There are numerous reasons why your feet might be hurting. But there’s a simple solution that could help, and that is custom orthotics. Today Dr. Timothy Barry of Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper in Dubois County shares information regarding the types and benefits of custom orthotics.
Orthotics inserted are put in the patient’s shoes to correct various foot problems such as low or high arches, ankles that turn in when you walk or run, toe deformities, arthritis, nerve pain, and bunions. These problems arise from underlying issues such as:
- biomechanical disparities
- overuse injuries
- diabetes
- stress fractures
- obesity
- shoes that don’t fit properly
- damage from normal aging.
“Custom” means the orthotics are made to fit your foot and correct your problem. First, we determine whether you would benefit from using custom orthotics. If they can help your foot pain, we scan the feet, utilizing the latest technology. Once done, we convert the information we received from the scan to create your custom orthotic shoe inserts.
Orthotics can be soft or rigid. The design of rigid orthotics diminishes pain by altering how your foot moves when you run or walk. The soft orthotics deliver support and serve as cushions to make shoes more comfortable, particularly in the area where the problem is.
Custom Orthotics vs. Over The Counter
OTC orthotics are premanufactured and available in small, medium, and large sizes. Readily available online and at your drug store or shoe store, they can help minimize foot pain in some cases.
But there are some disadvantages to OTC inserts. Because they aren’t specifically molded to your unique foot, they don’t offer a perfect fit so they may not tackle the root cause of your problem. They also don’t last nearly as long as custom orthotics.
Want to find out if custom orthotics can help alleviate your foot pain? Contact the office of Dr. Timothy Barry of Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper in Dubois County at (812) 481-7200 to schedule a consultation.