Many of us spend a great deal of time standing or walking on hard surfaces, which can cause our feet to begin to roll inward to compensate for the lack of surface area. As you walk your heel swings from side to side slightly, but if it swings too far when you walk or run, your foot may be over-pronating, or flattening too much. The incorrect movement of your heel stresses and weakens parts of your foot. What are Orthotics? Orthotics are also known as orthoses, and refers to any device that is inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Also referred to as arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotics are available and may help those with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthotics can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure. Coming in many shapes, sizes and materials, orthotic devices fall into three main categories: • Those designed to change foot function (rigid orthotics). • Those that are primarily protective in nature (soft orthotics). • Those that combine functional control and protection (semi-rigid orthotics). Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) Orthotics can often be used as a form of treatment for many ailments of the feet including posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), heel pain (plantar fasciitis), pediatric flatfoot and flexible flatfoot. The posterior tibial tendon serves as one of the major supporting structures of the foot, helping it to function while walking. PTTD is a condition that is caused by changes in the tendon, impairing its ability to support the arch, which results in flattening of the foot. Symptoms of PTTD often include: • Pain • Swelling • Flattening of the arch • Inward rolling of the ankle Often called "adult acquired flatfoot," it is the most common type of flatfoot developed during adulthood. Although this condition typically occurs in only one foot, some people may develop it in both feet. PTTD is usually progressive, which means it can continue to worsen, especially if it is not treated early. To give your arch the support it needs, your podiatrist may provide you with an ankle brace or a custom orthotic device that fits into your shoe. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that involves irritation and swelling of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. Heel pain may be due to other causes, as well, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or rarely, a cyst. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis (heel pain) include: • Pain on the bottom of the heel. • Pain that is usually worse upon arising. • Pain that increases over a period of months. Orthotic devices that fit into your shoe also prove to be helpful in the treatment of heel pain. They are used to help correct the underlying structural abnormalities causing the plantar fasciitis. This will also help in softening the impact of walking, reducing the strain that is often placed on the fascia when one exhibits heel pain. Your podiatrist in Quincy is trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of foot conditions. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort contact your podiatrist immediately for appropriate treatment and diagnosis with orthotics.
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Custom orthotics are medical devices prescribed by a foot and ankle surgeon. These shoe inserts support and align the foot and lower extremities and are formed by making a plaster mold of the foot. Continue reading to learn more about how orthotics can help provide comfort for your aching feet.
Owned and operated by Dr. Marshall Lukoff, Foot Care Specialists, PC, is committed to treating an array of podiatric problems including various toenail infections with laser nail in Dedham and Quincy. Dr. Lukoff, podiatrist in Quincy, received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.
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