People with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis are no strangers to foot pain and inflammation. Custom orthotics can often ease the pain and make walking and performing daily tasks more manageable. Orthotics, and custom orthotics in particular, are designed to spread the weight of the body more evenly across the feet, reduce pressure on sensitive areas and joints affected by arthritis, and address specific structural and biomechanical anomalies. When properly designed and fitted, custom orthotics may help arthritis sufferers to take less pain medications, and are even believed by some to have the potential of slowing the progression of arthritis. If you would like to see if orthotics may help your painful arthritic condition, make an appointment with a podiatrist. After examining your feet, your podiatrist will either create a mold or 3D digital scan of your feet and design orthotics custom fit to your individual feet, to address your specific pain points.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
