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Orthotics
Orthotics are orthopedic devices designed to treat or adjust various foot disorders. They may be simple, commercially available devices such as cushioned heel cups or insoles for shoes old over-the-counter in drug stores or other retail establishments.The best orthotics, however, are custom-tailored devices specifically crafted to meet the needs of a particular individual. This is done by making an impression of the foot which duplicates any misalignments.
Specialists in an orthotic laboratory then correct the misalignments with compensation and stabilization techniques. The finished orthotic is placed in the patient's shoe to keep the foot in proper alignment. Depending upon the patient's needs, the orthotic may have padding to cushion the foot against the weight of the body.
Types of Orthotics
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- Functional: Incorporate special wedges to adjust the heel or forefoot, correcting defects in the arch that cause poor shock absorption, such as excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) or supination (high arch).
- Weight-Dispersive or Accommodative: Typically feature padding designed to relieve pain caused by excessive pressure on the metatarsal heads. Other accommodative orthotics are designed to treat pain and pressure on the sesamoid bones, collapsed tarsal bones, sores and chronically inflamed toes.
- Supportive: Arch supports usually prescribed to treat problems of the plantar arch.
- Early Childhood: Special devices designed to correct biomechanical walking problems in young children. These include splints, gait plates and night bars - devices used to hold a child's feet and legs at a proper angle while sleeping, thus promoting corrective adjustment for excessive toe-in or toe-out walking.
Who Should Use an Orthotic?
Because perfect feet are very rare, almost anyone can benefit from orthotics. Orthotics can prevent and alleviate many common foot complications that cause discomfort in otherwise healthy people. An analogy can be made between orthotics and eyeglasses. Both adjust bodily imperfections that inhibit people from functioning at their maximum physical potential. In both cases, a physician will do a complete examination and prescribe the proper amount of correction.
Almost anyone can achieve some benefit from an orthotic. There are several common symptoms that may indicate misalignment of the feet. You may find benefit from orthotics if:
- One side of the sole of your shoe wears out faster than the other
- You frequently sprain your ankle
- You have chronic heel, knee or lower back pain
- Your shins hurt
- Your toes are not straight
- Your feet point inward or excessively outward when you walk
- Your feet hurt in general
The podiatrists at Northwest Surgical Specialists are leaders in the effective use of orthotics to correct foot ailments. For additional information, please contact one of our three convenient locations to arrange a consultation.
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Foot & Ankle Care
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Surgical Care Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
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431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
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Foot & Ankle Care