By Center for Podiatric Medicine
June 27, 2018
Category: Foot Health
Tags: Orthotics
If your feet hurt, you could relieve the discomfort by putting them into positions that are more balanced and less strained. How can the average person achieve better biomechanics for his or her feet and ankles? The answer lies in a consultation with the podiatrists at the Center for Podiatric Medicine in River North and Schaumburg, IL. Customized orthotics, or shoe inserts, made of state of the art materials help feet be healthier, pain-free and well-functioning. It all begins with a call to our skilled and compassionate team of foot doctors.
What are orthotics?
They are rigid, semi-rigid or soft inserts which fit accurately inside your shoes to support, cushion and correct the positions of your feet as you walk, run and stand. Great alternatives to prescription pain medication, surgery or other more invasive treatments, orthotics offer relief for several foot health conditions, including:
Poor gait
Overpronation
Toeing-in or out
Flat feet
Plantar fasciitis
Heel spurs
Hammertoes
Orthotics can be adjuncts to other conservative treatments. Those non-invasive therapies may include:
Stretching exercises
Physical therapy
Better fitting shoes with lower heels, good arch support and more room for the toes
Losing weight and staying in good physical condition
Rest (stay off your feet)
Ice (to reduce swelling)
Compression (with an ACE bandage)
Do you need orthotics?
Your podiatrist at the Center for Podiatric Medicine will perform a complete podiatric examination, checking how you walk, your range of motion and more. They may take digital X-rays to confirm a diagnosis and then devise a treatment plan to address your individual needs.
If your podiatrist believes orthotics are in order, he will take a mold of your feet and determine what materials would suit you best. Basically, orthotics may be:
Soft, relieving painful pressure points, particularly on the ball of the foot (appropriate for people with diabetes and arthritis)
Semi-rigid, suitable for children and people who run and play sports as these orthotics absorb impact well, cushion and support flat feet and correct toeing-in and toeing-out
Rigid, made of carbon-based materials or plastic to fit snugly in dress shoes (taking pressure off the heel and back of the foot)
Your foot doctor will tell you how often and how long you should wear your custom-made shoe inserts. Long-term, orthotics relieve pain and provide proper alignment for connective tissue, muscles and bones.
Find out more
Eliminate pain. Stay balanced. Avoid athletic injury. These are what orthotics could do for you. Why not contact the Center for Podiatric Medicine in River North and Schaumburg, IL for a personal consultation with one of our knowledgeable foot doctors? You'll be amazed at how good your feet can feel with custom-made orthotics.
