How Long Does it Take for a Skin Graft to Heal on Your Foot?
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5 Unexpected Benefits of Custom Orthotics
Have you ever been shoe shopping and wondered if those inserts you see displayed next to the socks would work well for you? While they may provide some arch support and extra cushioning, they aren’t likely to help with more serious issues, such as pain from plantar fasciitis or problems walking.
Custom orthotics are prescribed to you by your podiatrist based on your specific needs. They are made to fit the shape of your feet and correct the issues you’re experiencing by supplying biomechanical assistance. Still thinking about those cheap inserts at the store? At North Central Texas Foot and Ankle, with offices in Decatur and Roanoke, Texas, we can help you learn about some of the benefits of custom orthotics you may not have expected.
They correct an abnormal gait
Your doctor may use a certain type of custom orthotics, called functional orthotics, to help correct an abnormal gait. Abnormal gaits have many causes including corns, calluses, fractures, tendonitis, or arthritis in your hips, knees, ankles, or feet. Having an abnormal gait can affect bone, nerves, or muscles in your legs — not to mention cause pain and discomfort — so it’s important to get a diagnosis and correct the issue.
They can help with lower extremity injuries
Custom orthotics can help if you’ve suffered an injury such as tendonitis or shin splints. They help stabilize your feet and ankles and keep them aligned, which takes stress off of your lower leg. They also provide support and shock absorption, and keep your foot in the optimal position to relieve pain. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, your orthotic will raise your heel enough to shorten the tendon, decreasing pressure and preventing overuse.
They reduce the risk of future injury
By keeping your feet and ankles stabilized, orthotics decrease the risk of future injury to those areas. With better support, you’re able to do more of the activities you love, like hitting the gym and jogging around your neighborhood, without worrying so much about the condition of your feet, ankles, and even your legs.
They balance weight distribution
Your feet are tasked with carrying all of your body weight and moving that weight around. If your weight isn’t evenly distributed over both of your feet, it can cause problems like abnormal gait, pronation (when your ankles roll inward), overpronation (when your ankles roll down and in), and supination (when your ankles roll outward). As mentioned before, it’s important to correct abnormal gait in order to avoid other injuries.
They’re made just for you
Perhaps the best benefit of custom orthotics is in the title — they’re customized! That means they’re made to perfectly fit your feet and solve the issues you’re facing. Instead of opting for an over-the-counter option, choosing custom orthotics ensures that your feet are taken care of in the way they need to be. When meeting with Samantha Childers, DPM or Ricky Childers, DPM, the doctors at North Central Texas Foot and Ankle, you’ll have your particular case evaluated, and the best course of action for you will be determined. If custom orthotics are recommended, your doctor will take three-dimensional images of your feet to create orthotics that are the perfect fit.
If you’ve tried over-the-counter inserts and haven’t gotten relief, or if you feel like custom orthotics are the best option for you, our team is here to help. Contact either of our locations through our website, or give us a call.
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