Did you know that 87% of people suffer foot pain in their lifetimes? It’s one of the most common types of pain — and whether it’s an acute injury or a chronic condition, foot pain can make your daily life difficult.
No one likes the thought of invasive treatments or surgery to fix their pain. But the good news is, you might be able to find relief with a simple, completely noninvasive solution: custom orthotics.
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts specifically designed to provide the support your feet need. Lisa Burson, DPM, Joe Aoun, DPM, and our team specialize in custom orthotics at The Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bay City, Caro, and Lapeer, Michigan.
If you have foot pain, it’s time to find out if orthotics could provide the relief you’re seeking. Here are eight of the most common foot problems that can be improved with custom orthotics.
Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that develops when your plantar fascia tendon gets irritated. It causes pain and inflammation that can extend from your heel to the arch of your foot. Custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis offer extra support and distribute pressure evenly across your foot to minimize strain on your plantar fascia.
Achilles tendinitis is another painful overuse injury. It causes inflammation and pain in your Achilles tendon, which runs from your calf muscle down to your heel bone. Wearing custom orthotics takes stress off the Achilles tendon and provides support and cushioning to the affected area.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the large joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions often cause pain and swelling that make it difficult to find comfortable shoes. Custom orthotics for bunions help to reduce pressure on your toe joint to prevent worsening inflammation and pain.
Metatarsalgia can lead to inflammation and pain in the ball of your foot. It can develop if you regularly wear shoes that are too tight or too high, or if you put excessive pressure on the ball of your foot. Because custom orthotics redistribute pressure when you stand and walk, they offer much-needed cushioning to help reduce discomfort.
Morton's neuroma is a condition that causes a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Typically occurring between your third and fourth toes, it’s caused by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves that lead to the toes, and it’s quite painful. Custom orthotics help to reduce pressure on the affected area, relieving pain and discomfort.
If you have flat feet, or fallen arches, your feet don’t have all the structural support they need. Flat feet can cause pain, fatigue, and instability — but custom orthotics can restore a healthier arch shape and redistribute pressure to make your feet more comfortable.
Just like low arches, high arches can cause foot pain and instability. Custom orthotics offer extra arch support and cushioning where you need it most to reduce pain and foot fatigue.
Overpronation happens when your foot rolls too far inward when you stand, walk, or run. It can cause a variety of foot problems, like pain, fatigue, and instability. Custom orthotics help correct your foot alignment and provide extra support to reduce your risk of injury.
If you’re dealing with foot pain or other problems, don’t wait to go to the podiatrist. Dr. Burson, Dr. Aoun, and our team can determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan for you.
Custom orthotics can be a valuable part of that plan, providing support and cushioning where you need it most. They can help to improve comfort, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent further injury. We take a detailed medical history, perform a thorough evaluation of your feet and gait, and work with you to design orthotics that are tailored to your specific needs.
Orthotics can be a simple, effective solution for a variety of foot problems. To find out how custom orthotics could benefit you, book an appointment at The Foot & Ankle Specialists. Call the office nearest you, or request a consultation online now.
