If you are a runner or an athlete looking for enhanced protection while performing sports and other activities, custom-made orthotics from your podiatrist in Indianapolis may be a good option. Many runners and athletes wear orthotics to prevent foot and ankle pain. Also known as orthoses, orthotics refer to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern. What are Custom-Made Orthotics? As you walk, your heel swings from side to side slightly. If your heel swings too far when you walk or run, your foot may be over pronating, or flattening too much. The incorrect movement stresses and weakens parts of your foot. Over time, you may develop symptoms in your feet ranging from a change in the shape to pain while you walk or run. Custom-made orthotics are medical devices that support and gently reposition the heel, arch, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones in the feet. These enable the structures to work together as nature intended; ensuring each step you take is pain-free. Unlike shoe inserts that are bought over-the-counter, custom-made orthotics are built from molds of your feet to meet your unique needs. Additionally, they can be designed to properly fit in dress shoes, athletic shoes, boots, and skates. Custom-made orthotics can relieve an array of different types of foot pain including: * Heel pain and plantar fasciitis. * Arch pain. * Pain caused by running, walking, and other athletics. * Pain related to diabetes. * Pain experienced by senior citizens. Types of Orthotics Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Falling into three main categories, orthotics are designed to change foot function, protect your feet, and combine functional control and protection. Depending on the purpose, orthotics fall into the following categories: Rigid Orthotics - These are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or for dress shoes. Often, rigid orthotics are composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are custom made from a mold after your Indianapolis podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of your foot. In addition, rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back. Soft Orthotics - Generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots, soft orthotics are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic and deformed feet. Typically made up of soft, cushioned materials, soft orthotics can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Similar to rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are also made from a mold created by your podiatrist in Indianapolis. Semi-Rigid Orthotics - When participating in sports or walking, semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance. A typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. These are often prescribed to children in order to treat flatfoot, and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. Additionally, semi-rigid orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete. If you are an active walker or runner, or participate in sports and experience pain in your feet, contact your podiatrist in Indianapolis today for further treatment. Your podiatrist can examine your feet and properly prescribe the appropriate orthotic to help relieve your pain.
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Custom-made orthotics are used to control motion in the foot and eliminate foot pain commonly associated with many foot and ankle conditions. Orthotics can treat conditions associated with heel pain/plantar fasciitis, arthritis, tendonitis, flat foot and high arch deformities, among others. Continue reading to learn more about how orthotics from your Indianapolis podiatrist can help enhance your performance.
Drs. Jeffrey Agricola and Anthony Miller of Prestige Podiatry are experienced podiatrists in Indianapolis, Carmel and Greenwood. Offering a full array of treatments, including heel pain and bunions patients turn to Prestige Podiatry, Indianapolis podiatrist, for all of their foot and ankle problems.
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