Foot Conditions
Orthotics/Biomechanics
Orthotics
Orthotics are commonly prescribed by podiatrists for various ailments of the foot and lower extremity. Heel pain, arch and instep pain, big toe joint pain, lesser toe joint pain, achilles tendonitis and flat feet are routinely treated with custom made orthotics. Since knee pain, bursitis, hip pain, ankle pain, and shin splints can be often be caused by abnormal foot function, orthotics can often provide relief in these conditions as well.
Orthotics may be made of a many different materials including plastic, graphite, and composites. They are often covered with a shock absorbing soft cover. Since they are usually very thin, they fit in most shoes and can easily be switched from shoe to shoe. Depending on the need of the patient, they can be semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. Orthotics may also be made with more cushion for the special needs of diabetics, while still offering the benefit of reducing stress and strain on the feet.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical nature and physics of the human body. Podiatrists receive
specialized, in depth training in the biomechanics of the foot and lower extremity during their four years of medical school. No other medical specialty receives this training that is needed to understand lower extremity pathology as it relates to foot function. This understanding plays an important role in the treatment of the foot by surgery as well as conservative measures.
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