Are your feet constantly aching and in pain? You should consider custom orthotics. These inserts are carefully molded by our podiatrists to the unique shape of your feet. They alleviate pain by helping correct problems you may have with walking, running, or standing. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain when walking or during other activities, it is important to consult a podiatrist about custom orthotics. They can not only provide relief but help you avoid surgery or your condition irritating into something more serious.
At Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois, we offer our clients world-class care for a variety of foot and ankle conditions. With our custom and state of the art orthotics, we can help you correct the condition causing your pain.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are foot inserts, specifically prescribed and designed by your podiatrist, to help your current foot conditions. Depending on your foot condition, some functions that orthotics can assist with include:
- Restricting mobility of the foot
- Providing support for the foot during weight-bearing activities
- Assisting in the mobility of the foot
- Reduce pain
How Do I Know if I Need Orthotics?
Special orthotics are personally designed to fit each individual’s needs. There are several different types of foot orthotics; each one with a particular design and function to best fit your needs. The specialists at the foot and ankle are excellent at prescribing the best orthotics for you. If you are experiencing any kind of foot condition including:
- Ankle pain
- Ball of the foot pain
- Bunions
- Big toe pain
- Flat feet
- Heel pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- High or low arches
Many times bunions do not require any medical treatment. Non-invasive treatment options include:
- New shoes
- Inserts or shoe pads
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Ice
Orthotic foot inserts are excellent at adjusting and correcting muscle functions to help your feet place pressure in the right places. They can help with balance, support, and prevention of other injuries.
If you are interested in the countless benefits that orthotics have to offer, contact us today so we can see you for a consultation and help explore the best orthotic treatments for you.
Are Orthotics Only For Foot Issues?
Oftentimes, orthotics can be used to help with more than foot complications. Many people suffering from other conditions also benefit from orthotics. Their support and personalized design assist with other pains including:
- Back Pain
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
Orthotics are often prescribed for runners or individuals who have constant weight-bearing activities throughout the day. The support that stems from orthotics not only can help treat existing foot conditions, but it can also be used to prevent further complications.
Custom Orthotics
With so many different designs and types of shoes on the market, it is just as important what we wear on our feet as it is what kind of insert is in the shoe itself. Shoe inserts are worn inside of the shoe to provide comfort and cushioning, however, there is a stark contrast to what is purchased over the counter vs. a custom orthotic that is built specifically for a patient.
Over the counter, orthotics vary in size, shape, and purpose. Some are even advertised as being specific for plantar fasciitis or flat feet. This makes it difficult since most patients have unique foot types that do not always benefit from a “one size fits all brand.”
Custom orthotics are truly the gold standard when it comes to an in-shoe device. At our office, we take a 3-dimensional scan of your foot that maps the topography of the entire plantar aspect. Depending on what foot problem(s) you have, your physician will then add any appropriate modifications to the custom orthotic so that it will benefit you in the best way possible.
Custom Orthotics at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois
When thinking about custom orthotics, it is important to choose your podiatrist carefully. Only the professionals at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois provide exclusive, world-class care for foot and ankle conditions. For more information on our carefully designed orthotics, contact our expert podiatrists today. We take the time to understand your condition and needs.