Our feet and ankles are two of the most complex areas of the body. Our feet are home to 26 bones each, along with an elaborate network of muscles, tendons and ligaments. The feet and ankles are connected to the muscles in our legs, our hips, and even our lower back. So, when a foot condition causes us difficulty, it affects more than just our ability to walk. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, lower back pain, knee inflammation and hip pain have all been linked to common foot conditions.
Your physician or physical therapist can determine whether your aches and pains are related to problems with your feet and ankles. If so, then full-length custom orthotics may be the solution you need to treat your pain at its source — your feet. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts designed to improve the alignment of your feet and ankles. They help to not only alleviate pain caused by an existing foot condition, but also prevent future foot problems from occurring.
What conditions can full-length custom orthotics help to treat?
Custom orthotics address foot and ankle conditions by offering pressure relief and extra support. They are more effective than off-the-shelf shoe inserts, because they are custom-made to compensate for your feet’s unique needs. Here are five common foot conditions that you should use full-length custom orthotics for:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — The symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis can result in joint deformity if left untreated. Orthotics can help to treat arthritis by relieving pressure from the joints of the feet and ankle.
- Fallen arches — Fallen arches, also called flat feet, occur when the entire sole of your foot touches the ground when you stand up. This results in foot pain and swelling. Orthotics can treat fallen arches by providing extra support for the bottom of the foot.
- Plantar fasciitis — Plantar fasciitis occurs when the web of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. This is usually caused by a strain or minor tear in the tissue. It can also be triggered by arthritis or tight calf muscles.
- Ankle sprains — A sprained ankle is the result of twisting or turning your ankle too far in one direction, causing the ligaments of the ankle to stretch or even tear. This condition causes pain and swelling and can make it difficult to walk.
- High arches — High arches, also known as cavus feet, can be very painful. Some people with high arches may experience permanent damage to their foot structure if left untreated.
What is the best choice for full-length custom orthotics?
If your foot issues are causing you aches and pains, Biocorrect can help with fully custom full-length orthotics that are designed to meet your needs. Our certified pedorthists can evaluate your entire limb, from your feet all the way to your lower back, and determine the exact cause of your pain. They will then take a custom foam mold of your feet that will be used to craft the exact orthotics that your feet need.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
