Did you know that in the United States, up to 87% of people have painful feet at some time in their lives?  According to the American Podiatric Medical Association they found that more than half of Americans had missed a day of work because of foot problems.  Your feet are the major weight-bearing part of the body and it’s no wonder that we run into issues.

Some foot problems can be treated with orthotics.  The term orthotic comes from the word origin “straight” or “make straight” and they are designed to straighten out an abnormal structure.  Custom made foot orthotics are specifically designed to a person’s foot and this medical device goes into your shoe and provides support and comfort to your foot.

Orthotics may be prescribed to you to improve the overall function,  support and cushioning to the foot and ankle. Custom orthotics help relieve pressure to the foot and ankle especially if you have arthritis and are standing for prolonged periods time.  If you have diabetes, custom orthotics may help prevent pressure ulcers. 

Custom orthotics are sometimes prescribed for foot issues such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain), bursitis and tendinitis.   When a patient experiences foot pain, sometimes there is a change in how they walk and even how they move their foot and ankle.  Once a patient is fitted with orthotics, this will help in the overall gait and might even alleviate any back, hip, and knee pain.

The types of orthotics that are available: 

Rigid orthotics:  This is to control foot function and may be made from firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber.  These are best for walking or dress shoes and designed to ease foot aches and strains.  Rigid custom orthotics can also help alleviate pain in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

Soft orthotics:  This type of orthotic is made from soft compression materials.  These types of orthotics provide cushioning to the foot and ankle and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis  or diabetic foot ulcers. 

If you or someone you know has painful feet, consider making an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya at Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona.  They will assess and determine if custom orthotics are needed to help alleviate foot pain.