Podiatrists and Orthotics

Custom-made foot supports known as orthotic devices that are worn under your heel and the arch of your foot are referred to as orthotics. These devices are molded to be anatomically matched to your foot and they do more than just provide support. Orthotics are designed to realign your foot to a neutral or natural position to alleviate pain in your feet, legs, and back, as well as restore balance, improve sports performance, and relieve foot fatigue.

Research shows that the majority of foot problems can be directly connected to skeletal imbalance. More people tend to have some amount of either hypertension (flat feet) or hypersupination (high arches). The presence of these conditions can cause the foot to be unstable during normal, everyday activity. This constant stress on the feet can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips, and back. Orthotics can improve function in the foot by compensating for the existing imbalances and in most cases can relieve or prevent the associated pains.

How do you know if the use of orthotics is right for you? If you have an obvious imbalance that causes such symptoms as flat feet or high arches, or if you have external misalignments such as "knock knees", "bow knees", in-toeing, or out-toeing you are probably a god candidate for orthotics. If you participate in an activity that places stress on your feet or if your work requires you to be on your feet for extended periods, orthotics could be beneficial. The use of orthotics is just one of the conservative foot treatments used in our office. They can be used to treat foot, heel, and arch pain, some calluses, diabetic ulcers and pressure sores, arthritis, abnormal foot function, and to prevent sports injuries and improve sports functions. Orthotics can be used to treat children as well as adults. The best way to find out if orthotics can help you is to make an appointment with us for an exam.