If you’re suffering from occasional foot pain or certain deformities, it might be time to look into orthotics. These are customized shoe inserts prescribed by doctors to remedy various foot, leg, and back problems. Oftentimes, people with arthritis, bunions, flat feet, and back pain can benefit from these devices.
While orthotics for feet can benefit most people, they may help some more than others. Here’s what orthotics can do for your feet.
They Cushion Your Feet
One type of orthotics called “soft orthotics” are specifically designed to provide extra cushioning to your feet.
They absorb most of the shock, especially when you are performing heavy movements such as the following:
- Walking
- Running
- Jumping
- Exercising
Moreover, they are very comfortable to wear. Because of their structure and materials, soft orthotics allow you to be on the move with much more ease.
Certain types of orthotics for feet are specifically designed to provide cushioning. However, this function is still present across all types of orthotics.
They Distribute Your Weight Evenly
When you land your feet on the ground, some parts receive more weight and pressure than others. This can result in the gradual weakening of tissues underneath those locations.
When too much weight is placed on your ankles, this can result in ankle instability. It is a condition that can lead to recurring sprains and other injuries.
Using orthotics helps distribute your weight evenly, not just across your feet but also throughout your body. This distribution helps ease sore muscles in your legs, hips, and back.
They Absorb Shock And Pressure
Providing support for feet is one of the main jobs of orthotics. They primarily protect your feet by absorbing shock and pressure from your weight and movements.
Orthotics for feet contain an interior and exterior shell. These parts are custom-shaped to realign your feet in a way that reduces stress.
Experts on orthotics need to be keenly aware of feet and bodily structures. So, orthotic devices are designed to offer the utmost support, especially when you often stand or walk for long periods.
They Help Relieve Foot Pain
Orthotics absorb the shock of movements from your feet and support pressure points. This feature reduces constant or occasional pains that often result from typical and high-intensity actions.
Moreover, the cushioning provided by the padding soothes any soreness you might be feeling. These added pads are another major part of any orthotic device.
They Correct Certain Foot Deformities
Many foot deformities affect people without them even realizing it. Some of the most common examples are:
- Flatfeet – a condition where the foot loses its arch, causing it to be flat
- High arches – a condition where the arch in the foot is unusually high, resulting in pain
- Hammer toes – a condition where the toes bend at the middle joint due to damage
These conditions may be remedied by using orthotics for feet. These devices are also designed to give your toes enough space to breathe and wiggle around.
They Improve Your Balance
Wearing orthotics helps keep your feet in proper alignment by distributing your weight and taking off unnecessary pressure. It will also help you improve your balance.
That is why podiatrists prescribe orthotic devices as a way to support gait and movement. In particular, orthotics can help older adults who may be struggling with maintaining their balance.
They Enhance Your Range Of Motion
Pain and pressure, as well as the discomfort resulting from these sensations, greatly limit your feet. These things also affect your whole body’s range of motion.
They can slow you down and make you feel uncertain about performing extensive or rigorous movements.
Orthotics for feet act as a piece of stable support equipment to help you move freely. That way, you can do as you wish without fear of falling or landing too heavily on your feet.
They Lower Your Risk Of Injury
Overall, wearing orthotic for feet lower your chances of getting an injury. Most of them are designed with heel cups that prevent your ankle from twisting.
Moreover, the soft cushioning reduces friction that may lead to wounds, bunions, and calluses.
Orthotics For Feet In Warwick & Middletown, RI, & Dartmouth, MA
Many health problems can be traced from common foot problems, such as improper alignment and poorly distributed weight. Orthotics for your feet can benefit your foot health in many ways.
If you experience foot pain or other foot-related problems, the Foot and Ankle Institute of New England is here to help. We have board-certified podiatrists that provide comprehensive foot and ankle care in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. For inquiries, you may call: (401) 738-7750 for Warwick; (401) 217-4444 for Middletown; and (508) 679-3700 for Dartmouth. You may also set up an appointment by filling out our online request form.
