June is the month that we focus on Dads and grads; not foot pain! Fortunately, there are conservative methods of treatment out there for almost any foot condition, and one very effective form of treatment is using an orthotic device. There are several different types of orthotics and it’s crucial to figure out which kind will work best for your unique situation.
Over-The-Counter Inserts
Over-the-counter shoe inserts can be purchased at almost any pharmacy or grocery store. Some can even be obtained from a vending machine! They are typically used for offering added comfort. This can be in the form of additional support for your arches if you have flatfeet or high arches, or adding a bit of padding to a bunion on your toe. Other popular types of off-the-shelf inserts include heel cups for people with sore heels and insoles for protection against friction. These types of orthotics aren’t costly and they will provide temporary relief. However, they won’t fix an underlying problem.
Prescription Custom Orthotics
Prescription custom-made orthotics are used for more serious underlying issues. To obtain these, you must first come see us for a correct diagnosis. Once it’s determined that prescription grade orthotics would be beneficial for you, specific measurements will be made of your foot and then sent to a lab where the orthotics are designed, customized to your unique foot structure and individual needs. There are no other orthotics out there exactly like the ones that you will be wearing inside your shoes. They can be used to control range of motion (for instance, in the case of an injury), and correct misalignment and biomechanical issues, as well as for the extra cushioning necessary for serious cases, such as a non-healing diabetic ulcer.
Orthotics are an integral component in treating many foot conditions. If you have more questions about how orthotics work or what they can treat, please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ.
