Are These Everyday Habits Taking a Toll on Your Feet?
Over time, the small choices we make can make a significant impact on the health of our feet. Read on to learn what everyday habits could be harming your feet.
FAQs on Choosing the Right Orthotics for Your Foot Type
If your feet need more support than regular shoes provide, medical-grade custom orthotics inserts that slide into your shoes can make movement safer and more comfortable. Luckily, there are many different orthotic options available for different needs.
With all the options available, it can be intimidating to choose the right pair. In this FAQ, podiatrist Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, at Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California, answers the most common questions about choosing and using orthotics for your foot type.
Who needs orthotics?
Shoe orthotics can benefit many different foot types and situations. They might be right for you if:
- You have a chronic foot or ankle condition
- Your lower body is out of alignment
- Your feet have a structural abnormality
- You’re an athlete
- You’re on your feet most of the day
Orthotics can correct many foot problems without surgery, relieve foot pain, and help prevent blisters, cuts, and corns. They can help you even if you don’t have any diagnosed food problems.
Are custom or store-bought orthotics best for my foot?
Nearly everyone gets better results from medical-grade custom orthotics. Store-bought orthotics can work short-term for people with generally healthy feet that have minor, temporary issues.
Anyone with a chronic foot problem, a structural abnormality, or recurring issues like blisters and foot pain needs custom-fitted orthotics. Our team’s assessment of your feet is critical to determining the best type of orthotic for you.
Our team also does a custom molding and fitting process to ensure your orthotics fit perfectly. Store-bought orthotics are made for general sizing and might not fit correctly or meet your individual needs.
Which orthotics are best for different foot arches?
Medical-grade custom orthotics can help provide support to flat feet with no arches and overly high arches. Orthotics are fitted to position your arch correctly in your shoes, relieving pain and stress on your legs.
Flat feet tend to benefit from a more rigid orthotic, which holds your arch up firmly in a correct position. High arches can benefit from an orthotic that’s a good fit, more flexible, and soft, providing cushioning as well as support.
Which orthotics help bunions?
Orthotics can’t cure bunions, but rigid orthotics fit to your feet can redistribute weight off your feet and keep your bunions from swelling and growing larger, preventing the need for surgery. Soft, accommodative orthotics can help relieve foot pain caused by bunions.
Which orthotics help diabetic feet the most?
People with diabetes need to be especially careful to prevent blisters and other wounds. Orthotics with padding in the right places offload weight on areas prone to blisters and help absorb the impact of movement.
Soft, accommodative orthotics can also help anyone prone to blisters, neuromas, corns, or calluses, due to their lifestyle or foot type.
Which orthotics should I choose as an athlete?
If you do a high-impact sport with a lot of running, jumping, or twisting, rigid orthotics can help absorb shock and prevent foot pain, injuries, and chronic conditions from developing. Our team makes specific recommendations based on your sport and foot type.
Our team is here to answer any questions you have about medical-grade custom orthotics. Contact us to start the process.
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