Health Issues Common In Women

Three Common Problems That Custom Orthotics Can Solve

1 August 2015 by admin

Custom orthotics are man-made devices that are solely developed for an individual's foot. Rather than buying an orthotic off-the-shelf, podiatrists often recommend custom orthotics for treating some common feet problems. Custom orthotics ensure that the fit is specifically designed to treat existing conditions and prevent future injuries according to the person's unique situation and physical condition. Here are three common problems that custom orthotics can solve.

1. Imbalance

Many people suffer from imbalance due to structural problems in the foot. Structural imbalance can be related to several different causes including:

• Uneven length of legs – Though everyone's legs are slightly different in length, some people have such a big difference that it causes them to limp. A custom orthotic, worn on the foot with the shorter leg, evens out the distance, allowing the person to walk with a normal gait.
• Spinal deformity – A spinal deformity could be due to a congenital condition, an injury such as a car accident, or a complication from back surgery. Whatever the reason, a spinal deformity can severely and painfully impact a person's walking and standing ability. A custom foot orthotic, carefully molded to compensate for the spine's compromised integrity, can reduce or eliminate pain and weakness for the wearer.

2. Shin Splints

Shin splints are a painful reaction to repeated impact and shock absorption in the shins. Though shin splits might be thought to be minor compared to some other problems, chronic shin splints can be to a debilitating condition that could end a runner's career.

Custom orthotics can be made to absorb some or most of the vibration and shock received when the runner's feet hit the pavement. Part of the fitting for this type of orthotic would be to computer-analyze how the runner's feet move, and which part of the foot makes first contact with the ground.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that is common to hobby and competitive runners. It starts as tissue inflammation, and can lead to ankle, toe or other foot injury. Once the inflammation occurs, the person involuntarily may start adjusting their walking or running form to prevent pain, which leads to trauma and stress on other delicate bones in the foot and ankle.

Custom orthotics treat plantar fasciitis by alleviating the stress that led to the inflammation to begin with. Once the runner begins wearing the orthotic the inflammation goes down, and the foot can begin to function normally again.

Custom orthotics are used to treat a broad range of foot problems. If you are experiencing foot pain or difficulty walking, a visit to a podiatrist should be your first step. For more information, contact a company like Foot First Podiatry Centers.

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