In orthotics, we provide equipment to individuals with varying foot conditions that impact their ability to stand, walk, and run without discomfort.
Orthotics can help many people struggling with various unique challenges in their everyday lives.
What Foot Problems Require Orthotics?
Orthotics can help with any condition or issue that concerns discomfort, immobility, or instability in the foot, toes, or ankle.
Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps on your big toe’s joint base. They typically develop when bones move out of place at the front of the foot, causing the big toe to push out of alignment and stick out. Bunions can cause swelling, pain, and immobility in the big toe, creating issues with standing and walking.
Flat Feet
Flat feet (flat feet) is a condition in which the entire sole of your foot touches the ground when standing. Rather than the arches of the feet creating an uneven sole that balances pressure, all arches flatten with equal pressure. Flat feet are usually caused by a lack of arch development in childhood, an injury, or aging. As a result, people with flat feet may experience pain, especially in the feel or arches of the foot, as well as swelling in the ankle.
High Arches
High arches of the feet occur when the middle bone structure of the foot is raised, causing an uneven balance to pressure points when standing and walking. This can cause pain and difficulty walking. High arches can also lead to foot structure damage when left untreated.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon that creates soft tissue and musculoskeletal pain. Foot and ankle tendonitis can make it challenging to stand and walk, causing localized pain, swelling, and stiffness. This discomfort may disappear after breaks from being on your feet and start up again after standing or walking.
Arthritis
Arthritis is like tendonitis, except it is inflammation of the joints rather than the tendons. Arthritis in the feet or ankles can cause significant pain, including crunching noises when moving and unsteadiness. Being on your feet for long periods of time or wearing heels can be especially painful.
Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t make adequate amounts of insulin or isn’t able to store and use insulin properly. The lack of insulin leads to abnormal blood sugar levels in the bloodstream, leading to health problems and neuropathy. Diabetic pain caused by nerve damage happens all over the body, specifically in the legs and feet. Neuropathy may also result in numbing, and blisters, cuts, or sores can go undetected, worsening foot issues. Diabetes can also cause diabetic foot ulcers, which are open sores and lesions at risk of infection on the bottom of the feet.
Hammer Toe
A hammer toe is a curled toe from a bent middle joint. This condition can occur from wearing shoes that don’t fit, foot injuries, or diabetes. It can cause mobility issues and increase the risk of corns and calluses.
Bursitis
Bursitis is defined as the inflammation of the bursae. In the foot region, bursae may become inflamed in the heels or base of the big toe. Bursitis is usually caused by ongoing impact on an area or due to a severe injury.
Neuromas
Neuromas, called pinched nerves, are benign tumor growths between the third and fourth toes. Although the tumor isn’t harmful, its existence can cause pain, burning sensations, tingling, and numbness that affects the toes and ball of the foot. This discomfort is exacerbated by standing, walking, and shoe friction.
Calluses
Calluses are thick skin that develops on the hands and feet. They grow as a protective layer when the area is exposed to rough conditions, such as rock climbers and farmers who work with their hands frequently.
Calluses may also appear in other conditions, like bunions. While hand calluses may be less noticeable, calluses that develop on the bottom of the feet can create pain when walking or wearing socks and shoes.
Foot Ulceration
Foot ulcerations, or foot ulcers, are open sores and lesions that won’t heal or continue to come back. Foot ulcers develop from skin and tissue damage and can become infected when left untreated.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones that usually develop from ongoing impact on the area or conditions like osteoporosis, which weaken the bones. These fractures typically occur in the lower legs and feet and can worsen over time. The pain this condition causes can make it difficult to do physical activities and lead to swelling when standing or walking for long periods.
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spur Syndrome)
Plantar fasciitis, also called heel spur syndrome, is when the plantar fascia, foot tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. This causes significant problems with standing and walking, creating pain in the foot and heel.
How Orthotics Helps With Foot Problems
Orthotics can target the pain and discomfort brought on by foot problems through supportive structures like insoles and braces. Insoles (shoe inserts) are fitted to shoes and offer cushioning and support to walk with the pressure off the pain areas. If you have a condition like flat feet, insoles can rebalance the foot’s structure to hit the ground properly. Orthotic braces are wearable medical devices that stabilize the ankle and foot and help with ongoing problems by promoting healing. For example, braces may help with joint alignment in individuals with bunions or hammertoe, stabilizing the area and reducing pain.
Solve Your Foot Problems With Pongratz Orthotics
Whether you’re struggling with fractures, bursitis, or flat feet, our team at Pongratz can help you with custom-fitted orthotics designed for your particular condition.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you live a life free from foot pain.
