Do you suffer from foot pain? Do your feet feel tired after a long day of standing or walking? If so, you may need to visit a podiatrist to get fitted for some custom orthotics.
What are foot orthotics?
Foot orthotics, or custom insoles, are shoe inserts that are custom-made to fit the contours of your feet. These medical devices are designed to support and correct the alignment of the feet in order to improve an irregular or abnormal walking pattern.
Custom orthotics work like shock absorbers, removing and redistributing pressure away from painful areas, which can help reduce foot pain and fatigue.
The difference between custom orthotics shoe inserts
Shoe inserts are a type of insole that can be bought over the counter at most pharmacies or sporting goods stores. These solutions offer a few variations in terms of arch support and heel elevation, but they are not custom-made to fit the unique contours of your feet. While they provide some relief for general foot pain, they are not as effective in treating more specific conditions that require a customized prescription fit.
Custom orthotics are inserts that are specifically designed and fabricated to fit the feet of a single individual. They are made using a mold or cast of the foot after the podiatrist has completed a thorough evaluation of the feet, ankles, legs, and walking pattern. The mold is then used to create a customized insert with specific features and corrections tailored to that person's needs.
As a result, custom orthotics offer a high level of accuracy and precision in terms of support and correction for foot problems.
Types of custom insoles
There are various types of prescription custom orthotics, but they often fall into one of these two main categories:
Accommodative orthotics: These soft inserts are designed to provide cushioning and relief for specific foot problems, such as diabetic ulcers, aching heels, arthritis, and other painful foot conditions. They can also help to improve general comfort and reduce foot fatigue.
Functional orthotics: These semi-rigid inserts are designed to correct foot deformities, ankle instability, and improve the foot's biomechanics while walking or standing. They are also prescribed to treat injuries like shin splints, Plantar Fasciitis, and tendonitis.
While the type of custom insoles do vary, depending on the individual's needs, the soft, rigid, and semi-rigid orthotics all serve to improve foot health and function in some way.
How to get the best custom orthotics
If you are experiencing foot pain, fatigue, or any other symptoms that may indicate an underlying foot condition, it is important to see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.
Your podiatrist will complete a thorough evaluation of your feet and ankles and may also order imaging tests to better understand the problem.
Based on the evaluation, your podiatrist will determine if custom orthotics are the best treatment option. They will create an exact mold of your feet and prescribe a set of inserts tailored to your specific needs.
Custom orthotics in Philadelphia
Getting custom orthotics in Philadelphia is easy. Simply schedule an appointment with Philly City Foot Doc, and we will take care of the rest. Our podiatrists are experienced in fitting custom orthotics for various foot conditions. They will work with you to design the optimal solution for your needs.
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