How Custom Orthotics Can Help

09 Jul How Custom Orthotics Can Help

We’re on our feet all the time. Walking, running, or even just standing are all parts of daily life and if your foot and ankle are in any way misaligned or your walking pattern has become irregular, in time many long term problems can develop. Orthotics are inserts that are put into your shoes to help correct deviations in the proper way of the foot working and also to provide relief from discomfort of certain conditions. Although some, more commonly referred to as arch supports, are available over the counter, they are only suitable for very mild problems. In most cases, orthotics that are custom made for your foot are necessary to correct more serious issues. At Great Neck Family Foot Care, we use the most advanced foot scanning techniques to accurately capture the imprint of your foot and to ensure perfect fit and function of your orthotic.

What Types of Issues Can Be Helped with Orthotics?

Orthotics may be prescribed to help correct a biomechanical defect in the foot, such as in the case of Flat Feet.  Other conditions that may benefit from inserts include: Plantar Fasciitis, Tendinitis in the foot or ankle, bunions, and even certain knee problems. Our board certified surgeons, Dr. Alec Hochstein and Dr. Diana Gagliano will conduct a thorough exam as well as take a detailed medical history to diagnose your foot or ankle problem and determine if custom orthotics are the best treatment for you.

Types of Orthotics

There are a few different kinds of orthotic devices. Rigid orthotics are made of a hard material such as carbon fiber or plastic. These work to control the motion of the foot joints that are right below the ankle joint. These often relieve pain in the lower back and legs. Soft orthotics, fabricated out of soft, cushiony materials, can be used to increase balance or to relieve pain in a particular spot on the foot.  They take on the role of a shock absorber when you walk or run. Semi-rigid orthotics are a made from a combination of soft and hard materials and help provide balance. These are often recommended for athletes whose feet take a serious, repeated pounding and for children to treat flat feet.

Left untreated, these problems could cause not only further difficulty being on your feet but can even lead to painful disabilities involving your knees, hips, or back. If you’d like to find out if custom orthotics might be the solution to your ongoing foot or ankle discomfort, call our Great Neck office at (516) 482-5999 to schedule an appointment.