Orthotics

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are foot supports that go inside your shoes. The Foot and Ankle Specialists team provides both over-the-counter orthotics and custom-made orthotics to ensure you receive inserts with the perfect design for your feet.

Orthotics can help with numerous lower limb problems. Their shape provides the optimal support and function of your foot, accommodating any nonstandard contours and distributing weight more evenly to reduce pressure.

What conditions do orthotics treat?

Orthotics are a highly effective form of treatment for numerous foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Bunions
• Bursitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Arthritis
• Post-surgical pain
• Flat feet
• Calluses
• Tendinitis

Using orthotics in your shoes helps correct any mechanical problems in your foot’s structure, so you can improve the way you walk and reduce pain in your feet and ankles. Orthotics can even help with pain in the lower back, hips, and knees caused by misalignment originating in your feet and ankles.

What are orthotics made of?

Over-the-counter orthotics are typically gel, foam, plastic, or a combination of materials. They fit into standard shoes and provide additional support for your arches, toes, heels, or the whole foot. At The Foot and Ankle Specialists, you can buy premium brand Betterform orthotics over the counter after consulting with your podiatrist over what type is best for you.

Over-the-counter orthotics can be very useful in reducing foot discomfort, but they don’t always correct foot problems in the way custom orthotics can.

There are two main types of custom orthotics:

Rigid (functional) orthotics

Rigid orthotics are plastic or carbon fiber. They’re used often for most problems like aching feet and legs, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and other problems that cause foot pain or ankle pain. 

Soft (accommodative) orthotics

Soft orthotics are made of softer, cushioning materials. They’re for problems caused by pressure like calluses and foot ulcers.

You can often use custom orthotics in the shoes you usually wear. Your podiatrist can go over this with you when you visit The Foot and Ankle Specialists.

How do I get my custom orthotics?

For custom orthotics, a mold of your feet is taken hat creates a replica of your feet. The expert technicians who make the custom orthotics use this replica and the information supplied by your podiatrist to produce your new orthotics.

The custom orthotics facility is an out of office service. Your podiatrist contacts you as soon as your custom orthotics are ready and makes sure they provide the proper support.

To find out more about orthotics or to schedule a consultation, call The Foot and Ankle Specialists today or book an appointment online.