Signs You Need Custom Orthotics
Do you have foot pain or other issues and want to learn more about custom orthotics? Since foot orthotics alter how a person walks, stands, and absorbs stress from the ground, anybody considering using them should have a compelling reason. A consultation with an orthotics specialist, such as our podiatrist, Dr. Davinder Bhela, who has the necessary training and qualifications.
In the meantime, this guide can provide some insight into what custom orthotics are and some conditions that they can treat. Let’s start by defining what custom orthotics are.
What are Custom Orthotics?
Orthotics, or shoe inserts, are frequently used to address foot disorders. Medical devices put into the shoe to rectify an incorrect or irregular walking pattern are known as custom-made foot and ankle orthotics. They act as shock absorbers, taking strain and tension off sore parts of the foot and ankle. They can also help to prevent or slow the progression of foot deformities and enhance the general movement of the foot and lower leg. They do this by supporting the foot and cradling it with each step you take.
What Conditions can Orthotics Treat?
Heel Pain
Whether you have plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or another issue resulting in heel pain, custom orthotics provide the support to take the pressure off of the heel and spread it throughout the foot. With daily use, heel pain will lessen within days of use.
Flat Feet
Excessively low arches or flat feet, can be problematic. Your feet should have an arch by nature, and if it is lacking, you will have ankle, foot, and back discomfort. Orthotics can assist encourage appropriate foot alignment by replicating a natural arch.
Diabetic Foot Issues
Diabetics are prone to foot issues such as ulceration and discomfort. This is due to peripheral neuropathy, a disorder in which the blood arteries feeding the nerves in the extremities are damaged by prolonged high blood sugar.
Arthritis
The most prevalent varieties of arthritis manifest themselves in your feet as pain and stiffness. Orthotics can help you realign your feet for more comfortable standing and walking.
High Arches
Knee discomfort, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis are more common in those with high arches. Orthotics support your foot so you don’t supinate (roll your foot outward) and generate referred pain in other parts of your body.
Back, Hip, and Knee Pain
A bad foundation can ruin an entire structure. Poor foot placement can cause back discomfort and other joint pain in the knees and hips. For example, orthotics can correct inward rolling arches and give more cushioning to relieve strain on your bones.
Why Should Anyone get Custom Orthotics?
Orthotics may benefit all people who must walk or stand for extended periods of time as part of their employment, in addition to giving relief for painful foot ailments or injuries. Overweight people may benefit from orthotics, which can help alleviate the increased stress on their feet.
Custom orthotics are recommended over your average consumer-grade shoe insert because foot conditions often require customized treatments. A cheap foot insert from the store will not provide the support that a custom orthotic will, and will not work at correcting foot conditions.
3D Printed Custom Orthotics
For good reason, quite a few foot specialists across the world are looking into 3D printing to make custom orthotics for their patients. Each patient is distinct– they’re constructed differently, move differently, and require custom orthotics that reflect that. Traditional manufacturing processes struggle to achieve the high-quality 3D printing provides. Because the overall design and 3D printing process are entirely digital, orthopedic experts may build a one-of-a-kind design.
This additional degree of customization provides patients with a flawless fit and happy feet with every stride. Every 3D printed orthotic starts with a CAD file, which is based on patient data and dynamic measurements. Instead of generating modifications based on a single scan of a patient’s foot, this method averages many data points, including gait and pressure.
How Custom Orthotics Work
The purpose of orthotic therapy is to repair damage and alleviate foot discomfort by reducing internal and external stresses acting on certain portions of the foot. When you stand, walk, or run, custom orthotics change the pressure from the ground to the foot (ground response force). We can improve foot function and eliminate excessive forces that cause injury by changing these forces.
Different orthotic designs with unique characteristics can modify the position, amount, and timing of force acting within the foot depending on the pathology and where your foot pain is located. Almost all the mechanically linked injuries that we treat daily are caused by these excessive stresses inside the foot and ankle. Sensory feedback can be sent to your brain, prompting it to adjust its stride, just by having you wear orthotics. Your brain may use these signals to deliver corrective motions to your foot, improving function, avoiding discomfort, and preventing damage.
Ready for Your Custom Orthotics?
If you are ready to talk more about getting yourself a pair of custom orthotics, contact Restore Podiatry and set up an appointment at one of our offices today! Dr. Bhela would love to discuss how custom orthotics can help with your foot and/or ankle pain. Don’t put off getting your treatment plan started any longer!