Orthotics Specialist
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Cedars Foot and Ankle Center
Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Tarzana, CA & Inglewood, CA
Orthotics are a completely non-invasive way to ease discomfort from bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and other chronic foot issues. At Cedars Foot and Ankle Center, skilled podiatrist Ashkan Soleymani, DPM, prescribes orthotics suited for your individual foot needs. There are two offices in Inglewood and Tarzana, California, so reach out by phone or book your appointment online today.
Orthotics Q & A
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are shoe inserts tailored to the needs of your feet. Depending on your needs, they can range from full-sole shoe inserts to small inserts that only cover the heel or ball of your foot.
Orthotics have several styles and purposes, including:
Accommodative orthotics
Accommodative orthotics are soft or springy; they cushion and support your foot but don't alter your movement patterns.
Functional orthotics
Functional or rigid orthotics are hard; they help correct foot movements, essentially preventing you from moving in a way that harms your feet or increases injury risk.
Semirigid orthotics primarily enable foot balance but also provide some level of cushion and support.
When would I need orthotics?
At Cedars Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Soleymani recommends orthotics in many different situations, such as:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Heel pain
- Back pain
- Leg pain, like shin splints
- Achilles tendinitis
- High arches
- Flat feet
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Orthotics can also be an integral part of your healing process during wound care, fracture care, or other injury recovery.
How do I know which orthotics are right for me?
At Cedars Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Soleymani takes careful measurements of your feet to maximize the precision of your orthotics fit. He also analyzes your walking, standing, and general movement patterns. This information can be valuable in determining what type of orthotics you need.
For example, you may tend to turn your toes slightly inward or outward when you move, which puts significant stress on your feet and ankles. Dr. Soleymani can prescribe an orthotic that corrects that particular problem, fitted to your specific foot.
How often do I wear my orthotics?
In general, orthotics are for daily wear. When you come in for your orthotics evaluation, bring the shoes that you wear the most so Dr. Soleymani can tailor your orthotics for those shoes. You can swap some orthotics from one pair of shoes to another but check with Dr. Soleymani before doing so.
Orthotics are a remarkably effective tool for managing foot pain, protecting your feet, and correcting deformities. If you're interested in trying orthotics, call Cedars Foot and Ankle Center or schedule an appointment today.