Foot pain is one of those things that can turn an otherwise pleasant day into a painful memory. Maybe you made the mistake of breaking in those trendy sandals while taking a long trek along a trail when you should have been wearing walking shoes. Or perhaps you have heel pain or flat feet that mean no matter what shoes you wear, your feet never quite feel comfortable.
If you’re having a love/hate relationship with your feet that results in pain or foot issues, you’re not alone. An estimated 75% of all Americans will experience foot problems sometime during their lifetime. The good news is that a treatment option called orthotics can address a wide range of foot, leg, and even back problems.
In this blog, our highly skilled providers at Cardio Metabolic Institute share their experience with prescribing orthotics to help patients suffering from issues such as Achilles tendinitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and heel pain.
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts that you slip into your shoes to relieve foot pain or to address a particular foot issue like heel pain from plantar fasciitis or high arches.
Why would you go to your doctor to get orthotics if you can purchase them in a drugstore? While you can purchase off-the-shelf orthotics, they aren’t dialed in for your unique set of circumstances. And when it comes to foot issues, one-size-fits-all solutions often fall short on the satisfaction scale.
Addressing your unique foot issues
At Cardio Metabolic Institute, we prescribe custom orthotics. These are fabricated by a laboratory based on data we collect during a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s ankles, feet, and legs as well as a scan of their feet. We also factor in the patient’s weight, the shape of their feet, and the biomechanics of how they walk.
With personalized custom orthotics, we can address each patient’s foot issues by providing a perfectly contoured treatment solution that acknowledges that two people can have the same foot problem but that the condition manifests differently from patient to patient.
Providing proper support
Proper foot support is important for everyone, but if you have foot issues, getting proper support becomes increasingly important. Your feet are your body’s natural shock absorbers, taking on the burden of your full weight whether you’re walking, jogging, running, or even standing. Every motion begins from your feet and then engages your ankles, knees, hips, and all the way to your spine.
If everything is healthy and normal, you’re good to go. If you have flat feet, high arches, or muscle or joint issues, how your feet connect with the ground changes, causing stress or pain. Custom orthotics compensate for your unique conditions by creating proper support, which brings you comfort in every step that you take.
Relieving foot pain and improving function
Providing proper support made just for you is definitely a benefit of custom orthotics, but that’s only the beginning. Foot anomalies and conditions like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis may be very different issues, but they can all lead to the same response — less efficient motion and more strain, instability, and pain.
Custom orthotics can restore your body’s natural state of movement and balance. This not only helps prevent pain and injuries, but it also can improve function and enhance athletic performance.
Do you have foot pain and want to know if custom orthotics are right for you? Book an appointment at Cardio Metabolic Institute in Somerset, Monroe Township, or East Brunswick, New Jersey, to learn more. Click or call today for an appointment at the office nearest you.