What are orthotics?
Orthotics are often also referred to as shoe inserts. While they’re commonly associated with arch supports, orthotics include any devices like foot pads, braces, or cushioning inserts that provide additional support while you’re wearing shoes.
At Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center, the team offers a variety of shoe insert options, and your podiatrist will recommend the type he thinks will best address your issue. The team can design orthotics that are made to fit your feet precisely and correct the condition that’s causing your pain.
The team uses a plaster mold to custom-make your orthotics. They’re very particular about the orthotics they provide and use only the best craftsmanship.
What conditions can orthotics help with?
The podiatrists at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center use orthotics to treat many types of painful foot conditions. Some of the common issues include:
- Achilles tendinopathy: Swelling and tears in your Achilles tendon caused by tight calves
- Pronation and supination: Your feet roll inward or outward when you walk, possibly leading to pain and structural problems
- Bunions: A bony hump that develops on the side of your foot due to misalignment in your metatarsals
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation along the bottom of your foot that causes heel pain
- Heel spurs: A calcium deposit on your heel caused by long-term plantar fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia: Pain at the front of your foot caused by pressure between your toes and the bones in your feet
- Morton’s neuroma: A benign growth that compresses the nerve between your toe joints
- Sesamoiditis: Tissue inflammation around the big toe joint
How do orthotics work?
Orthotics are either functional or accommodative. Functional orthotics correct biomechanical issues by redistributing your weight away from pressure points and guiding your foot through corrected motions to improve your gait. Accommodative orthotics provide additional cushioning or protection for painful areas.
Why should I choose custom orthotics over something I can buy at the drugstore?
Custom orthotics are made to fit your feet precisely and correct your specific condition. While the drugstore might have shoe inserts that offer additional cushioning, they won’t resolve the issue causing your pain, and in some cases, they might make your gait worse.
