Orthotics are custom-fit molds designed to treat specific conditions in the feet and ankles. They are used to increase mobility and reduce pain in the foot.
Let’s examine orthotics and their role in managing foot pain.
- How Do Orthotics Help With Foot Pain?
- How Long Does It Take For Orthotics To Fix Your Feet?
- What Foot Conditions Require Orthotics?
- How Do You Know If You Need Foot Orthotics?
- How Many Hours A Day Should You Wear Orthotics?
How Do Orthotics Help With Foot Pain?
Orthotics use unique designs to stabilize the bottom of the foot and ankles, making standing, walking, and running more comfortable. This medical device can change the angle at which the foot hits the ground to alter pressure on weak spots and absorb shock from movement.
How Long Does It Take For Orthotics To Fix Your Feet?
The time it will take to see the benefits depends on the type of orthotic you choose and the condition you’re fixing. For example, patients with Plantar Fasciitis may not see results for up to six months.
Below, we’ll look closer at the different conditions orthotics can assist with.
What Foot Conditions Require Orthotics?
Numerous conditions impact a person’s ability to stand, walk, and run properly. When left unaddressed, these can significantly impact the quality of life, making it challenging to participate in certain activities or hold down physically demanding jobs.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick, hard centers with swollen skin surrounding them that develop on the bottom of feet. Corns are smaller and deeper than calluses, sometimes causing more pain. Both can make it difficult to stand and walk due to the foot and heel pain caused by pressure. Orthotic pads and heels can help with either of these conditions by taking pressure off certain areas of the foot where the corns or calluses are, making it easier to stand, walk, and run.
Foot Ulceration
Foot ulcers manifest as open sores or lesions on the top or bottom of the foot or ankle, commonly seen in diabetic patients. These ulcers don’t heal or may reappear continuously due to skin infections on the feet and ankles. Foot ulcers are painful and may cause swelling or a burning sensation. Orthotic devices can relieve the pain of ulcers by repositioning how the foot and joints move. This can also increase stability and reduce the development of foot deformity.
Tendonitis
Foot tendonitis occurs when the tendons in your foot become inflamed. The inflammation can cause swelling and pain, making it difficult to stand and walk. Orthotics can be custom-made in the form of shoes or shoe inserts that function as arch supports. This takes the pressure off of the tendon being inflamed. Along with proper orthotics, tendonitis can be treated with physical therapy, pain relievers, and plenty of rest.
Recurrent Ankle Sprain
Recurrent ankle sprain typically happens when a sprained ankle isn’t given adequate healing time or physical therapy doesn’t correctly teach balance and ankle postural control. A sprained ankle can make it incredibly difficult to move properly and may come with varying pain levels. Orthotics work to lessen the strain around the ankle’s soft tissue and provide more stability and better balance. Putting less stress on the sprain can improve a person’s standing and walking ability.
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spur Syndrome)
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia (foot tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes used for movement and walking) becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes pain and discomfort on the bottom of the foot and the heel, especially when standing or walking. Insole orthotics can offer arch support for greater stability and balance. They can also help with the healing process, as plantar fasciitis typically will heal over time.
Recurrent Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in bone that most commonly occur in the lower leg and foot. They’re usually a result of excessive stress or impact on the area. The pain that comes with stress fractures can worsen over time, accompanied by flare-ups when doing certain physical movements and activities. Orthotics can help with recurrent stress fractures by creating more stability in the areas where the bones are cracked, allowing for them to heal and not reoccur in the future.
How Do You Know If You Need Foot Orthotics?
Orthotics are created for people who suffer from foot or ankle-related conditions that make it difficult or painful to stand or walk. If you’re experiencing foot pain, instability, or movement hindrances, orthotics may be right for you. You can speak with your primary care physician or an orthotics professional to discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing and how they impact your life. They can provide the best information and advice on choosing the proper treatment for your condition.
How Many Hours A Day Should You Wear Orthotics?
When you first begin wearing your orthotics, you’ll want to give yourself time to adapt. Start with around two hours of wear on the first day and add an additional 15 to 30 minutes of wear each day that follows. If you don’t experience pain or discomfort, you can increase wear to 30 to 45 minutes daily. By the two-week mark, you should be able to wear your orthotics for around 8 hours a day.
Find Your Foot Orthotic Needs At Pongratz
At Pongratz, we offer custom orthotics that provide optimal comfort and durability. Our services also include:
- Upper Extremity Prosthetics
- Lower Limb Prosthetics
- Plagiocephaly Cranial Bands
- Pressure Garments for Burns
- Mastectomy
- Pediatric Orthotics
To learn more about our services, schedule a meeting with our team today.