If you suffer from foot, knee or back pain, orthotics may be a treatment option.  In this post we will explore why orthotics matter.

Orthotics are inserts specially made to correct foot problems. These are not the inexpensive, one-size-fits-all insoles you see in your local drugstore. They’re therapeutic devices that are custom-made to address a specific condition.

There are two major types. Functional orthotics, usually made of rigid materials, work by bracing or supporting a muscle. Accommodative orthotics are made of pliable materials and work by cushioning parts of the foot.

How an Orthotic Insert Can Help

Professional orthotics can be used to treat many common foot problems, among them:

• Corns and bunions
• Flat feet
• Hammer toe or claw toe
• Heel spur
• Ankle pain
• Tendonitis
• Diabetic foot ulcer

Orthotics in Sports Medicine

Runners often use orthotics. If you’re an avid exerciser, orthotics can protect your feet from repeated hammering on hard surfaces and keep them from pronating (turning inward), a common problem that can lead to sports-related pain and injuries.

Orthotics are an important part of sports medicine because of their proven benefit. New advances like 3D Digital Fitting mean your doctor can pinpoint where your feet need help and build the insert that’s best for you.

The Right Orthotic Insert

Orthotics aren’t just for runners. You can use orthotics in almost any type of shoe. You won’t have to restrict your wardrobe choices and nobody will know that you’re wearing an orthotic.

Orthotics can help with hip pain, lower back pain and all types of tendonitis. Many of these aches and pains are related to foot problems so taking care of your feet will allow the rest of your body to work better and feel better.

Heels and Spurs

Are your shoes the problem? Orthotics can take care of that.

You might think it’s good for your feet to wear flat shoes. But if those flats don’t have arch support you can end up with a painful case of plantar fasciitis or heel spur, caused by over stretching the ligaments that support the arch. An orthotic with a heel insert can relieve this problem.

Speaking of heels, women who wear them can develop a condition called Morton’s neuroma. It occurs when the toes have been compressed for long periods of time by wearing pointy-toed, high-heeled or too-tight shoes. It can’t be cured but the pain can be alleviated by orthotics that keep the toes spread or cushion the area.

The Right Fit

Whatever your foot concerns, talk to your podiatrist about whether an orthotic might be right for you. Only a professional can diagnose what’s causing your pain and what type of orthotic would help the most.

And remember, even the best orthotic won’t work if it doesn’t fit perfectly. Ask if your podiatrist uses 3D Digital Fitting to make sure you’re getting an insert that’s comfortable and works the way it’s supposed to. You might be wearing it every day so you want it to feel good.

Many insurance plans cover custom orthotics. Don’t let concerns about cost keep you from getting the treatment you need. Contact Dr Joanna Shuman today and start walking away from knee, back and foot pain.

Here are two website that will provide more information on orthotics visit: Orthoinfo at AAOS  or Webmd.com.