Foot and ankle problems can cause discomfort and pain and limit physical activity. Proper support can help to maintain the foot’s natural biomechanical position, redistribute body weight, relieve stress on strained soft tissues, deformed bones, and joints, as well as prevent future problems.
Get the Right Fit
Foot inserts, or orthotics, are a great way to relieve arch pain and other foot issues. While standard off-the-shelf shoe inserts may work, custom-designed insoles are better for long-term use.
Each pair is customized to fit the patient’s foot structure and provide support. They can also add cushioning in areas where there is too much pressure. For instance, if the area under your big toe (metatarsal head) and the heel have too much pressure, it can lead to bunions, hammertoes, and heel pain. A good pair of custom insoles will provide enough rigidity and support to take pressure off these areas while providing enough cushioning for comfort.
They also help to correct imbalances in the lower extremities, which can alleviate pain in the feet, knees, hips, and back. They can even be used to enhance athletic performance and improve biomechanical efficiency. They do this by promoting proper foot alignment, decreasing shock load, and redistributing weight evenly across the foot.
Wear the Right Shoes
There is a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat common foot issues, such as arch supports and gel insoles. When wearing these types of orthotics, it is essential to make sure that they fit well in the shoes that you wear them with. Replace the shoe’s existing insole with the orthotic and try to orient it so that the arch line of the device matches up well with the natural arch of your feet.
A podiatrist or orthopedist often makes customized orthotics, but these can be costly and are not always covered by insurance. A newer innovation in 3-D printing technology allows specialized orthotics to be made at a fraction of the cost. However, they still need to be carefully fitted and supervised by a medical professional. For more details regarding Orthotics, visit the website.
When starting to wear a pair of standardized or customized orthotics, it is recommended that you begin by wearing them for one hour the first day and gradually increase this time each day until you can comfortably wear them all day long. You may experience discomfort during this process as your feet and body adjust to the orthotics, but it is worth it!
Keep Your Feet Hydrated
When paired with the right shoes, orthotics can give you a great deal of comfort and support. They can also help you move more freely and with less pain. This is important because when your foot muscles, ligaments, and joints are damaged, they require proper support to heal correctly.
If you are experiencing foot problems such as numbness or have an alignment issue with your feet, it is essential to visit your local podiatrist for help. They can prescribe you custom orthotics that are specialized for your needs and designed to support your feet and ankles properly to avoid complications.
Once you get your new orthotics, take them out of the shoes at night to allow them to dry thoroughly. This helps kill the odor-causing bacteria that can develop on your orthotics.
Watch Your Diet
According to the nursery rhyme, “the foot bone’s connected to the leg bone, the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone.” When one of these bones is misaligned or under-supported, it impacts all other joints. Custom orthotics are an affordable way to prevent this misalignment by supporting your feet, reducing the strain on muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and improving overall comfort.
Unlike the shoe inserts you can purchase at a grocery store or pharmacy, custom orthotics are molded to your specific foot. They are scientifically designed to support your foot and help with alignment, comfort, and relief of common problems like numbness and swelling.