Orthotics

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are pads or cushions that you insert inside your shoes to address conditions, such as flat feet or high arches. These shoe inserts relieve pressure from certain areas of your feet and provide support where needed.

Although you can find orthotics at your local drug store, these devices are not custom-made. They can’t deliver the same results as professionally designed orthotics, which Dr. Wright or Dr. Perry at Total Family Foot Care molds to the exact shape of your feet.

Which conditions can orthotics treat?

Orthotics work by evenly distributing pressure throughout your feet. Not only can this alleviate pain, it also promotes healthy foot and ankle function. Common conditions that orthotics can treat include:

Hammertoe

A hammertoe occurs when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting the middle joint of the toe become unbalanced. That imbalance leads to an abnormal bend that leaves your toe at risk of injury. Orthotics can slow the progression, but won’t fully correct the hammertoe.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic heel pain. The plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue that stretches from the bottom of the toes to the heel — absorbs pressure from weight and movement. As a result, the tissue can become inflamed and irritated.

Morton’s neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerve between your third and fourth toes. The pain can feel like a burning sensation, particularly when you walk, run, or wear narrow-fitting shoes.

Bunions

Bunions are bony lumps that form when your big toe begins pushing toward your smaller toes. While anybody can develop bunions, they’re most common in women who wear narrow-fitting shoes. Orthotics can help by slowing the progression, but won’t fully correct the bunion.

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are rough, raised patches of skin that form in areas of your feet vulnerable to friction.

What are the benefits of orthotics?

Orthotics address and correct specific imbalances in the mechanics of your feet. They offer support and cushion to relieve pain and prevent injury. Depending on your condition, custom-made orthotics can:

• Relieve foot, ankle, leg, knee, hip, or lower back pain
• Prevent bunions, corns, and calluses
• Align the foot and ankle
• Support high arches
• Stabilize flat feet
• Promote healthy posture
• Improve balance

To learn more about custom-made orthotics, call Total Family Foot Care or schedule an appointment online today.