If you've been dealing with persistent foot or ankle pain, you might have heard your podiatrist mention custom orthotics. We at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists recommend them all the time, depending on your foot condition, of course. Let’s find out which foot and ankle problems benefit from these devices the most.
This notorious cause of heel pain in the morning can be incredibly stubborn, but luckily, custom orthotics are a cornerstone of plantar fasciitis treatment. They work by supporting your foot's arch and controlling excessive pronation, which helps to reduce the strain and pulling on the inflamed plantar fascia. By properly distributing pressure across your sole, they allow the fascia to heal more effectively.
Whether you've had flat feet since childhood or developed them later in life, the collapse of your arch can lead to pain, fatigue, and issues further up your leg. Custom orthotics are particularly beneficial for flat feet because they are designed to realign the foot and ankle into a more neutral position. This can reduce stress on tendons, alleviate arch and heel pain, and improve how you walk.
While flat feet get a lot of attention, a high arch might lead to increased pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, and can also contribute to ankle instability. Custom orthotics for high arches provide cushioning in these high-pressure zones while distributing weight more evenly across the foot. This helps alleviate pain related to conditions like metatarsalgia or stress fractures.
These common toe deformities can make shoe-wearing a nightmare. While orthotics won't cure a bunion or hammertoe, they can reduce abnormal pressure on the joints that cause these deformities to worsen. By optimizing foot alignment and providing cushioning, they can minimize friction, alleviate pain from rubbing against shoes, and help prevent painful corns and calluses that accompany these conditions.
If you feel pain, burning, or numbness in the ball of your foot, you might be dealing with Morton's neuroma. To combat this, custom orthotics incorporate a metatarsal pad or specific contours designed to lift and separate the metatarsal bones slightly.
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon can also find relief with custom orthotics. By controlling excessive foot motion and providing proper arch support, orthotics can help reduce the strain on the Achilles tendon, which often gets overworked when the foot's mechanics are off. This allows the inflamed tendon to heal more effectively and prevents recurrence.
For individuals with diabetes, custom orthotics are not just about comfort; they are crucial for preventative care. Due to potential nerve damage and poor circulation, diabetics are at high risk for developing non-healing foot ulcers.
Custom orthotics can be designed to take pressure off vulnerable areas, address foot deformities, and prevent friction.
For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.
