Orthotics are special shoe inserts that support your feet. They can make standing and walking more comfortable.
Regardless of where in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area you’re in, we want to help you know when to consider orthotics for your foot and ankle health. Learn how orthotics can help relieve pain and make a big difference in your comfort level and overall well-being.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are devices you put inside your shoes to support your feet. They are designed to improve how your feet function and can help with many different foot problems.
Orthotics can be made from different materials, including plastic, foam and carbon fiber. Depending on your needs, they can be soft and cushioned or firm and supportive.
When Should I Use Orthotics?
Orthotics can be helpful for many people. You might consider using orthotics if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetic foot: People with diabetes can develop foot ulcers due to poor circulation and pressure points. Orthotics can help prevent these ulcers by distributing pressure evenly across your feet.
- Flat feet: If your feet don’t have a normal arch, orthotics can help support them and reduce pain.
- Foot and ankle injuries: Orthotics can provide extra support and stability, helping you recover from injuries more quickly.
- Heel pain or foot pain: If you have pain from standing or walking too much, orthotics can help reduce that pain by giving your feet the support they need.
- High-arched feet: Orthotics can also benefit people with high arches by helping to distribute weight more evenly and cushioning their feet.
- Plantar fasciitis: This common cause of heel pain occurs when the ligament supporting the arch becomes inflamed. Orthotics can provide extra support and reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This type of arthritis can cause severe foot pain. Orthotics can help make walking easier and more comfortable.
What Are the Benefits of Orthotics?
Orthotics offer many benefits for people with foot problems, including:
- Improved comfort: Orthotics can make your shoes more comfortable by providing extra cushioning and support.
- Injury prevention: Proper support from orthotics can help prevent injuries by keeping your feet in the correct position.
- Performance enhancement: Orthotics can help improve athletes’ performance by providing better support and reducing the risk of injury.
- Pain reduction: Orthotics can help reduce pain from standing, walking or running by giving your feet the support they need.
How Do I Get Orthotics?
If you need orthotics, the first step is to talk to one of our foot and ankle specialists at Summit Orthopedics. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
The foot and ankle specialist will examine your feet and discuss your symptoms. They may watch how you walk and stand to see how your feet move. If you need custom orthotics, you will meet with an orthotist, who will take a mold of your feet. This mold is used to create orthotics that fit your feet perfectly.
The orthotist will then help you choose the right type of orthotic for your needs. This might be a simple arch support or a more complex custom orthotic. Once your orthotics are ready, you will try them on to ensure they fit well and feel comfortable. The orthotist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
After you start using your orthotics, it’s important to follow up with your specialist. They will check to ensure the orthotics are working well and make any adjustments needed.
Schedule an appointment with a Summit Orthopedics sports medicine provider.
