Do I Need Orthotics?

Orthotics or Shoe Inserts

Orthotics (custom-fit inserts you wear in your shoes) can make walking, standing, or even playing sports more comfortable for many people with various types of foot problems. How about you? Could a good pair of orthotics make a difference for you?

Here are a few situations where a high-quality, customized pair of orthotics could potentially make a big difference:

Foot Deformity: If you have bunions, hammertoes, clubfoot or other types of foot deformities, you know how challenging it can be to find shoes that fit right. At the Foot & Ankle Center, we have a staff pedorthist (shoe fitting expert) who provides custom orthotics, shoe modifications and braces to improve foot function, comfort and mobility — even for feet with these types of deformities.

Overuse Injuries: Athletes who participate in high-impact sports, such as running, are often sidelined with injuries that may improve with specialized shoes and insoles. Other conditions can also create overuse problems that custom shoes and insoles might help.

Difficult-to-fit Feet: Maybe you're one of the many people who have feet that are just hard to fit for shoes, such as a wide forefoot but a narrow heel — or your two feet may be two different sizes. Our pedorthist can modify your shoes to give you a better, more comfortable fit.

Medical Conditions: If you have diabetes, you're at higher risk for developing a foot ulceration or infection, which may become severe enough to result in amputation. About one-quarter of diabetics will develop foot problems, so protecting your feet is critical — and properly fitted and correctly constructed shoes and insoles are your best line of defense. Even patients who've had an amputation can be helped — our pedorthist can fit them with customized extra-depth shoes, and fabricate a custom insole with a filler for the missing portion of the foot. Others who may benefit from custom orthotics include people with arthritis, neuromuscular disease or post-polio syndrome.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, properly fitting shoes and orthotics could make a huge difference in your overall health and quality of life. Let our pedorthist create a custom solution for you — request an appointment today.

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