Custom Orthotics Can Ease Your Chronic Aches
When simple actions like walking become painful and frustrating, heel pain is often to blame. And unfortunately, the fact that heel pain is widespread doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to deal with. If anything, it’s one of the more persistent chronic conditions we treat here at Clifton Foot and Ankle Center.
The good news is that you have plenty of conservative, non-invasive options aside from surgery. Our expert team wants you to know all the treatments available to you, so in service of that goal, we’re dedicating this blog to useful tools that can halt heel pain once and for all: Custom orthotics inserts!
Heel Pain All Over
There are quite a few reasons your heel might hurt, a few of which we’ve listed below.
- Plantar fasciitis: This inflammation of the connective tissue in your heel is a leading cause of heel pain, often described as a stabbing sensation in the morning or after periods of rest.
- Heel spurs: These bony growths under the heel bone will irritate surrounding tissues, inflicting pain and causing discomfort.
- Achilles tendonitis: This inflammation of the tendon connecting your calf muscle to your heel can lead to pain and stiffness that increases during activity.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning your heel bone can also add to the ache, particularly when pressure is applied.
Stepping in to Help
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts crafted specifically for your feet’s unique anatomy and biomechanics. And they work! A 2023 study found that custom orthotics were significantly more effective in reducing plantar fasciitis pain compared to placebo inserts. Additionally, a 2022 review highlighted the efficacy of orthotics in managing various heel pain conditions, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis.
- By correcting any arch abnormalities, orthotics distribute pressure more evenly, reducing stress on the plantar fascia and other pain-sensitive areas.
- Custom orthotics realign your foot and ankle bones, promoting proper movement and reducing strain on ligaments and tendons.
- Orthotics absorb shock and reduce the impact on your heels.
Clearly, orthotics can be sole savers for those of us with aching heels! If you’re struggling with chronic pain and unsure of which steps to take, contact our Centreville office for an appointment with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm. Call (703) 996-3000 or contact us online.
