Your feet are the major weight-bearing part of your body. They support every step you take. Foot problems like bunions and hammertoes can be treated with orthotics. Orthotics address abnormal walking patterns (like out-toeing or in-toeing, also known as pigeon toes) by redistributing your weight and taking pressure off the foot.
1. Reduces Foot Pain
If you have a foot condition that causes pain, podiatrist-prescribed orthotics Adelaide can make life much more bearable. These specialized shoe inserts can reduce pain and improve overall foot function by addressing issues of structure, alignment, and motion.
Podiatrists are trained to conduct a complete evaluation of the feet and lower legs, which includes assessing the structure, movement, and alignment. They can then recommend specific orthotic devices to address a variety of foot conditions and problems.
Unlike premade orthotics that are mass-produced and fit an “average” foot, podiatrist-prescribed devices are custom-made for the patient’s specific needs. They are based on plaster casts or computer-aided digital pictures of the patient’s feet. While podiatrist-prescribed orthotics may cost more than the generic store-bought types, they are designed to last longer and offer a better fit. In addition, they can be covered by insurance. A podiatrist-prescribed pair of orthotics can help relieve bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and out-toeing (also known as pigeon toe). They can also improve the symptoms of flat feet, high arches, or low arches. They can even decrease the stress on the feet and ankles caused by athletic activity.
2. Reduces Back Pain
Back pain is a common problem that can affect anyone. Sometimes, it’s caused by a back injury, but sometimes, it occurs due to a foot condition like bunions or hammertoes. If you’re experiencing back pain, your podiatrist may recommend that you wear custom orthotics to correct the way your feet position themselves when you walk.
Over-the-counter orthotic inserts are designed to help with mild issues, but they don’t address severe or complex foot conditions like bunions and hammertoes. A podiatrist can provide you with a pair of podiatrist-prescribed orthotics Adelaide that are uniquely molded to your feet. These high-quality orthotics can drastically reduce the amount of pressure on your back, decompressing the spine and reducing inflammation.
Custom orthotics are also often crafted to address specific problems, including flat feet and overpronation or supination. By correcting your feet’s positioning, these custom insoles can reduce the stress on your ankles and knees, reducing back pain. Additionally, they can even improve your athletic performance by ensuring that your body is properly aligned while you’re running or playing sports.
3. Reduces Chronic Foot Pain
If you suffer from foot pain that makes it difficult to walk, stand or perform certain activities, you can benefit from podiatric care. The specialized shoe inserts known as orthotics can help relieve chronic foot pain by correcting misalignment and supporting your feet in the right way.
Unlike the over-the-counter shoe insoles found at a drugstore or kiosk, custom orthotics are created from physical or digital moulds of your feet, and they’re designed to fit into most shoes. They also tend to be more comfortable than over-the-counter inserts that often rub against your feet.
They’re used to treat a number of medical conditions, including bunions, rheumatoid arthritis, hammer toes, heel spurs and flat feet. Accommodative orthotics are also helpful for people with diabetes by providing cushioning and protection to reduce the risk of foot ulcers. They’re even used to treat sports injuries like shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Over time, podiatrist-prescribed orthotics can dramatically improve the quality of your life by reducing foot and leg pain. They can also help you return to your favourite hobbies and recreational activities.
4. Increases Athletic Performance
While pain and fatigue may hold you back from exercising at your peak, podiatrist-prescribed orthotics Adelaide eliminate those limitations. They correct imbalances in the feet and lower half of the body, relieve pressure on joints, absorb shock, and promote proper muscle function, enabling you to train more efficiently.
Custom orthotics are crafted from plaster moulds of the foot, which allows the podiatrist to design them for the unique features and needs of each patient. They are different from the premade orthotics that you can buy at shoe stores, ski and skate shops, pharmacies or kiosks.
