Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are specially crafted devices that are patterned based on your individual needs and designed to support and comfort your feet.
They are prescription devices you can wear inside your shoes to correct the biomechanical issues of your foot. These foot issues are relative to the way you walk, run or jump. At the same time, custom orthotics can also help with various medical conditions which include diabetic foot ulcers, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, and foot, ankle and heel pain. It can also help you avoid surgery to fix flat feet.
Types of Orthotics
As orthotics accommodate your unique foot structure and pathology, they can only be manufactured once a complete evaluation is performed by a podiatrist, a doctor specializing in foot care. He might recommend either rigid or soft orthotics.
- Rigid orthotics or Functional orthotics. These orthotics are designed to control and treat foot pain caused by abnormal motion. They can also be used to treat injuries such as shin splints and tendinitis and are usually made from materials like plastic or carbon fiber. They, too, are best for walking shoes and dress shoes.
- Soft orthotics or Accommodative orthotics. This kind of orthotics is made from soft compressed materials and is designed mainly to provide additional cushioning and support. They take the pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots conditions such as plantar fasciitis or diabetic foot ulcers.
The advantages of using custom orthotics
Wearing a custom-made orthotics is quite helpful in many ways. The advantages of using a custom orthotics include:
- Treat foot problems including diabetic foot ulcers, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, and foot, ankle and heel pain
- Decrease foot pain and improve function
- Fits perfectly and do what they’re supposed to do
- Made of top-notch materials
- Often covered by insurance policies
What your podiatrist will check
During an appointment, your podiatrist will take 3D images of each foot and do a thorough examination. Those images, as well as any measurements obtained by the podiatrist, are used to create a set of unique foot supports that will improve your foot movement and lead to more comfort and mobility.
He will carefully observe the way you walk and note how your feet, ankles, legs, and hips move. If you need orthotics, your podiatrist will make a precise mold of your feet. This is important to get the right fit. Once the mold is ready, a professional will turn it into soft or rigid orthotics as per advice by your podiatrist.
Request an Appointment with one of our listed doctors to get help in eliminating your foot problems and living the happy, pain-free life you deserve.
Conditions
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop to protect against friction and pressure. They mostly develop on your feet and hands.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood gets trapped on the inner walls of a vein and forms a solid clump of blood known as a blood clot.
Diabetes Complications
People living with diabetes are prone to having foot problems, often because of two complications common among diabetics: nerve damage and poor circulation.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly the area between the third and fourth toes.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is caused by repeated strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes, supporting the arch of the foot.
Structural Bone Deformities
Structural bone deformities usually occur when some of the bones move out of place or a joint is stressed over a period of time.
Tendinopathy and Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the resulting inflammation from tendinopathy (or tendinosis), a common overuse injury caused by frequent and long-term excessive compression.
