Orthotics Specialist

What are orthotics?

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.

Why do people need orthotics?

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.

What are some common conditions that orthotics treat?

The benefits of orthotic inserts not only include cushioning and support that relieves foot fatigue, they also improve the problems associated with:

• Shin splints: Pain in the front of the lower leg, typically caused by tiny stress fractures or muscles swelling from prolonged exercise or sports activity, such as running or tennis.
• Morton's Neuroma: A painful condition that affects the center of the ball of the foot.
• Plantar Fasciitis: A condition characterized by sharp pains in the feet that occur during the first steps in the morning and after a long day on the feet.
• Flat feet: A foot arch that’s too shallow, causing the foot to rest on an inward angle. This is also called a collapsed or fallen arch.  
• Diabetic ulcers: Painful ulcers that, due to diabetes, take a long time to heal.
• Ankle sprains: Orthotic inserts stabilize the foot and relieve pain in the recovery period after a sprained ankle.