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Not Sure About Using Custom Orthotics? Ask Your Richardson Foot Doctors

Oct 17, 2017
What is the Purpose of Custom Orthotics? Did you know that in just one hour of vigorous exercise, your feet can absorb up to one million pounds of pressure? Bearing all that weight sometimes calls for extra support.

What is the Purpose of Custom Orthotics?

Did you know that in just one hour of vigorous exercise, your feet can absorb up to one million pounds of pressure? Bearing all that weight sometimes calls for extra support. Aside from alleviating strains on your feet, custom orthotics serve to promote proper foot alignment by controlling abnormal motion and aid in halting the progression of a foot deformity.

Here is Metroplex Foot and Ankle’s guide on everything you need to know about when to use custom orthotics, how they work, and why seeing a podiatrist is the best way to ensure that you are getting foot orthotics that will effectively and efficiently help with your condition.

Common Foot Problems Custom Orthotics Are Used For:

If you are experiencing any of these foot issues, you may want to consider trying custom orthotics.

  • Foot and Ankle Instability:
    • Over Pronation – (Feet turn inwards)
    • Supination – (Ankles move outwards)
  • Deformities of the Feet:
    • Bunions – Extra padding on the affected side will provide additional support and could help regulate irregular movement. This movement is what causes the bone or tissue of the big toe to extend outwards, creating a painful bump.
    • Hammertoes – Your bent toes could benefit from custom orthotics by reducing the pressure put on your toes with the use of extra arch support.
  • Heel Pain:
    • Plantar Fasciitis – Lack of arch support is often the culprit of this type of heel pain.
    • Achilles Tendonitis – Pain in the Achilles tendon could be alleviated by extra cushioning in the heel area.
  • Arch Pain:
    • Custom orthotics could offer necessary support for flat feet and relief for high arches.
  • Injury Care and Prevention:
    • To help relieve pressure on feet and ankles after injury, orthotics could be used. They can also be designed for different sports!

Why Choose Custom Orthotics Versus Over the Counter Shoe Inserts?

Regular shoe inserts are offered in several stores and online, but there is much to consider when fitting them specifically to you. Your foot shape, sport, and lifestyle must all be taken into account. If not properly fit for your condition, they can actually be more detrimental to your feet and ankles.

Podiatrists have extensive knowledge of ankle, knee, and hip movement as well as orthopedic foot function. They understand what exactly to look for based on an examination of the specific foot issue bothering you, your arch and foot bed type, level of activity, and lower extremity biomechanics. If foot orthotics aren’t the right solution for you, other treatments can be prescribed.

Metroplex Foot and Ankle is a progressive group of physicians and surgeons who are committed to helping our patients to achieve their full wellness potential. Contact our Dallas Podiatrist, Garland Podiatrist, or Richardson Podiatrist offices to schedule an appointment today.