Having a foot condition, such as flat feet or tendinitis, does not mean you have to live with painful or aching feet, toes, and ankles. Talk to a pedorthist in Arkansas about your orthotic footwear options.
Whether you purchase them over-the-counter or have them custom-fitted, foot orthotics in any form can be used to correct a number of foot conditions—everything from flat feet pain to foot deformities. The type and shape of available inserts and shoes are almost as varied as the number of feet on the planet. If your condition calls for more custom footwear, you need to consult with a pedorthist in Arkansas who can design and fabricate something to help you walk and stand more comfortably. Evaluate your needs and your current footwear options to decide if custom foot orthotics can help you heal.
Types of Foot Orthotics
A variety of different foot orthotics can be used to alleviate foot pain. The right shape and size for you depends on the dimensions of your feet, your foot condition, your posture, and your gait. These are all measurements that a trained pedorthist takes into account during the consultation and fabrication process. Although you can buy basic orthotic footwear over-the-counter, the best and most effective devices are custom-made specifically for your feet:
- Functional orthotics. These types of custom-designed orthotics is used to treat a variety of foot abnormalities, including flat feet. In addition to changing how your foot sits in the shoe, this type of foot orthosis also acts as a shock absorber to help lessen flat feet pain and make walking more comfortable. While these types of flat foot orthotics are usually made of rigid plastic polymer or carbon fiber, they can also be made of soft, cushioned material. Functional options include shoe modifications like foot pads, heel wedges, and shoe inserts or custom molded shoes.
- Cushioned (Sach) heels. This type of soft shoe insert fits in the rear of your shoe and reduces the impact of the heel when you step down, something that can sometimes be a painful issue for people with flat feet pain. Sach heels are also used to reduce knee movement and prevent injuries in this vulnerable part of the body for individuals with weak ankles or heel spurs.
- Heel flares. These molded heel pieces are used to promote inversion or eversion and correct a foot that rolls to the inside or outside of the shoe. They can also be used to promote better stability and balance when standing.
- Heel elevations. These lightweight, plastic heel lifts are used to correct your stance if you have one leg that is longer than the other leg.
- Rocket bars. These inserts change the impact points that place stress on your feet as you walk, easing the pain for those with foot ulcers and bunions.
- Sole wedges. These are devices used to prevent a foot from rolling to the outside or inside when you walk, which can help prevent tendinitis.
- Toe separators. For people who experience toe corns and calluses, soft toe separators can be inserted into an orthotic shoe.
Athletes typically require more rigid foot orthotics to prevent pain or re-injury, whereas people with diabetes may prefer softer orthotic devices to prevent foot ulcers. The key to finding the right orthotics that help you heal is to speak to an experienced pedorthist.
Questions? Talk to a Pedorthist
Horton Orthotics & Prosthetics is a full service, family-owned and operated orthotic and prosthetic lab with several locations in Central Arkansas. To learn more about how we can help alleviate your pain from flat feet and other foot conditions, contact us at 501-683-8889 to schedule an appointment.
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