What are orthotics?

Orthotics are lifesavers for those who have difficulty finding shoes that provide adequate support to their feet.

Orthoticsare specially designed shoe inserts made from a variety of materials. Based on the foot condition, you can pick a design of orthotics and get the desired level of support, cushioning or comfort.

Foot care has evolved over time. Earlier, orthotics were made from metal. Thanks to technology, now the sky is the limit. A lot goes into picking the most suited support option; for instance, foot anatomy, biomechanics and your foot condition. Therefore, only a foot doctor can suggest to you the best materials or features of Custom Orthotics.

After reading this post, you will be able to understand exactly what orthotics therapy is and how it works to offer the desired level of comfort and support.

How do orthotics offer comfort?

Standing, walking and running put pressure on your feet and sometimes can cause discomfort. On the other hand, if you walk or run while using custom orthotics, it alters the force coming from the ground due to their unique design.

A custom designed orthotic ensures correct gait and improved foot function. As a result, you feel better every time you walk, stand or run with your orthotics on.

Depending on your foot condition, the design of the orthotics can be changed to ensure the utmost levels of comfort.

Conditions that can be treated with custom orthotics

A foot doctor recommends orthotics for a variety of foot conditions, such as:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Orthotics are a conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis. They offer support while standing with inflamed plantar fascia.
• Bunions: No need to opt for surgical interventions to get your bunions treated. A non-invasive method to improve foot function and bunions is orthotics.
• Knee Pain: Sometimes, unnatural rotation of lower limbs can be the underlying reason for knee pain. In such a condition, your podiatrist can recommend you custom orthotics.
• Flat Feet: The arch support one needs for the pain caused by flat feet can be attained with uniquely moulded orthotics.
• High Arches: Some people need additional cushioning due to the uncomfortablehigh arches in their feet. Orthotics successfully provide the needed support.
• Bursitis: All sorts of biomechanics dysfunction can be addressed easily with custom designed orthotics including bursitis.
• Neuroma: Custom designed orthotics are proven beneficial in reducing the discomfort caused by painful nerves.
• Injuries: When your ankle or feet need more support after an injury or an accident, getting custom shoe inserts is the wisest decision.
• Achilles Tendinopathy: You definitely don’t want to run in this condition. However, the cushioning and support of orthotics are beneficial to reduce the load on heels.

Custom designed orthotics are helpful in offering comfort in various footconditions. To ensure the best outcome, your podiatrist can also recommend some exercises, footwear changes or medications if needed. Therefore, it is advisable to resist the urge to get over-the-counter orthotics and always consult with a foot and toe doctor to pick the right solution.

What to expect during the appointment for custom orthotics? 

When you visit a foot doctor for any of the above listed conditions, you may be prescribed custom orthotics. Below are the stepsthat you can expect when you visit a Podiatrist Sunshine Coast.

1. Assessment: The initial consultation is followed by a thorough assessment of your foot anatomy and foot functions. Gait analysis and various other biomechanics assessments will be doneto accurately diagnose your condition.
2. Orthotic recommendation: Based on your condition, the podiatrist may offer different orthotic solutions. This may include taking a mould or impression of your feet to make custom orthotics, or off the shelf orthotics or insoles may be used. You will get the orthotics fitted in your choice of shoes.
3. Review: Once the orthotics are fitted you can get back to your routine life but you also need to come back after 6 weeks for a review appointment. During this follow up appointment, podiatrists will further assess your condition to determine if the orthotics are working as expected or if you need modifications.

Which shoes are orthotic friendly shoes?

Various foot conditions are related to lifestyle choices and footwear types. Therefore, it is important to wear the right kind of shoe that does not cause any fit issues when worn with orthotics. When you go to a podiatrist for a custom-fit orthotic, you must choose shoes that are similar to the guidelines listed below:

1. Minimal height heel
2. Enclosed heel
3. Removable footbed
4. Firm and wide midsole
5. Wide and deep enough shoes

You can consult with your foot doctor or toe doctor to learn more about the recommended design or orthotic-friendly shoes.

Are custom orthotics worth it?

Orthotic therapy is proven to be beneficial for a variety of foot and ankle conditions. Studies done on this subject reveal that using orthotics shows 5-6 times greater improvement in plantar heel pain and flat feet pain than not using orthotics

Custom orthotics are remarkably helpful in overcoming the pain and discomfort caused by various foot conditions. There is a notion that orthotics are only required by those who have flat feet. However, it is proven in recent studies that a pair of orthotics can be used by anyone to improve foot function.

Get your feet assessed today to determine if you can benefit from a good pair of supportive and comfortable custom-designed orthotics. You can book an appointment at Suncoast Podiatry. It is the most trusted clinic on the Sunshine Coast to find affordable orthotics.