People with overpronation, oversupination, plantar fasciitis, and a variety of other foot issues can benefit from custom orthotics. These medical devices are tailored to their specific foot shape and needs.
Faulty foot alignment can throw your body’s balance out of whack, leading to discomfort and pain. But there’s hope: Custom orthotics correct your foot’s alignment, allowing it to absorb shock more efficiently, improving your balance, and reducing excess strain on muscles and other tissues that step up to compensate.
At our practice Hammond Foot and Ankle, here in Provo, Utah, Jeffrey Hammond, DPM, AACFAS, and the rest of our team are devoted to providing exceptional foot and ankle care. We see patients with a full range of foot and ankle issues, and know the tremendous benefit of custom orthotics.
This conservative therapy involves using custom-made inserts for your shoes that restore the proper foot and ankle balance. Read on to learn just who can benefit from this noninvasive therapy.
People with foot conditions
Custom orthotics are particularly beneficial for anyone with foot-related conditions such as:
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
For those with flat feet, orthotics provide the necessary arch support, reducing strain on the foot’s inner side and aligning the lower leg.
On the other end of the spectrum, people with high arches often experience excessive pressure on the ball and heel of the foot. Orthotics designed for high arches help distribute this pressure evenly, relieving discomfort.
Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, can be mitigated with orthotics by providing proper arch support and cushioning, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Similarly, for individuals with bunions, orthotics help redistribute pressure away from the affected joint, easing pain and preventing further deterioration.
Athletes and sports enthusiasts
Different sports require varying foot movements and endure different types of stress. Custom orthotics can be tailored to cater to these specific needs, enhancing athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Runners, for example, benefit from orthotics that offer shock absorption and arch support, reducing the impact on joints during running. Basketball players frequently jump and change direction, and can benefit from custom orthotics that provide stability and cushioning to prevent ankle sprains and other injuries.
Cyclists can benefit from orthotics that optimize foot alignment and power transfer, while golfers need inserts that support the foot’s rotational movements. Even for sports like soccer and tennis, where agility is crucial, orthotics can be designed to offer the right balance of flexibility and support.
Everyday footwear users
Custom orthotics aren’t just for people with foot conditions or athletes. Even individuals with no specific foot issues can benefit from these medical devices. Each day the average person walks thousands of steps, often in shoes that lack proper support.
Over time, this can lead to foot fatigue, pain, and other issues. Custom orthotics provide the necessary support, improving comfort and reducing the risk of developing foot problems.
Occupational benefits
For people whose jobs involve standing or walking for long periods, like health care workers, retail employees, or construction workers, custom orthotics can mean the difference between sore feet and legs, and ending your shift with energy to spare.
Custom orthotics help distribute weight evenly, reducing foot fatigue and the risk of developing conditions like varicose veins or joint pain.
Orthotics offer a multitude of benefits and are a worthy investment for anyone looking to improve their foot health, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Before deciding whether you need custom orthotics, the first step is to get in touch with us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hammond. After a thorough examination, Dr. Hammond can recommend the most appropriate approach to keeping your feet in tip-top shape!