Foot Orthotic Information

Foot orthotics are inserts that go into your shoes and provide a medical benefit. They can also be custom or prefabricated. Custom orthotics are made from a cast or foam impression of a foot, and conform to the anatomy of the body, prefabricated orthotics are formed directly to the foot. Foot orthotics are prescribed by a chiropractor at this facility.

Function

Foot orthotics are used to treat and prevent painful foot disorders. Orthotics change pathological functions of the foot that cause different problems to occur. Foot orthotics can accommodate and cushion painful areas and are used in preventing additional problems from occurring.

Types

A foot orthoses can be made rigid/functional or semi-rigid/accommodative. Functional orthotics are usually rigid and made out of materials like hard polypropylene plastic or carbon fiber. This type of orthotics alters foot functions and can reduce or cure symptoms. Accommodative orthotics are orthotic that accommodate bony prominences, high arches, and protect diabetic feet from ulcers. They are usually made of softer materials than a rigid orthotic.

Features

Metatarsal pads to offload stress on the ball of the foot, heel relief pads to cushion heels and gel lining are just a few features of orthotics. The choice of a full-length, three quarter length, or slimthotic for dress shoes are additional features offered when a patient selects or is prescribed orthotics.

Benefits

Foot orthotics are beneficial in treating problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, flat feet (Pes Planus), neuromas, metatarsalgia and other common foot problems. Foot orthotics are also extremely helpful in preventing diabetic ulcers cause by diabetic neuropathy, a conditions that causes loss of sensation in feet, leaving diabetic at risk for ulceration.