When to Consider Custom Orthotics

Your feet and ankles are vulnerable from supporting your body weight, and sometimes, they need a little extra help to do their job well. Wearing medical-grade custom orthotics can decrease your pain, correct alignment issues, and generally support your feet.

Our podiatrists at Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California recommend custom orthotics as a noninvasive way of treating a number of foot conditions and increasing your comfort. Learn when you should consider getting custom orthotics.

Understanding medical grade custom orthotics

Orthotics are an insert you wear in your shoe and correct any alignment issues and provide support to your foot. Medical-grade custom orthotics are custom-measured and designed for your feet by Dr. Thomas Rambacher and Dr. Michael Bastani, then built by a lab specializing in medical-grade custom orthotics.

Medical-grade custom orthotics are more effective than orthotics you buy over the counter because they’re individually designed to address and correct specific issues in your feet and ankles. Depending on your needs, our podiatrists either recommend functional orthotics, which are rigid, or accommodative orthotics, which are soft.

Reasons you might need custom orthotics

Medical-grade custom orthotics relieve or correct a number of different foot complaints. Conditions they can help with include arthritis, tendinitis, flat feet, high arches, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.

These are some of the reasons to think about trying custom orthotics.

You’re experiencing foot pain

Pain in your feet and ankles can indicate you have a lower body condition or are at risk due to spending much of the day standing or wearing improper footwear. Orthotics ease the pain from foot conditions or from spending long periods of time on your feet.

Your feet or ankles are out of alignment

Structural abnormalities in your feet, ankles, or lower body can put your feet at risk, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain. Medical-grade custom orthotics correct these issues, keeping your condition from progressing further and minimizing your risk of developing problems in the future.

You have diabetes

If you have diabetes, you might be at risk for developing diabetic wounds and ulcers. Medical-grade custom orthotics soften the pressure on your feet when you stand or move, minimizing your risk of foot friction causing you to develop serious ulcers.

You spend significant amounts of time on your feet

Medical-grade custom orthotics can help you even if you don’t currently have any pain or foot conditions. Custom orthotics are especially useful if you’re on long feet for long periods, either because you have a job that requires long periods of standing or are an active athlete.

You’re at higher risk of developing overuse injuries if you’re highly active, and medical-grade custom orthotics help prevent you from having trouble down the road. They can also make standing for long periods more comfortable and even help you excel in your chosen sport.

Getting fitted for medical-grade custom orthotics is a quick and simple process, and if your feet are bothering you or you’re at risk of foot issues, there’s no better time than now to get a custom pair. Schedule your consultation by phone or online at Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle.

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