If you are experiencing foot pain, you’ve probably taken a look at those shoe inserts at local stores. While they may offer temporary relief, you may later find your pain worsening or that they do not work as effectively as when you first purchased them. If this is the case, you may need more than some cushion and support. Custom orthotics are shoe insoles designed specifically for you to add support and comfort while correcting or managing the root cause of your discomfort.
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics, also known as foot orthoses, are custom made devices designed to support your feet while treating various foot conditions that may be plaguing you. These are prescribed to you by a board-certified podiatrist who matches the devices to the contour of your feet to accommodate your unique foot structure.
Since every patient is unique, your orthotics will be designed and crafted for you after a complete evaluation of your medical condition, legs, ankles, and feet. We will use state of the art technology to measure your feet and understand the way you move to ensure your orthotics address all your concerns and needs.
Types of Orthotics
There are various types of custom orthotics including arch supports, heel liners, and foot cushions. The most common types of orthotics are functional and accommodative orthotic shoe insoles.
Functional orthotics are designed to correct those who have abnormal gaits or foot function. They are made from semi-rigid materials that work to keep your foot in its proper position while normalizing your movements. Functional orthotics are commonly used to treat those who have flat feet and high arches that can cause pronation problems. Patients with plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, bursitis, shin splints, heel and arch pain, or other foot injuries typically benefit from these orthotics.
Accommodative orthotics are made of softer material and meant to be more flexible compared to functional orthotics. They are meant to provide additional cushioning and gentle support. Accommodative orthotics are used to treat diabetic foot ulcers, painful calluses, hammertoes, and other uncomfortable conditions.
Treatable Conditions
Custom orthotics can treat a variety of conditions and improve the functionality of your feet. Some conditions that can be treated with orthotics include:
- Aching feet
- Ankle pain
- Arch pain
- Bunions
- Calluses
- Chronic foot pain
- Corns
- Diabetic related pain
- Flat feet
- Foot injuries
- Hammertoes
- Heel pain
- High arches
- Knee pain
- Lower back pain
- Plantar fasciitis
Why should you consider custom orthotics?
Shoe inserts are any kind of non-prescription foot support designed to be worn within a shoe. They can be bought in over-the-counter stores and are often pre-packaged and mass-produced with a one-size-fits-all approach. Though they may vary in shape and nature to address some concerns, they are not made to correct any underlying conditions that may be the source of your pain.
Our podiatrist will thoroughly examine your feet often using computer scans and various tests to create a custom-molded medical device to effectively treat and correct any conditions or problems. Though they may be more expensive compared to over the counter shoe inserts, custom orthotics are molded to fit each foot and made of high-quality materials that’ll last. Custom orthotics are great for providing additional support and cushioning allowing you to achieve relief from various conditions that can cause discomfort in your feet, knees, hips, and lower back.
For more information on custom orthotics and how we can help you achieve happy and healthy feet, contact Foot and Ankle Centers today.
