5 Benefits of Custom-Made Orthotics
Even if you were born with perfect feet, that doesn’t mean life won’t have its way with them. Foot abnormalities, degenerative conditions, and injuries eventually come for us all and can wind up hurting your feet.
That’s where custom orthotics come in.
Although custom orthotics have eliminated foot problems for our patients throughout the Dunedin, Florida, area, they still seem to be one of the best-kept secrets. So, in this blog, our board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Dr. Maurice Aiken at Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists highlights five ways they can benefit you — and it’s not all about foot pain.
1. Customized comfort
You have foot pain, and your first instinct is to head to the store and grab an insert off the shelf. But a one-size-fits-most approach to your foot pain and problems can do more damage than good.
A thin layer of gel in your shoes may add some comfort, but only custom-made orthotics can give you lasting relief.
That’s because we tailor them to fit your feet exactly — we even consider how your feet behave when you walk. The bottom line is that if you’re looking for the answer to foot pain, custom orthotics are the way to go.
2. Improved foot abnormalities
Foot pain is often a symptom of an underlying structural problem, such as collapsed arches, high arches, bunions, hammertoes, and the like. Custom orthotics carefully correct and cradle the pain-causing abnormalities. The result is both improved foot health and less pain.
3. Reduced pressure and stress
Custom orthotics give your feet the ultimate combination of cushion and support, which helps to distribute the pressure and stress your feet experience when you stand and move. This is especially beneficial if you have arthritis or are on your feet most of the day.
They can also give pressure ulcers and other diabetes-related foot problems a break from excess stress.
4. Supported back, knee, and ankle health
Foot pain brings most people to our office for custom orthotics, but they can also benefit you if you have back, ankle, or knee pain.
Your ankles, knees, and back depend heavily on your feet to maintain proper alignment and range of motion. When foot problems start to crop up, the result is often pain and lack of mobility in your joints, tendons, and muscle — virtually from head to toe. You may even change how you stand and walk to compensate for foot pain.
In turn, this causes stress in the soft tissues and bony structure of your back and lower extremities.
Custom orthotics gently return your feet to proper alignment and prevent this bottom-up chain reaction of pain.
5. Enhanced athletic performance
Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran athlete, foot problems are often a direct ticket to the sidelines. Foot pain can disrupt your form and keep you from training as you should, which is why custom orthotics should be part of every athlete’s game plan. They’re the only equipment that gives your feet the comfort and support you need to compete at an elite level.
Convinced that custom-made is the best way? We’d love to talk with you. Call our friendly staff at 727-285-9684 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.