You might be aware that many foot health issues can be improved with a great set of orthotics. But did you know that custom orthotics can also improve pain in your ankles, legs, and lower back?
The team at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center, led by Aaron Chokan, DPM, and Kristina Minniti, DPM, is here to discuss what custom orthotics are and how they might be a great fit for your podiatry needs.
Orthotics are devices worn to relieve pain in your feet and lower body. Most often, when people talk about orthotics, they’re discussing devices worn within shoes. There are also ankle braces and other devices that are categorized as orthotics.
Everyone has seen the racks of shoe inserts sold at drugstores and big-box retailers. These over-the-counter inserts are designed to fit a wide variety of foot shapes and sizes. They can absolutely add some padding to your shoes, but they are definitely more of a one-size-fits-all solution.
Custom orthotics are crafted according to the exact specifications of your feet. No two pairs are exactly alike, which means you can count on a perfect fit designed to address your specific podiatry concerns.
One of the most important ways that custom orthotics improve podiatric health is by altering how weight is distributed across the bottom of your feet. Think about the force and weight that your feet are subjected to as you move throughout your daily routines. It’s not surprising that foot and ankle pain are so common.
Custom orthotics can help you achieve optimal alignment between your feet and ankles. They can also correct certain foot deformities and improve the way your feet and ankles function daily.
Here are some of the issues that a set of custom orthotics can improve:
If you experience frequent foot or ankle pain, orthotics are a great starting point toward relief. In some cases, orthotics can prevent the need for invasive treatments such as surgery.
Your feet serve as the foundation of your posture, and foot issues can directly affect how you stand and move. Some of the more common posture problems that originate in the feet and ankles are under- and overpronation.
Underpronation occurs when your feet turn inward when you walk, and overpronation happens when your feet turn outward when you walk. Both of these conditions put significant strain on your hips and spine by causing you to shift your body weight during movement.
Correcting these issues with custom orthotics helps you maintain better alignment. As your posture improves, you’ll likely notice a decline in pain, whether in your feet or lower back.
If you think custom orthotics might help ease your pain or improve your posture, the team at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center is here to help. With office locations in Canton, Stow, and Rittman, Ohio, getting started on a path toward renewed foot health is easy.
Just give us a call to find an appointment time that works for you. We also offer easy online booking, available around the clock.
