Dr. Zapf who just got a pair of orthotics for my heel pain. The transformation from sore feet to happy feet has been terrific!. I recommend a pair of orthotics for anyone who is experiencing heel pain. You will be a changed person" ... Lisa G., Thousand Oaks

An orthotic device (orthosis) is an individually designed custom foot brace that changes the function of your feet.

How Do They Work?

An orthotic changes the way your foot functions. Dr. Zapf will first determine why your foot function is causing your symptoms of pain or disability. Then, by using an orthotic that changes the way your foot works, the symptoms may be relieved. Flat feet, high arches, hammertoes, neuromas, calluses, bunions and heel pain are common foot problems that may be helped with an orthotic. Orthotics are designed to not only support your feet, but to control excess motion and accommodate areas of high pressure.

Orthotics are frequently used for post-operative foot control. Many foot problems requiring surgical correction and caused by abnormal function. Frequently following surgical correction of the deformity, an orthotic is used to reduce the possibility of its recurrence.

How Much Of The Time Do I Need To Wear My Orthotics?

Orthotic devices are analogous to eyeglasses. While you wear them the function is improved. Ideally, you should wear them every time you are on your feet. If your symptoms are related to only a particular activity, such as running or skiing, you may choose to wear them only for that activity. But it only makes sense that if your feet feel more comfortable wearing your orthotics then you would choose to wear them as much as possible. Certainly you can occasionally wear your shoes without an orthotic.

"I am a 50-something Scottish dancer with heel pain. I received my orthotics about 2 months ago and I must say that they dramatically reduce my heel pain. It took a little while for me to get used to them. At first they hurt a bit in the arch. After 2 weeks, however, they are comfortable to wear all the time. They are indispensable."   ...Margaret S.

Dr. Zapf uses many types of orthotic devices. Activities requiring "straight-ahead activities" like running or walking require a rigid orthotic. Graphite materials are frequently used for rigid devices. They are strong and thin and fit into a variety of shoes. "Side-to-side" sports like tennis and racquetball are better served with a semi-flexible orthotic such as polypropylene. Sensitive feet usually do better with a leather or rubber device. Typically these are more of an "arch support" than a functional device. Another type of orthotic is made for high heeled shoes. This device is a compromise from a fully functional orthotic. Sometime a second orthotic type is required for full time control of symptoms. A final type is designed for feet that have collapsed due to severe arthritis and hurt with every step.

Types Of Shoes

It is important that you discuss with Dr. Zapf the types of shoes you will be wearing. Women who anticipate wearing an orthotic in a dress pump should bring a representative sample (or two) with them. Sometimes Dr. Zapf will send a pair of pumps to the lab to assure proper fitting of the orthotic in the shoe.

How Long Will I Need My Orthotics?

Children's feet are an exception. Here the primary purpose of an orthotic is to help prevent the development of a deformity or abnormality during growth. In this case Dr. Zapf usually recommends wearing the orthotic until growth is complete and then as needed if symptoms persist. Controlling abnormal function of a growing foot allows more normal structure to develop, limiting future symptoms. As a rule-of-thumb, new orthotics are needed every time the feet grow three half-sizes (one and a half full sizes).

Our laboratory usually takes two weeks to fabricate a pair of orthotics when they are not busy or when they are not backlogged. Unfortunately Dr. Zapf has chosen a very popular orthotic laboratory and they are always backlogged and always busy. Sometimes it takes a little longer (sorry!) Dr. Zapf really likes his current lab and would change to one a bit more prompt if he felt they could do as good a job.

How Long Does It Take To Get Used To A Pair of Orthotics?

Dr. Zapf instructs patients to wear their new orthotics one hour the first day, two hours the second and so on. You should be wearing them all day in a week or so. At this point you can begin athletic activities.

Evaluation

To make a proper orthotic device, Dr. Zapf will need to make an extensive biomechanical evaluation. He will measure the range of motion of your hips, knees, ankles and feet. He will evaluate your muscles, posture and he will watch you walk. Above is an example of a Halloween gait :-). Many time X-rays are needed to evaluate the position of joints and to rule out abnormalities not properly treated with orthotics.

We ask that you wear shorts or other garments that will allow Dr. Zapf to see your knees while you are walking.

Impressions

In order for the laboratory to construct your orthotic device, it is necessary for Dr. Zapf to make a plaster impression of your foot. He will hold your foot in the "neutral" position while the plaster sets. Making this impression is the most critical step in the fabrication of the orthotic device.

Lab Process

Your impressions will be sent to the laboratory. The lab makes a positive model of your foot. Any corrections are prescribed by Dr. Zapf. The specified materials will be formed to the positive model. Covers, extensions and other additions are made by the laboratory before they deliver the orthotics to our office. Fabrication time by the lab takes usually one week.

To learn more than you ever wanted to know about orthotics click the link below to read the Medical Practice Guidelines on Orthotics published by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics"

Send mail to (zfootdoc at doctor dot com) with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2000 Michael A. Zapf, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., F.A.C.F.AOA.M.
Last modified: July 24, 2010