Foot and ankle doctors diagnose and treat many injuries, deformities, overuse issues and more. They restore comfort, balance, form and function to the lower extremities. One of their most effective treatments is the customized orthotic. These shoe inserts are crafted from high-tech materials. They help people avoid more invasive treatments, such as surgery. In this blog, we will look at the benefits of custom orthotics.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Orthotics are shoe inserts designed to support and align the feet. They treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, diabetic ulcers and more. Orthotics relieve pain from chronic conditions, such as arthritis, or sports injuries, such as ankle sprains.
Custom orthotics are individually made from high-tech materials. These materials may include foam, graphite, plastic and more. The materials used depend on your particular foot and ankle issue.
For instance, if you are a diabetic with foot ulcers, your orthopedic specialist may recommend orthotics made from soft foam. Called accommodative orthotics, these orthotics support, comfort and protect the diabetic foot.
Also, if you are an athlete with plantar fasciitis, you may need to wear customized orthotics. Your foot and ankle doctor would craft them from semi-rigid plastics to absorb the shock which impacts your feet and ankles when you jump or run.
Functional orthotics are shoe inserts control incorrect foot motions, Examples are supination (when the foot rolls outward) and overpronation (when the foot rolls inward toward the midline). These gait problems place a lot of extra stress on joints in the feet and ankles.
If you wear orthotics, you can improve your balance and foot and ankle movements. You will enjoy better stability and support during high impact sports, such as volleyball and basketball.
How Do I Know I Need Orthotics?
To determine if orthotics would help you, the orthopedic doctor will examine your lower extremities. He may take digital X-rays or use gait analysis or pressure mapping to study how you walk and place your feet.
With his findings, the orthopedic specialist will develop a care plan to address your diagnosis and treatment goals. For many people, custom orthotics provide the comfort, support and correction they need to move efficiently and without pain.
What Are the Benefits of Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics benefit patients in many ways. They correct problems caused by disease, deformity or simple overuse of the feet and ankles. In fact, because they are tailored to the individual patient’s needs and preferences, they are far more effective than over-the-counter inserts.
Here are just some of the benefits you can enjoy when you work with your orthopedic specialist to create custom orthotics.
Personalized Fit
Again, one of the main benefits of custom orthotics is that they are made specifically for your feet. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, which basically are “one size fits all,” custom orthotics fit your individual foot shape and needs. This ensures maximum effectiveness in addressing your specific foot concerns.
Think of how much better prescription eyeglasses are compared to drugstore reading glasses. That’s how big the difference can be for people who choose custom orthotics rather than store-bought ones.
Improved Comfort
With their personalized design, custom orthotics enhance overall foot comfort. They alleviate pain from foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet (fallen arches) and bunions. They relieve pressure and the friction caused by calluses and deformities. This makes walking and standing easier and more comfortable.
Preventing Foot and Ankle Problems
In addition to relieving existing foot problems, custom orthotics also prevent future issues. By properly aligning the feet and distributing weight evenly, they avoid common foot ailments such as corns, bunions and ingrown toenails.
Better Overall Posture
Custom orthotics can improve overall posture and foot and ankle alignment. Shoes with improper support or fit cause imbalances in the body’s natural stance. This leads to poor posture and pain in other areas of the body, such as knees, hips and back.
Versatility
Custom orthotics adapt to a variety of footwear styles, including athletic shoes and dress shoes. So, orthotics are a versatile option for people who want healthier feet without sacrificing their preferred shoe styles.
Long-term Solution
Over-the-counter inserts may provide short-term relief. However, they may wear out quickly and must be changed frequently.
On the other hand, orthotics from your orthopedic specialist are made from quality materials. While they cost more initially, they are more durable and useful than what you may purchase elsewhere.
Custom Orthotics in Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport, TN
If you desire a conservative yet effective way to address foot and ankle issues, learn more about custom orthotics. At Watauga Orthotics, our foot and ankle surgeons are Dr. Parker Duncan and Dr. Jason Fogleman. These board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists will be happy to tell you about the many benefits of orthotics.
Why not contact us today for an appointment? Use our online appointment request form here or call us at (423) 282-9011. We look forward to seeing you in one of our three locations soon.
