Custom Orthotics
Do you suffer from foot or heel pain? Custom orthotics help provide an effective and long-term solution to your foot pain and heel pain by addressing the underlying cause of the issue – your body’s unique way of walking or standing.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are devices made from plastic, foam, rubber, or leather and are crafted to fit the contours of your feet precisely. Unlike off-the-shelf shoe inserts, custom orthotics are designed to accommodate your unique foot structure and pathology. They provide cushioning and support to the feet and help with biomechanical issues resulting from conditions such as flat feet, heel pain, and ankle instability.
Why and How Custom Orthotics Help with Foot Pain
Custom orthotics help correct your posture to redistribute weight evenly throughout your entire body while improving shock absorption capabilities, ensuring every step feels more comfortable throughout the day. This helps alleviate pressure on your lower extremities while reducing strain on other parts of your body, too.
Conditions Custom Orthotics Help Treat
Custom orthotics can help with a multitude of different conditions. These include:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition can cause pain in the heel or sole of the foot, which can become debilitating if left untreated. Orthotics provide cushioning and support for the feet, reducing pressure on the plantar fascia and relieving pain symptoms associated with this condition.
Bunions
Bunions are a common foot disorder characterized by swelling and enlargement of the big toe joint. Orthotics provide an even distribution of weight throughout the feet, helping reduce this abnormal pressure on the big toe joint. This helps relieve the discomfort caused by bunions.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are deformities in which one or more toes are bent at an unnatural angle due to tightness in the tendons or muscles pressing against the bones in the foot. The cushioning and arch support orthotics provides relieves tension in the tendons and muscles, allowing the affected toes to move more freely.
Abnormal Pronation
Abnormal pronation is when the foot rolls inwards more than it should, putting extra stress on the foot and causing pain. Custom orthotics can help reduce abnormal pronation, providing the arch support needed to relieve the pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis causes inflammation and pain in the joints and can make it difficult to walk. Custom orthotics can support the feet and reduce pressure on painful joints, relieving arthritis pain and discomfort.
Diabetic Foot Care
Custom orthotics can be used to provide arch support and reduce pressure on the feet. This helps to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and other complications associated with diabetes. Custom orthotics can also reduce foot fatigue, making it easier for diabetes patients to stay active and healthy.
Go Beyond Treating Knee, Hip, and Back Pain
You may think of custom orthotics as solely helpful in treating heel or arch pain. However, their benefits extend much further than just treating lower extremity issues. They can also be used proactively to prevent future problems by properly aligning joints and supporting muscles.
Aligning and supporting your body will improve overall balance and reduce stress on other joints like our knees, hips and backs. And ultimately leads to better physical health outcomes because they ensure our bodies remain properly aligned while promoting healthy joint motion during movement activities, such as running or walking.
Benefits of Custom Orthotics Over Store-Bought Shoe Inserts
Store-bought shoe inserts do not provide adequate arch support nor do they adjust with wear like customized insoles do – meaning the relief you purchased them for will eventually fade away due to their lack of specialized shaping and design needed to achieve desired results for your foot structure.
Types of Custom Orthotics
There are three types of orthotics we offer at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central PA.
Soft Orthotics: Soft orthotics are made from soft, cushioning materials such as foam or rubber. They are designed to provide shock absorption, reducing pressure on your feet and joints.
Rigid Orthotics: Rigid orthotics are made from sturdy materials, such as plastic or carbon fiber. They control foot motion and provide stability.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics: Semi-rigid orthotics are a combination of soft and rigid materials. They provide both cushioning and stability, making them suitable for a wide range of foot conditions.
Get Your Pair of Custom Orthotics
If you’re looking for quality orthotics, we are here to provide you with the most appropriate solution tailored to your lifestyle and mobility goals. Schedule an appointment with our trained specialists today to get your customized orthotics by calling us at 717-620-8225, or by contacting us online.