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Most of our time is spent on hard surfaces, which causes our feet to begin to roll inward to compensate for the lack of surface area. As you walk your heel swings from side to side very slightly, but if it swings too far when you walk or run, your foot may be over-pronating, or flattening too much. The incorrect movement of your heel stresses and weakens parts of your foot. Over time, symptoms may develop in your feet ranging from a change in shape to pain when you walk. Custom-made orthotics are medical devices that support and gently reposition the heel, arch, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones in the feet, which enables these structures to work together as nature intended. Orthotics are made to make each step you take pain-free. Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom-made orthotics are built from molds of your feet in order to meet your unique needs. What are Orthotics? Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. More than arch supports, orthotics provide support which makes standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface. Your Scottsdale podiatrist may prescribe orthotics as a conservative approach to many foot problems or as a method of control after certain types of foot surgery. The use of orthotics is a highly successful and practical form of treatment. There are three different kinds of orthotics that can be used for your feet: rigid, soft and semi-rigid. Each is concerned with improving the functionality of your feet, minimizing the stress forces that could potentially cause pain or deformity. Who Benefits from Custom Orthotics? Custom-made orthotics can relieve an array of different kinds 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 Scottsdale podiatrist. If you are exhibiting foot pain or instability, a consultation with your podiatrist will be needed in order to provide you with accurate foot care. After an evaluation of your foot, your podiatrist can manufacture your individualized orthotic devise to protect your feet. Custom-made orthotics from your podiatrist in Scottsdale, AZ can relieve your chronic foot pain by supporting the bone structures of your feet.
Dr. Mark Forman is an experienced board certified podiatrist in Scottsdale, offering a wide array of foot and ankle care in North and South Scottsdale, AZ. This highly qualified Scottsdale podiatrist provides treatment for heel pain, diabetic foot care and orthotics in Scottsdale among many other foot and ankle ailments.
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