DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS?
- Lower back pain
- Leg fatigue
- Heel pain/plantar fasciitis
- Pain at the ball of your foot
- Knee or hip pain
- Arch pain
- Hammertoes
- Corn or calluses
- Bunions
- Ankle instability
If so, then custom foot orthotics may be the perfect solution for you!
What is a custom foot orthotic?
Custom-made foot orthotics are shoe inserts manufactured from a cast impression of your feet by your foot care professional and worn inside your shoes (athletic, casual, dress, diabetic or special activity shoes). Custom orthotics help your feet function in their optimal neutral position and eliminate the need for your body to compensate for misalignment anywhere in your lower extremity (feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back).
Who can benefit from custom-made foot orthotics?
Due to the fact that most people suffer from some form of misalignment, just about anyone will benefit from wearing custom-made orthotics. There are many different styles to meet a variety of needs. Some orthotics are more rigid for increased control in flexible flat foot, while others are softer and more cushioning for a more rigid high arch foot, and there are many situations that fall in between these two extremes. Your foot care provider will help determine what style is best suited for your individual need.
How do custom-made foot orthotics help reduce or eliminate pain?
A custom-made foot orthotic helps bring the ground up to the foot at predetermined angles so that the foot is supported in its optimal neutral position. By realigning the foot with the body, the rest of the joints and muscles can work more efficiently, thus helping to reduce or eliminate pain. This is especially true if you have had joint replacement surgery (knee or hip). Once the pathology or pain is eliminated, it is important that you maintain alignment so that your surgery continues to be successful. Often limp length is affected and other stresses on joints may occur. Custom-made orthotics are an extremely import part of this follow-up.
How will custom made foot orthotics fit into my regular shoes?
There are different styles of orthotics available that are designed to fit a wide variety of shoe gear. Orthotic styles range from athletic shoes to men’s and women’s dress shoes to pediatric and diabetic shoes. Sometimes, depending on the specific orthotic therapy required, a different type of shoe might be recommended by your foot care provider.
What is the difference between off the shelf store bought orthotic insoles and custom-made orthotics?
Store bought prefabricated orthotics are not customized to your feet and therefore have little effect on the biomechanics of your feet. The majority of people who need orthotics function far better with custom-made orthotics that are specially made from casts of their feet and are designed to meet individual needs, activities, and footwear.
If you think you would benefit from custom orthotics give us a call today to schedule an appointment at one of our 3 locations!