Foot conditions can cause pain and interfere with your movement and balance. Fortunately, custom orthotics can help correct foot problems. Because custom orthotics are personalized to your feet, they can provide support that’s superior to store-bought inserts and address the specific issues preventing you from walking normally and comfortably.
Foot problems that cause chronic foot pain can interfere with the way you walk. These conditions can also be the source of back and knee pain. The results can interfere with your ability to perform daily activities and maintain a normal lifestyle. Clinical studies have demonstrated that custom orthotics can successfully decrease foot pain and increase function, allowing you to move more normally.
Since custom orthotics are medical devices, they require a prescription from a medical professional. Marshall L. Lukoff, DPM, FAAFS, of Foot Care Specialists, PC, in Quincy and Dedham, Massachusetts, provides expert fittings for custom orthotics. Dr. Lukoff has the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that your custom orthotics fit appropriately and provide the support you need for improved balance and foot alignment.
Individualized treatment
Custom orthotics consist of inserts that fit in your shoes to support your heels, soles, or both, depending on the problem you’re experiencing. Custom orthotics properly position your feet so the pressure is correctly aligned and distributed when you walk.
Dr. Lukoff uses state-of-the-art computer analysis to identify the sources of chronic foot pain. He’ll analyze the biomechanics of your feet by examining your gait, pressure points, and strengths and weaknesses.
This personalized diagnosis will ensure that you get the type of support you need rather than guessing or using trial and error, which is often the case when purchasing store-bought inserts. Using the information obtained from computer diagnostics, Dr. Lukoff will provide a custom-fitted pair of inserts so you can walk and stand with proper support and alignment.
More options
When compared to store-bought inserts, custom orthotics offer more treatment options with longer-lasting materials. Many custom orthotics can last 5-10 years and can be made to accommodate different shoe types, such as walking shoes, sneakers, athletic shoes, and some types of low-heel dress shoes.
With custom orthotics, Dr. Lukoff can make modifications to accommodate individual activity levels, body mass, and unusual anatomical configurations. This will result in a better fitting insert and one that will deliver longer-term symptom relief than generic off-the-shelf options.
Depending on the type of condition that needs correction, you may also benefit from functional or accommodative custom orthotics. Functional orthotics use semi-rigid materials, such as plastic or carbon fiber. These devices can help absorb shock and relieve pain caused by foot aches and strains. They can also treat other problems, such as leg and back pain that can occur when the bones in feet don’t align properly.
Accommodative orthotics use soft materials to provide extra cushioning to treat uncomfortable sore spots, which can result from foot ulcers, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions. Accommodative orthotics may require using prescription shoes if the corrective device is too bulky to fit in average shoes.
More conditions treated
Custom orthotics can provide alignment and support in all the right places. They can precisely target problem areas in your feet caused by the following conditions:
- Physical deformities, such as flat feet or high arches
- Heel pain resulting from heel spurs and plantar fasciitis
- Chronic pain from shin splints, hammertoes, bursitis, and Achilles tendinitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Loss of stability and sensation caused by diabetic neuropathy
Great results
Custom orthotics can provide relief from chronic foot pain without the risk or inconvenience of undergoing foot surgery. These devices change the biomechanics of the way your foot rests when you walk or stand discreetly and comfortably, often while you continue to wear your favorite styles of shoes. Store-bought inserts can’t achieve the same level of fit and comfort, because they’re not customized to the size and needs of your feet.
Find out if custom orthotics can relieve your chronic foot pain and improve the way you walk. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Foot Care Specialists, PC today.