Orthotics

If your shoes don’t fit right, it leads to all kinds of foot problems, including athlete’s foot and ingrown toenails. If your shoes aren’t stable and supportive, you can try store-bought shoe inserts to provide extra comfort and some relief for pain. But these non-prescription items aren’t custom-made or designed to correct specific foot problems.

When you have foot or ankle issues, it’s time to visit your expert podiatrist. If your doctor determines that your foot pain results from biomechanical issues, you can order orthotics, which are custom-made, prescription shoe inserts. Orthotics not only relieve your pain, but also help you avoid surgery.

What Conditions Do Orthotics Treat?

Every individual walks, runs or stands with a slightly different balance and gait. That’s because your stride depends on your genetics, the shape of your skeleton, your muscle strength and your weight. All these factors cooperate to determine how your lower body moves.

You may limp from a pulled muscle, but there are many reasons why you move regularly in an abnormal manner. Other conditions contributing to the need for orthotics include:

• Arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bursitis
• Diabetes
• Peroneal or peripheral nerve injury
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Dermatomyositis
• Spina Bifida
• Bunion surgery
• Flat feet
• Scoliosis

Diagnosing the Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain

To determine the source of your pain, your doctor examines the unique mechanics of your feet, ankles and legs. You’re likely asked to walk around the office. This is part of the exam, as your podiatrist observes how your hips, legs, ankles and feet work together.

Types of Orthotics Available

Most orthotics come in one of two forms. Your mechanical issues or contributing conditions determine which works best for you. The two types are:

1. Accommodative or soft orthotics. These consist of soft, compression-like materials that provide a cushion to relieve pressure from sore spots caused by plantar fasciitis or foot ulcers from diabetes. Soft orthotics may be bulky and require prescription footwear. If you participate in sports such as skiing or ice skating, your physician may suggest specially-made versions to relieve your discomfort while participating.
2. Functional or rigid orthotics. These consist of carbon fiber or plastic. Used with closed-toe and low-heel shoes, these orthotics eases foot aches, strains and pain in your lower back, thighs or legs. If you have gait problems or other mechanical issues, rigid orthotics provide the best support.

What Can You Do for Foot Pain?

Because your discomfort often occurs due to shortened or bound muscles, your podiatrist may suggest accompanying therapy. Physical therapy stretches, strengthens and modifies your form and technique as you walk, run and perform other activities. Therapy and exercises also relieve the stress on muscles, tendons and bones that often trigger pain.

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as:

• Getting more rest
• Elevating your feet often throughout the day
• Working toward weight loss
• Applying ice several times a day to relieve swelling
• Wearing wraps or compression bandages for support
• Changing your preferred exercise to more low-impact options such as walking or swimming

What Your Podiatrist Can Do for Foot Pain

Depending on the severity of your discomfort, we may suggest over-the-counter medications or a short stint of prescription pain medicine while your body heals. You need time to adjust to walking with your orthotics. Rarely, steroid injections are used to reduce swelling and facilitate the healing and recovery.