By: Paul E. Eckstein, D.P.M., FACFAS

The best orthotics are custom tailored devices specifically crafted to meet the needs of a particular individual. These are generally superior to the over the counter items sold in drug stores, catalogs or other retail establishments.

Often, custom foot orthotics are often made by making an impression of the foot with cast material. The impressions in the cast duplicate any misalignments or defects in the foot.

Foot orthotics are designed to relieve foot or lower body pain due to abnormal gait or to defects in your feet. You can then correct the misalignments, with instructions from your friendly podiatrist or foot specialist, with compensation and stabilization techniques. The finished orthotics are then placed in the patient’s shoes to help keep the feet in proper alignment. Orthotics can also be made to provide cushioning to increase shock absorption and pressure relief to bony prominences or sensitive areas. By controlling the foot, pain may also be relieved in the knees, hips or lower back.

Almost anyone can achieve some benefit orthotics. Orthotics can also be made to fit most types of shoes styles or sneakers. Custom orthotics are relatively quick to manufacture, typically in a few weeks. Your podiatrist or foot specialist may fabricate them to you for a variety of diagnoses.

Common Reasons Why Orthotics Are Prescribed:

Flat feet or high arch foot malalignment
Runner injuries or pain
Diabetic foot
Plantar fascitis
Heel spur syndrome
Bunions
Neuromas
Achilles tendonitis
Shin Splints
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Metatarsalgia or pain under the ball of foot
Posterior tibial tendonitis

The goals of treatment are to provide the patient with support, stability, cushioning and alignment necessary to keep the feet and lower body comfortable, healthy and pain-free.

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