5 Reasons to Consider Custom Orthotics

 You don’t get a more reliable support system than your feet. They are the base of your lower body and make everything you do upright possible. However, it’s easy to forget about them until something goes wrong. That said, millions of people struggle with foot problems, making even basic tasks more challenging.

Orthotics provide a simple and effective solution for addressing several foot issues, offering numerous benefits. 

While you can purchase these in stores, getting them custom-made provides benefits that over-the-counter options lack. To help improve your foot conditions, let’s explore what custom orthotics can do to get you back on your feet.

Dr. Andrew Harrison and our experienced medical staff are dedicated to helping residents of the Lower Pacific Heights area in San Francisco and San Jose, California, with foot and ankle problems. Custom orthotics are just one of many solutions we offer to help.

What are orthotics?

To help alleviate foot problems, orthotic shoe inserts support you by aligning your feet and ankles, managing the symptoms of foot abnormalities, and improving mobility and function. 

Orthotics come in many forms, including: 

• Foot pads 
• Heel liners 
• Arch supports 
• Insoles 
• Ankle braces

We create custom orthotics by gathering information from the shoes you usually wear (noting the wear patterns) and a complete foot and ankle exam. 

Then, we create a mold of your feet to fabricate your orthotics.

What problems do they treat?

Many foot conditions can be treated with orthotics, such as:

• Foot arthritis: osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting feet and ankles 

• Bursitis: inflammation of the fluid sacs in the joints, causing pain and mobility issues

• Bunions: a lump that forms on the base of your big toe, leading to foot abnormalities

• Diabetic neuropathy: a complication of diabetes

• Flat feet: a lack of a supporting arch under your foot that causes pain

• Hammertoes: abnormalities of the toes

• High arches: a problem that stresses foot muscles, which can lead to foot rolling

• Heel spurs: bone growths on the heel of your feet

• Achilles tendonitis: inflammation of the Achilles tendon that connects your leg muscles and heel

• Plantar fasciitis: inflammation of the plantar fascia, located under the foot

• Foot injuries: damage to the feet from injury that needs extra support

What are the benefits of using them?

Custom orthotics offer a lot of advantages for improving foot problems, including:

1. Non-invasive

With orthotics, you can often put off surgery or not need it at all.  

2. Prevents worsening of existing problems

Once we identify the issues with your feet, orthotics manage these problems so they don’t escalate.

3. Improve pain in other parts of the body

Your feet impact the alignment of your entire body, including the lower back, hips, and legs. 

4. Tailor-fit for your needs

Over-the-counter orthotics can be helpful, but having the inserts made to fit you provides better results.

5. Corrects your gait

Feet problems can create abnormal walking patterns (gait). Wearing orthotics helps correct many issues that can arise from this.

Orthotics are a viable solution for managing many problems without pain. When you’re ready to feel better on your feet, contact Dr. Harrison and our team today.