4 Common Foot Issues When Orthotics Can be Used
Jun 03 , 2021
Tags - Common Foot Issues When Orthotics Can be Used
Orthotics are custom made shoe or heel inserts prescribed by podiatrists and are usually used to treat issues surrounding the feet, legs and back.
Usually, doctors will only prescribe orthotics if exercises or prevailing products do not help with the condition.
Typically, a podiatrist will examine your feet for deformities around the painful area, and x-rays, MRI and bone scans are used to analyse the foot structure and injuries further.
Here are the 5 common foot issues when orthotics can be used to relieve pain and discomfort.
1. Arthritis
One in four adults will suffer from foot pain, and for those who suffer with arthritis it’s even more prevalant.
Consequently, arthritis in the feet can not only cause discomfort, but lead to structural changes such as hammertoe and bunions.
And so, orthotics are able to redistribute your body weight and relieve pressure from the sensitive areas of your feet.
In fact, research reveals that people who wear orthotics have less foot pain and require fewer pain relieving medications as well resulting in long term changes that can slow the progression of arthritis.
2. Diabetes
Sometimes, those who suffer from diabetes will develop foot complications, such as damage to the nerves or blood vessels.
And, these complications can result in either the whole or part of the feet becoming numb, or blood is not able to travel properly through the vessel.
Hence, wearing orthotics can keep your feet comfortable and in the correct position, managing conditions before they become dire, as it helps to control the stress and pressure applied on the feet.
3. Flat Feet
Having flat feet can cause serious pain for some people because it leads to poor postural alignment.
And as a consequence, arches collapse causing the ankles to fold in and knees and hips to rotate; these are very minor unnatural movements but repetitive strain will eventually cause pain and discomfort.
Therefore, wearing orthotics provides shock absorption for the heel and provides a flexible surface for the arch to interact with.
Furthermore, orthotics help to position the feet properly and thus reduce symptoms that come with flat feet.
4. Bunions
Bunions are painful bumps that appear on the outside of the big toe, and when this joint becomes misaligned, the big toe begins to move towards the other toes.
To begin with, you may not notice any symptoms but early detection is key to slowing it’s growth and halting the other issues that could develop.
In this case, podiatrists will prescribe orthotics with a wide toe box to reduce the pressure placed on the big toe and help position the foot correctly.
Last Remarks
Ultimately, orthotics are important when suffering with foot issues because they improve quality of life by offering basic physical freedom.
At the end of the day, orthotics allows you to lead a “normal” active life, without pain and discomfort and if you suffer from any of these issues above, speak with your doctor to see if they can prescribe you special, custom made orthotics.
For more information, get in touch today.
In the meantime, check our extended range of comfortable shoes.
You may also like: