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If you are an athlete or an active runner or walker the last thing you want to feel is pain in your feet. When pain occurs in your feet it often prevents you from participating in your favorite sport or finishing your morning jog. Orthotics prescribed by your podiatrist work to balance the foot in a neutral position, cushioning the foot from excessive pounding. An array of orthotics is available for different foot problems. With hundreds of ligaments and bony structures in each foot working together to support, balance and bear the weight of the entire body, many people experience foot pain and problems at some point during his or her lifetime. Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom-made orthotics are built from molds of your feet in order to meet your unique needs. Rigid Orthotics for Function Control Rigid orthotics are designed to control function and are frequently made of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber. They are used primarily for walking or dress shoes and are generally made from a special mold of the foot. The finished device typically extends along the sole of the heel to the ball or toes of the foot. It is worn mostly in closed shoes with a heel height under two inches. With the flexible materials involved in rigid orthotics, very little alteration in shoe size is needed. The primary purpose of rigid orthotics is to control motion in two major foot joints, which lie directly below the ankle joint. Rigid orthotics are long lasting, do not change shape, and are usually difficult to break. Strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back may be caused by the abnormal function of the foot, or a slight difference in the length of the legs. In these cases, rigid orthotics may improve, if not eliminate, these symptoms. Soft Orthotics for Pressure Relief Soft orthotics are used to help absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots in your feet. Typically, soft orthotics are constructed of soft, compressible materials, and may be molded by the action of the foot in walking or fashioned over a plaster impression of the foot. Similar to rigid orthotics, soft orthotics usually extend from the heel past the ball of the foot to include the toes. The advantage of using soft orthotics is that it may be easily adjusted to various weight bearing forces. The disadvantage, however, is that soft orthotic devices must be replaced or refurbished periodically. Soft orthotics are typically effective for arthritic or deformed feet where there is a loss of protective fatty tissue on the side of the foot. Benefits of Custom Orthotics Custom-made orthotics can relieve an array of foot pain including heel pain, plantar fasciitis, arch pain, pain caused by running, walking and other athletics, and many other foot pain disorders. If you are an active runner or athlete, custom-made orthotics can be used to keep the foot in its most efficient alignment, allowing the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments to work to their highest potential. Additionally, orthotics protect the heel, arch and forefoot from the unnatural and increased stress that prolonged running and sports activity produce. Whether it is to prevent problems, relieve pain, or increase efficiency, runners and other athletes will benefit greatly from the use of custom-made orthotics from your East Haven podiatrist. If you are experiencing foot pain or instability, a consultation with your podiatrist will be needed in order to provide you with accurate foot care.
Center Podiatry, Advanced Footcare Center, is owned and operated by Dr. Gary Grippo, DPM, FACFAS and Dr. Sean Lazarus, DPM, FACFAS. Together they bring quality podiatric care at five convenient locations, providing services in heel pain and orthotics in East Haven, CT, among an array of other services.
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