Your foot doctor may recommend custom orthotics if you're experiencing foot pain. These devices can help relieve pain and boost your comfort. Here are a few benefits of using orthotics:
Understanding Orthotics
Orthotics are medical devices designed to rest in the shoe to help you stand, walk, or run easier. Your foot doctor will create accommodative or functional orthotics depending on your condition. Accommodative orthotics are made from soft compression materials. They are suitable for individuals with sensitive conditions like foot ulcers to help protect the feet. Functional orthotics are made from rigid materials and are ideal for people experiencing excessive strain on their feet, knees, hips, and lower back.
Custom Orthotics Benefits
Podiatrists create custom orthotics to promote optimal foot health. They recommend them over standard shoe inserts because they're customized to meet each patient's unique needs. Here are their benefits:
Pain Relief
Foot misalignments can result in pain in your feet and other parts of the body, like your knees, hips, and lower back. The misalignment sends a tremendous force to your joints to help your body improve its biomechanical balance. Custom orthotics offer pain relief by improving foot alignment. This reduces strain on the foot and other joints, allowing you to partake in daily activities like walking with minimal pain. People with conditions like plantar fascitis and arthritis are good candidates for custom orthotics, as these issues often cause significant pain.
Injury Prevention
Injuries can result from an uneven distribution of weight in your feet. Custom orthotics can help prevent injuries by supporting your foot's arch and promoting an even weight distribution. They can also prevent injuries by absorbing shock from heavy impact. This is beneficial if you're involved in high-impact sports like running or enjoy workouts like squat jumps.
Corrects Overpronation and Supination
Custom orthotics can prevent overpronation, a condition characterized by the foot rolling too much inward as you walk or run. They can also correct supination, which causes the foot to roll outward. This can lower your chances of developing Achilles tendonitis and heel pain. It can also prevent postural imbalances, taking pressure off your back and knees.
Precise Fit
This is one of the main factors differentiating custom orthotics from store-bought insoles. Podiatrists measure patients' feet to create orthotics that boost comfort when wearing the devices. They also assess patients' conditions to determine the best material for their needs. Foot doctors can make orthotics from rigid materials like carbon, semi-rigid options like leather, or soft materials like polyethylene. Rigid materials are suitable for conditions like plantar fascitis, semi-rigid options for mild to moderate overpronation, and soft ones for illnesses like arthritis.
When to Consider Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics address numerous conditions, including high arches, lower back pain, flat feet, bunions, and Achilles tendinopathy. Visit your podiatrist for a diagnosis if you're experiencing prolonged foot, knee, and back pain, swelling on your feet, or if your shoes wear out unevenly to determine if you're a possible candidate for these devices. A professional will assess your symptoms, conduct imaging tests, and watch your movements to diagnose your condition. If you're the right candidate for these devices, they'll take a cast of your feet to create proper-fitting orthotics.
Visit Your Foot Doctor for Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics can help patients with chronic conditions like arthritis manage their pain when standing, walking, or running. They can also improve posture, reduce the risk of injury, and lower one's risk of developing foot problems like Achilles tendonitis. Find a reliable foot doctor if you're experiencing foot pain and swelling to determine if you're a good candidate for custom orthotics.