subject: Kick Your Foot Pain With Custom-made Orthotics [print this page] Almost everyone has suffered from foot or lower leg pain at some point in his or her lifetime. With more than 100 working parts in each foot that support and balance the weight of the entire body, it's no wonder many people experience pain or problems.
Today, many foot problems caused by poor foot function can be restored with orthotics. Custom-made orthotics are foot devices that support and gently reposition the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to restore normal function. Unlike shoe inserts bought over the counter, orthotics crafted by your podiatrist are designed specifically for the patient's foot and the patient's specific foot issue. Orthotics take various forms and are created from various materials, but all have the primary goal of improving foot function and minimizing stress that lead to foot deformity and pain.
Who can get Orthotics?
If you suffer from foot pain, it may be a symptom of poor foot mechanics, often exacerbated by stress, footwear, activities, age or a medical condition. Custom-made orthotics can relieve many types of foot pain including heel pain, arch pain; joint pain; pain related to diabetes; age related pain; pain accompanying sports injuries and other kinds of foot pain including bunions, sprains and shin splints. In addition to providing relief for painful foot problems or injuries, people with jobs that require long periods of walking or standing may also benefit from orthotics.
Custom-made by an experienced podiatrist in Carmel, orthotics fit the precise mold of your foot to promote the proper alignment of the feet, restore balance and reposition the structure in the foot to improve the biomechanical function and reduce the risk of injury. Orthotics can even decrease pain in other parts of the body including the knee, hip and lower back.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
To determine if orthotics are right for you, visit a podiatrist for a thorough consultation and evaluation of your particular problem. A podiatrist with extensive knowledge in lower extremity biomechanics will consider your foot type, analyze your gait and evaluate other factors to determine the exact cause of your pain. X-rays may also be taken. Based on a patient's specific problem or needs, the podiatrist can recommend whether orthotics would help reduce the pain and foot deformity, or if a different treatment would yield better results.
Foot pain isn't normal, and symptoms should not be ignored. Foot problems can lead to more serious problems and affect other parts of the body including the lower back, knee and hip. If you are experiencing foot pain, talk to your podiatrist in Carmel about orthotics. Orthotics can increase stability, prevent additional problems from developing, and ultimately improve your quality of life.
