What Issues Can Orthotics Address?

When it comes to the many things we do on our feet – walking, jumping, and running – the 26 bones, many muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues in our feet must be working properly. These unsung heroes of our lower anatomy are responsible for transporting each of us over 100,000 miles over the course of our lifetime.

Orthotics are medical devices that help with a variety of conditions that affect your ability to walk or run. To discover their benefits, let’s examine some common foot problems and explore how orthotics can help.

If you live in the Tarzana or Inglewood, California, area and you’re dealing with foot problems, Drs. Ashkan Soleymani, Michael Salih, Arash Jalil, Saman Tabari, and their dedicated medical team at Cedars Foot & Ankle Center can help.

How orthotics work

Orthotics is the general term for several different inserts, pads, and other devices that are placed in your shoe to help manage issues with foot and ankle stability and foot deformities. Your provider uses orthotics to treat or prevent foot problems by improving alignment, adding cushioning, and offloading pressure. 

Types of orthotics 

There are two primary types of orthotics:

Accommodative

Accommodative orthotics cushion your steps, support your movements, and alleviate pressure.

Functional

Functional orthotics improve your motions and biomechanics, as well as control, guide, and limit abnormal movements.

Common foot problems that orthotics can improve

Here are some common foot problems that may be slowing your stride: 

• Bunions: these bony protrusions are located on the inside edge of the foot or the pinky toe side and develop  gradually because of issues with foot misalignment

• Plantar fasciitis: heel and foot pain due to microtears in the plantar fascia, the thick connective tissue located under the foot

• Flat feet: little-to-no arch on the bottom of your foot so the whole sole touches the ground

• Heel spurs: bony growths (spurs) under your heel bone that become painful with every step

• Morton’s neuroma: when the nerve in the ball of your foot gets compressed, it causes burning, tingling, and pain near your third and fourth toes

• Diabetic foot ulcers: open wounds on your feet that can become infected and lead to amputation
• Achilles tendonitis: pain in the band of muscles that attaches your calf muscles to your heel and lower leg

Your doctor assesses your problem, evaluates your gait and foot structure, and makes a recommendation for the type of orthotic that can help you based on your unique needs.

Types of orthotics 

There are two primary types of orthotics:

Accommodative

Accommodative orthotics cushion your steps, support your movements, and alleviate pressure.

Functional

Functional orthotics improve your motions and biomechanics, and control, guide, and limit abnormal movements.

If you need an orthotic, your podiatrist makes a mold of your foot in order to get a precise fit that optimizes your results. He’ll also advise you about which shoes work best with your new orthotic. 

To learn if an orthotic can help improve your foot problem, request an appointment with the team at Cedars Foot & Ankle Center today.