Orthotics are shoe inserts that a podiatrist will fit you for to reduce pain in your feet, lower legs, or back. In many cases, pain in your legs and back is caused by issues with your feet. As such, visiting a podiatrist may be beneficial because they can determine if the root cause of your pain symptoms are your feet. If this is the case, orthotics may just do the trick and eliminate your symptoms.
There are many conditions that can garner the need for orthotics. Here are the 6 most common ones:
- Bunions
A bunion is a boney bump or protrusion on the side of the big toe that develops when pressure on your toes causes the joint to move out of place. Bunions can cause a lot of pain and impact the way you stand and walk. One of the best ways to reduce symptoms associated with bunions is to use orthotics in your shoes. Orthotics can adjust the way your foot sits in your shoe, which will fix how you stand and walk.
- Arthritis
Arthritis of the foot causes some joints to become inflamed, stiff, painful, or swollen. These symptoms can cause you to walk and stand irregularly. Orthotics can help fix these issues by manipulating how your foot sits in your shoe. Orthotics can take pressure off of affected joints in the foot, so you experience less symptoms.
- Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when you have inflammation in a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion to your joints. Unfortunately, the inflammation can make it difficult to walk.
Your foot and ankle doctor will prescribe orthotics to provide arch support, which can in turn take pressure off the bursa in your foot. In this way, orthotics can help reduce the recurrence of bursitis and make your functionality better and more comfortable.
- Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels cause nerve damage. The damage may cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in parts of the foot. Neuropathy can also increase your risk for sores, blisters, and other types of foot issues. A foot doctor can custom-make orthotics to provide support where you need it to reduce issues like sores. Custom-made orthotics can be made of a variety of materials to keep your feet clean, dry, and comfortable.
- Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis develops when you have inflammation and tiny tears in your plantar fascia – the fibrous tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, between your toes and heel. This condition often develops due to too much pressure and strain on the plantar fascia caused by ill-fitting footwear, too much weight being put on your feet, and foot abnormalities. Orthotics can provide much needed support to your feet so the plantar fascia is not overwhelmed.
- Flat Feet
Many people are born with flat feet. This means their feet do not have the natural arch that is necessary to balance their body when they stand. Some people with flat feet feel no symptoms whatsoever. However, many people eventually develop symptoms such as pain in their feet, ankles, lower legs, and lower back because of flat feet. Orthotics can help with these symptoms by providing the arches that flat feet naturally lack.
Custom Orthotics in Cincinnati, Ohio
If you are interested in learning more about custom-made orthotics and whether it can help with your symptoms, visit the experts at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care today.
Make an appointment by calling your preferred location. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you soon!
