Why do patients need orthotics?
At River Podiatry, we are firm believers that orthotics can ultimately benefit a patient in helping them restore their optimal foot health. Orthotics are a special shoe or heel inserts prescribed by our doctors that are custom-made specifically for our patient’s feet. Our doctors typically prescribe orthotics to treat foot, leg, or back problems.
The first signs that patients need orthotics first begin with pain and discomfort of the feet and legs. Orthotics can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address various symptoms and help reach the following goals:
correcting foot deformities
helping the foot function better
helping the ankle function better
providing support to the ankle
reducing the risks for further injuries
Orthotics are more than just a heel pad or shoe insert you can buy at most athletic stores. They are highly customized shoe or heel inserts made for your feet. Our doctors will only recommend an orthotic if an off-the-shelf device or other treatments, such as exercises at home, has not been proven effective.
Our doctors at River Podiatry typically consult our patients to identify the symptoms they are experiencing. They will conduct a physical examination of your feet and look for deformities or anomalies utilizing Northwest Podiatric Laboratory Technology (video below). The examination may also include our doctors asking you to walk and perform other activities to determine how the feet and ankles are positioned during certain exercises.
Our doctors will take all of these diagnostic methods into account when making treatment recommendations, including to potentially prescribe orthotics.
Once our doctors prescribe orthotics, you can expect these orthotics to help treat the following medical conditions for your feet:
Bunions: Bunions are painful bumps that can develop at the base of the big toe and cause foot deformities. Orthotics with a wide toe box can help to reduce pressure on the big toe.
Foot Diabetes: a person with diabetes can lose sensation in their feet, a condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. When this occurs, orthotics can help to reduce excess stress and pressure that can lead to foot ulcers.
Flat Feet: can cause foot, ankle, and back pain. Orthotics can help to support the feet and promote proper foot positioning.
High Arches: Very high arches can stress muscles in the feet and lead to a number of conditions, such as shin splints, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis. Orthotics can help prevent a person’s feet from rolling excessively inward or outward.
Plantar Fasciitis: a common cause of heel pain. Doctors may sometimes recommend orthotics to support the heel and foot.
Orthotics are often one part of a treatment regimen for many foot and ankle concerns. For example, our doctors may prescribe orthotics in conjunction with treatments such as more supportive shoes as well as physical therapy exercises.
Should you have any questions, please contact our team here to set up an appointment online, by email at info@riverpodiatry.com or by phone at (845) 735-8440.
