When you hear the term “shoe insert,” it’s not hard to guess what it does. It’s something you insert into your shoe to make walking and standing more comfortable! But what about when you hear the term “orthotics?” While they serve similar functions, orthotics and shoe inserts are not the same. Keep reading for more information on how foot orthotics work!
Could You Benefit From Orthotics?
Orthotics, and particularly custom orthotics, can treat a wide range of foot-related ailments. They can even help with pain or discomfort in other parts of your body, like your legs, hips, and back! Some of the most common issues orthotics are prescribed for include corns or calluses, tendonitis, heel pain, recurrent ankle sprains, foot ulceration, and more.
How Foot Orthotics Work
While orthotics do what shoe inserts do, they also do a lot more! While generic, over-the-counter shoe inserts are designed simply to add some more cushion and support to your feet, custom orthotics are designed to target your specific issues.
Whether you’re experiencing lower back pain, you frequently experience calluses, or you just stand or walk a lot for work, custom foot orthotics will provide support exactly where you need it to solve the root problem.
To figure out exactly what you need from custom orthotics, you’ll need to see a professional! A podiatrist will be able to perform the necessary assessments to figure out how your unique feet work, as well as where pain or discomfort might be stemming from. They’ll assess your range of motion, the position of your foot bones, as well as your walking pattern.
Even if two people have similar issues, weight, range of motion, walking patterns, etc., the same orthotics might not solve both problems. Every person, and every foot, is extremely unique!
Ready to Try Custom Orthotics?
Now that you know a little more about how foot orthotics work, you might be wondering if you could benefit from them. While orthotics aren’t the answer to every foot-related ailment, they can help relieve pain and discomfort in regard to a wide variety of issues! Oftentimes, custom orthotics, coupled with physical therapy, are enough to get you back on track and feeling great.
At Foot Specialists of Birmingham, you can get professional, compassionate care for all kinds of issues including ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, plantar warts, and more. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment and get back to doing what you love, pain-free!
