If you want to take better care of your feet, I hope that you will enjoy reading the articles I have posted here. I'm an amateur writer and researcher with no links to the podiatry industry. However, I have a passion for this area of medicine. Here you will find articles about every aspect of podiatry, from clipping your toe-nails, dealing with hard skin, beating fungal infections, and much, much more. I hope you find the info on this blog useful and also entertaining. Take care of your feet, beloved readers, and check back soon for more updates and posts.
Orthotics are devices that can be inserted into shoes to change the way you walk. They are often used to treat problems with feet, legs, or hips.
There are several signs that orthotics may be right for you. If you have any of the following problems, you should talk to your doctor about orthotics.
You Have Foot Pain
Among the most common signs that you need orthotics is foot pain. If you have pain in your heels, arch, or anywhere else in your foot, orthotics may be able to help.
Orthotics can relieve pressure on certain areas of your foot and help distribute your weight more evenly. By customizing the orthotic to your foot, your podiatrist can map out the areas of pressure and design the orthotic to relieve that pain.
For instance, if you have pain in your heel, the orthotic can be designed to support the arch of your foot and reduce the amount of pressure on your heel. Likewise, if you have pain in your arch, the orthotic can be designed to support the bones and muscles in your foot and reduce the strain on those structures.
Overall, orthotics can dramatically reduce foot pain and improve your quality of life.
Your Feet Roll Inward When You Walk
Do your feet roll inward when you walk or run? This condition, called overpronation, is relatively common and can lead to several problems.
Overpronation can cause pain in your feet, ankles, knees, or hips. It can also lead to calluses and bunions.
Orthotics can help correct overpronation and prevent these problems from occurring. By supporting the bones and muscles in your feet, orthotics help you maintain proper alignment when you walk or run. This correction removes the strain off your joints and helps you move more efficiently.
By customizing the orthotic to your foot, your podiatrist can ensure you get the support you need to correct overpronation and improve your overall movement.
You Have Diabetic Foot Complications
If you have diabetes, you may be at risk for several foot complications. These complications can include problems with the nerves, blood vessels, or skin of your feet.
Diabetic foot complications can lead to serious problems, such as ulcers or infections. In some cases, these problems can even lead to amputation.
Your podiatrist can prescribe orthotics to help reduce the risk of these complications. Orthotics can improve circulation in your feet and reduce the amount of stress on your blood vessels. This improved circulation can help prevent ulcers and infections.
In addition, orthotics can help to protect your feet from further damage. By cushioning your feet and absorbing shock, orthotics can help reduce the risk of injury to your feet.
If you have diabetes, orthotics can be an important part of your overall care plan. Talk to your podiatrist about orthotics and how they can help you.