3 Ways Custom Orthotics Improve Podiatric Pain
This guy walks into a podiatry office and says, “My feet are killing me!” —
Okay, there’s no punch line because it’s actually no joke! All kinds of folks, the young and the old, come into our Fairfax County podiatry office every day complaining of foot pain. The pain may originate in the big toe, arch, heel, ankle, or shin. And while every problem is different, custom orthotic inserts often fix them.
Board-certified podiatrists like Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM, of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, rely on custom orthotics to target various types of foot pain quickly and safely. We’re not kidding when we say that fitting you with custom orthotics – specifically molded to your exact foot size, shape, and condition – can relieve pain from dozens of foot issues. We use orthotics to treat bunions, flat feet, heel pain, arch pain, nerve damage, diabetic foot ulcers, tendonitis, bursitis, corns, calluses, and more.
Orthotics work in three overall ways:
- Realignment. Unfortunately, our feet are not always aligned properly with the rest of our body. When there’s a biomechanical imbalance in your feet, you can experience pain anywhere up the anatomical chain – in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back. Orthotics improve the way you walk for maximum alignment and stability.
- Comfort. We use orthotic inserts to accommodate deformities such as bunions or hammertoes and the inflammation that comes with plantar fasciitis. Orthotics take the pressure off problem areas, making walking more comfortable.
- Slowing down the progress of your foot issue. The occasional, minor discomfort you feel now may evolve into constant, debilitating pain, or a permanent foot deformity. Wearing custom orthotics will slow down that evolution and could help you avoid surgery.
Who should get orthotics?
Local Virginia residents – children, athletes, those who work on their feet a lot, and senior citizens – may benefit from custom-made orthotics. If you’ve got foot pain, make an appointment with Dr. Wilhelm to find out if orthotics are right for you. Call our Centreville office at (703) 996-3000 or contact us online.
