Orthotics

Health Craft Orthotics (Custom Orthotics)

Have you heard words like “over-pronation” or “supinantion” when your doctor talks about your feet, or do you notice that your ankles lean inward or outward? If so, you may be a candidate for orthotics, specifically, custom orthotics designed especially for you to address issues you have with your legs, feet, and/or ankles.

If you experience consistent foot or heal pain, perhaps a medical professional has already recommended orthotics but you’re just not sure how to proceed. Certainly, it’s wise to gather information before you buy because all orthotics aren’t created equal, with quality and materials varying from one brand to another.

Knowing which orthotics you need is paramount and knowing how to tell a good product from a not-so-good one is just as important.

Who can benefit from orthotics?

Problems with your feet can occur as the result of any number of conditions. Some of these issues are related directly to your feet or ankles while other problems with foot pain may be related to a systemic disease that affects the entire body.

Orthotics are designed to provide extra support and relief for your feet and can help relieve pain when you’re dealing with disorders such as:

• Heel spurs – These are the bony protrusions on your heel that appear as a result of a calcium build-up. The spurs poke the tissue in the heel and can cause severe pain.
• Plantar fasciitis – This often-quite=painful condition occurs on the sole of the foot, specifically the area that connects the toes to the heel bone. The bottom of your feet can become inflamed due to this disorder and you’ll feel intense pain on your heel and/or arch. Age and obesity are often a factor, but if you have a job where you stand for long periods of time, you may be at risk for Plantar Fasciitis.
• Arthritis – This joint disease can affect the entire foot and cause stiffness and swelling in the joints. As a result, your gait may be affected as well.
• Diabetes – Many diabetics have circulation issues with their feet, which can cause nerve damage, leading to issues with the muscles in the feet refusing to work together. Proper footwear can help prevent infections, sores, and more.
• Metatarsalgia – This painful disorder attacks the bones and joints at the ball of the foot. It’s very often caused by poor-fitting footwear or footwear that’s too restrictive, like women’s pointy-toed shoes that are extremely narrow in the front.

What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics resemble insoles but are created for your unique feet. In addition, they are made of more durable materials than the prefabricated insoles that you’d find on the shelves of your local drug store.

Orthotics can be:

• Accommodative – they relieve the stress on your joints
• Therapeutic – they assist with heel support, forward movement, and general stability
• Functional – they help your feet move the way they should or can help the wearer bear weight in a way that helps them walk better and more easily

Custom orthotics will cost more than prefabricated insoles but will provide a better end result, simply because they are designed to address your specific problem.