How Custom Orthotics Can Help Your Feet

Almost everyone will experience foot pain at some point in their lives. More than half of all Americans have missed work due to foot problems. Given that the feet bear the majority of the body's weight, it's no surprise that foot problems are common.

Shoe inserts known as orthotics are commonly prescribed to treat a range of foot issues. Orthotics fit into your shoes and correct the position of the foot, act as shock absorbers and relieve pressure and stress from the foot and ankle. 

At Precision Foot & Ankle Center in West Bloomfield, Michigan, board-certified foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon Angela Jacob, DPM, provides exceptional care for a range of issues that affect the feet and ankles. Dr. Jacob prescribes custom orthotics to correct abnormal foot movement and relieve foot pain. Orthotics better position the foot to improve overall movement of the foot. 

Foot pain isn’t normal and shouldn’t be ignored. Foot problems can impair the proper functioning of other areas, such as the hips, knees, and back.

Custom versus premade orthotics

Custom orthotics are not the same as those found in pharmacies, sporting goods stores, and online. While orthotics can be made in a variety of ways, most podiatrists make a plaster mold of the patient's foot and send it with a prescription to a laboratory. 

Technicians pour plaster into the mold, which hardens to exactly replicate the bottom of the person's foot. The technicians then custom-make a device to meet the patient's specific needs based on the doctor's prescription.

Prefabricated orthotics are a one-size-fits-all solution that rarely corrects the specific problems found in a person's foot. In some cases they can do more harm than good, including worsening certain foot conditions. 

Benefits of custom orthotics

Orthotics are beneficial following knee, hip, and lower back surgery. This is especially true for patients who have foot issues, such as flat feet.  

In addition to providing relief for painful foot problems or injuries, orthotics are helpful for people who walk or stand for long periods of time as part of their job. Dr. Jacob also prescribes orthotics for patients who are overweight and experiencing foot pain due to the extra stress on the feet. 

Custom orthotics are also beneficial for plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and Achilles tendon pain. Athletes' sports involve a lot of movement and pressure on their feet. Slight foot imbalances, which may not be detectable under normal conditions, may make a person more vulnerable to injury with the added stress of sports activity. 

Orthotics can reduce fatigue and promote efficient muscle function to improve performance by eliminating the need for the muscles to compensate for imbalances. Dr. Jacob can prescribe sport specific custom orthotics, which can help align the body, correctly position the feet, and prevent injuries. 

Custom orthotics are a great way to offload pre-ulcerative lesions (or calluses) in diabetic patients.  In many cases, a pair of good, soft, custom orthotics can save you time, energy, and possibly even your foot.  

When foot pain strikes, a foot and ankle specialist can evaluate and diagnose the problem, and offer the best solution for getting relief and getting back on your feet. If you’re dealing with foot pain or other foot problems, call our West Bloomfield, Michigan office to schedule a visit with Dr. Jacob or request an appointment online today.