Many problems of the feet stem from lack of support and insufficient cushioning in the shoes we wear. Dr. Zakee O. Shabazz of Fair Oaks Podiatry & Sports Medicine, in Fairfax, Virginia, prescribes custom orthotics to promote better foot health. Specially designed and constructed orthotics protect your feet and balance the stresses that daily life presents.
Any device used to adjust, modify, or protect aspects of the musculoskeletal system can be considered an orthotic. Such a device may control or limit the movement of part of the body. This might be full immobilization or restrictions of movement in certain directions. When it comes to foot problems, orthotics frequently take the form of shoe inserts, that add support to the arch or cushioning to the entire bottom of the foot. These don’t only address problems with the feet and ankles. Increased arch support can improve knock knees, for example.
When our feet, ankles, or knees become misaligned due to a birth defect, injury, or other problem, other parts of the body shift to compensate for the misalignment. This can cause pain and damage to joints over time. Since there’s no standard for shoe construction, orthotic inserts adjust generic shoes into custom footwear.
The benefits of orthotic inserts not only include cushioning and support that relieves foot fatigue, they also improve the problems associated with:
At Fair Oaks Podiatry & Sports Medicine, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a list of some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.