Custom Orthotics Relieve More Than Foot Pain

We all remember the familiar children’s song, “The foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone’s connected to the leg bone, the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone…..” etc. At Caring Podiatry we think this song illustrates an important point about custom orthotics that we’d like to share with our Middlesex and Monmouth county patients. While custom orthotics are frequently prescribed in response to foot discomfort, they can also help eliminate knee and back pain. What happens in your feet can set off a chain reaction to the rest of your lower extremities and all the up to your back. Being in pain or out of alignment can in turn cause changes in your gait and the way the rest of your body moves to avoid the discomfort. Custom orthotics can help reverse this process and alleviate pain in other parts of your body as well.

Orthotics 101

There are two types of custom orthotics:

Functional Orthotics—these are used to help control abnormal motion of the foot. They are usually constructed of semi-rigid materials like plastic or graphite.

Accommodative Orthotics—this type of orthotic is designed to protect an area of the foot such as a diabetic ulcer or a painful callus. It is usually made of a material that will provide cushioning or support.

Some common foot problems that our podiatrists, Andrew Schmierer, Craig Shapero, and Mark Fillari may prescribe a custom orthotic for include:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis

• Heel Pain

• Tendonitis

• Ankle Pain

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter

Although there are many one-size-fits-all shoe inserts that can be found at local stores, custom orthotics are molded to fit your unique foot. They are created for you after our foot doctors have done an assessment of your overall health and a thorough examination of your feet, including an analysis of your gait and the biomechanics of your feet and ankles. Then, a mold will be created from your foot and a custom orthotic made of high-quality, durable materials will be constructed and fitted just for you. Once you get your orthotic the podiatrist will check it and monitor your progress. Over time, you will see a decrease or elimination of foot pain and also knee and back pain that stems from a foot condition.

If you’re interested in finding out if a custom orthotic is an answer to your foot, lower extremity, and back pain, contact our Monroe Township (609-860-9111) or Neptune (732-455-8700) offices, for an appointment today.