How do orthotics help flat feet? Let’s talk about reliable solutions for foot and ankle pain. According to the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, studies show that one in five people report foot pain.
People over 40 are more likely to experience foot and ankle pain that impacts their quality of life. When left untreated, further health problems can result. Foot pain is often a symptom of another problem (like plantar fasciitis or flat feet) or of medical conditions (such as diabetes or arthritis).
The specific reason for your foot pain may require different types of orthotics to treat the problem. Quality orthotics options like those offered by Horton's Orthotics and Prosthetics create the best solutions for your foot pain by considering the reason behind it: Do you have plantar fasciitis? Do you need arch support, supportive shoes, or orthotic inserts for flat feet? Are you experiencing heel pain? Discover more about how orthotics help flat feet and the problems that result.
Why Do Your Feet Hurt?
Having flat feet means the arches on the sole of your foot have fallen. People with flat feet are unable to support their body weight as efficiently and often walk or stand with their feet turned out or in. Foot problems like flat feet can also cause one side of the bottom of your shoes to wear down faster than the other. This foot pain might start in your feet, but spinal stress can make it creep up to your knees, hips, back, and neck.
The ligaments and tendons in your feet can be strengthened through repetitive exercises or physical therapy, but it will take some time before you see results. Investing in high-quality orthotics to treat and support your feet can provide immediate relief and support.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are medical devices prescribed to you after a consultation. There are different types of orthotics for different parts of the body. Pedorthotics treat foot problems and help the symptoms of conditions affecting your feet, legs, and gait (how you walk).
Even small abnormalities in the way we walk, step, or move can create major pain from toes to spine. Pedorthotics are designed to correct foot-related anomalies to restore proper function and decrease pain. Whether you suffer from plantar fasciitis or a shortened leg, experienced an injury, or struggle with diabetes-related foot problems, pedorthotics can help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Many people live with foot and ankle pain without ever seeking help for it. You may ignore the pain because you are used to it, but you do not have to sacrifice hobbies and activities or live in discomfort. If you enjoy activities that require walking, running, or other foot-heavy movements, supportive shoes and shoe inserts can greatly increase the time you spend in movement without foot pain.
Plantar fasciitis, for example, is caused by inflammation in the plantar fascia (the tissue connecting your heel to your toes). Symptoms often include sharp or aching pain in the sole of your foot or in your heel. Plantar fasciitis pain can temporarily be relieved with stretches (such as rolling your foot across a small ball or bottle). Supportive shoes and compression socks are recommended for a more permanent solution.
How Do Orthotics Help Flat Feet?
Unfortunately, flat feet do not just go away. Using physical exercises to strengthen and stretch your feet can ease your symptoms temporarily, but the best orthotics for flat feet are essential for long term help.
For the best flat foot orthotics, Horton’s Orthotics and Prosthetics of Arkansas provide relief for the foot problems and heel pain resulting from flat feet. Our orthotics are custom-designed for your feet so you can meet your goals.
Supportive Shoes and Shoe Modifications
If you spend a lot of your day walking, running, or standing, there is a good chance that by the end of the day, your feet, ankles, and back are in pain. Custom-made supportive shoes or shoe modifications can make your day-to-day life much more comfortable.
Supportive shoes can:
- Improve arch support
- Prevent bunions
- Decrease pain caused by walking, running, or standing
- Stop the foot from rolling or turning
- Allow the foot to spread out more
Arch Support Shoe Inserts and Insoles
Over-the-counter shoe inserts are available from your local pharmacy, but they are often a "one size fits all" option that does not fit at all. You may find these kinds of insoles actually increase foot pain or put uncomfortable pressure on the sole of your feet.
A common misconception regarding flat feet is that if you have flat feet, you need shoe inserts with high arches to 'push' your arch back up. In reality, you should start with a lower arch to avoid causing foot and ankle pain.
Our orthotics are custom, which means shoe inserts from Horton’s are tailored to the contours of your feet and relieve any pressure you may feel when walking, running, or just standing for long periods of time.
Types of Orthotics for Amputees
People who have experienced an amputation may also need supportive shoes, shoe inserts, and other types of orthotics. Orthotics to treat one foot can help prevent that foot, leg, knee, or hip from becoming painful as you learn to move with a prosthesis.
Amputation can be a big, often very sudden, life change. We know first-hand how difficult seeing past the loss of a limb can be for people who are facing or have faced amputation. This procedure can feel completely derailing and isolating. You may feel like your life is changing forever and for the worse. Custom prostheses and orthotics created by caring, qualified prosthetists can make a huge difference – and can ensure you can still meet your goals and live your life.
Education and Care from Horton’s
Horton's cares, and we strive to make every customer feel comfortable, safe, and heard. Our Amputees Beyond Life's Expectations, or A.B.L.E program, is a support group to help you move into the next stage of your life.
Apart from providing quality, custom orthotics, and prosthetics, Horton's has Amputee Ambassadors, physicians, and therapists. Through our educational programs, you can get in contact with other amputees and their families to help step back into a “normal” life and transition smoothly into what you want your life to be or continue being.
Education, connection, and compassion is vital to healing and life beyond amputation. Check out the education hub for videos and information about life as a new amputee, what services are available to you, as well as using prosthetics and orthotics. You can also get answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Live with Hope
Hope is Horton's newest family member, created to curate all of our educational resources and FAQs. Through Hope, you can find out more about Horton's, such as:
- What can you expect from your visit?
- What services are available at Horton’s?
- How can Horton’s help make your life easier and happier?
- How will a prosthesis affect my life?
If you have questions, say hi to Hope online to ask a question or get in contact with the friendly team at Horton's.
Flat Foot Orthotics Arkansas
If you're struggling with foot or ankle pain, an investment in orthotics is an investment in your wellbeing. If you have flat feet, we can talk about how orthotics can help flat feet and how custom orthotics can help you. Horton's is also always ready to answer your questions in an easy-to-understand, no judgment manner. Contact us online for more information!
