Orthotics

Is Walking Difficult For You? Custom Orthotics Could Be The Answer.

Could custom orthotics help you?

Did you know that your feet change as you age? Strain and discomfort can be caused by natural alterations in the shape of your foot, the support of your ligaments, and complications from past injuries. 

Is it difficult for you to get through the day because of pain in your legs or feet? Are you finding yourself trying to sit as still as possible?

If this is the case, custom orthotics at Nebraska Orthopaedic Physical Therapy could make your daily tasks much more comfortable and easier to achieve. Custom orthotics provide extra support and relief for your feet. 

If this sounds like something you could benefit from, contact our Fremont, NE physical therapy practice for an appointment and learn more about how we can help relieve your foot pain with custom orthotics.

Why are my feet hurting?

Foot problems can be caused by several disorders that are directly connected to the feet. Ailments and diseases that affect the whole body can also cause foot pain.

The following are several examples of conditions or diseases that can be the cause of foot pain.  These conditions can all be treated with physical therapy:

Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to foot problems because of restricted blood flow and nerve damage. When nerves are damaged through diabetes this is referred to as neuropathy, which can be particularly painful to deal with.

When the muscles in the foot no longer function together properly this can cause unequal pressure on the foot. 

Unequal pressure can result in sores, infections, and even amputation in extreme cases. Proper footwear can help prevent foot problems related to diabetes. 

Heel Spurs

Many of the same risk factors that cause plantar fasciitis can also cause heel spurs. This is a bony protrusion on the heel that is usually made of some sort of calcium build-up. 

While the actual spurs are not painful they can poke the tissues in the heel and potentially cause severe pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition can be caused by obesity, age, and standing for long periods on your feet.

It manifests as pain felt along the sole, especially in the region connecting the heel bone to the toes. 

This is caused by tightened or inflamed tissues around the bottom of the feet. Pain in the heel or arch of the foot is also possible.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases.  It is a debilitating joint disease that can affect the joints throughout the foot. Stiffness and swelling in the joints can eventually lead to permanent damage. This can affect the way you stand or walk.

Metatarsalgia

This disorder is often caused by ill-fitting or restrictive footwear. This is a debilitating disease that affects the joints, bones, and the ball of the foot. 

Orthotics are typically used to help alleviate the pain caused by metatarsalgia.

Other potentially treatable conditions include patellofemoral knee pain, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and bunions, as well as numerous systemic pathologies that (like diabetes) affect the function of the lower limbs. 

The good news? Physical therapy services can provide treatment to relieve pain and improve whatever condition you’re dealing with that is affecting your feet.

How do custom orthotics improve foot pain?

Custom orthotic inserts will improve how your feet and lower legs feel and function. 

Orthotics are similar to insoles, but they are custom-designed and made of materials that can last longer than prefabricated orthotics. They are devices that are custom-made to suit your feet perfectly.

Although custom orthotics are more expensive than off-the-shelf devices, they last much longer and provide more support or correction. 

There are generally three types of custom orthotics, including:

• Accommodative. These are created to help you relieve the stress on joints that is often caused by conditions such as arthritis.
• Therapeutic. If the shape of your feet is irregular, these types of orthotics can assist heel support, forward movement, and general stability.
• Functional. These will help your feet to move more desirably or bear weight in a way that will help you move and walk better.

How custom orthotics can benefit you

Quality orthotics can relieve pressure, reduce discomfort, and increase stability. To reap the most benefits, you will need custom orthotics that are made to match the exact shape of your foot. 

As physical therapists, we are properly equipped to treat musculoskeletal issues that affect movement. We have a thorough understanding of gait analysis and lower extremity biomechanics.

Our physical therapist will take into consideration your current medical conditions and activity level when providing the best custom orthotics. 

They will also give you a comprehensive orthotic evaluation. He or she will provide a custom fitting to determine what will work best for your feet. 

We can create orthotics that are customized to the contours of your feet, providing you with the best amount of function, support, and comfort. 

Your custom orthotics would most likely take a few weeks to arrive from the lab after your examination and fitting.

Following the receipt of your orthotics, you will most likely be expected to have an ongoing evaluation of how your orthotics are functioning. Fine-tuning may be needed to achieve the best results possible, but bear in mind that our physical therapists will be with you every step of the way to ensure your end goal is accomplished!

Find out if custom orthotics could help you

You deserve to live a life free of pain, especially in your feet. We know you have places to go and things to do, and we want to make sure you feel your absolute best and light on your feet! Contact Nebraska Orthopaedic Physical Therapy in Fremont, NE to learn how our customized orthotics can benefit you.