Custom Orthotics, Nashville, TN

Custom Orthotics, Nashville, TN

A patient came in after wanting to help ease his arthritis pain. He was preparing for a marathon but the pain was hindering him from training. He thought if he could visit the podiatrist that he could find a solution for it.  When he finished his marathon, he most definitely thanked his orthotics for it.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

The best custom orthotics are more than just heel pads or shoe inserts you can buy at most athletic stores. They’re highly customized shoe or heel inserts made for your feet. Your doctor will only recommend an orthotic if an off-the-shelf device or other treatments, such as exercises at home, haven’t proven effective. The overall goal is to relieve pain and discomfort you experience due to foot problems.

What To Expect at a Visit

Here at Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle, your podiatrist will conduct a physical exam of your feet to determine your overall foot health. They’ll look for deformities and areas that are especially painful.

At your appointment, the doctor will likely ask you to walk and perform other activities to determine how the feet and ankles are positioned during certain exercises. We have special 3 D imaging where you walk. These images will show how and where your feet strike the ground and can help determine the exact location and type of problems in the structure and function of your feet.

 

What Conditions Are Orthotics Used To Treat?

Doctors may prescribe custom orthotics to treat several medical conditions that cause foot pain or foot issues. Examples include:

Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause discomfort in the feet and poor positioning that orthotics may help to correct.

Back pain

Sometimes poor positioning of the feet, such as arches that roll inward, or lack of cushioning can cause pain that orthotics can lessen.

Bunions

Bunions are painful bumps that can develop at the base of the big toe and cause foot deformities. Orthotics with a wide toe box can help to reduce pressure on the big toe.

Bursitis

Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the heels and toes can cause bursitis pain and discomfort. Orthotics with heel and arch support can help to reduce bursitis discomfort.

Diabetes 

Sometimes, a person with diabetes can lose sensation in their feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. When this occurs, orthotics can help to reduce excess stress and pressure that can lead to foot ulcers.

Flat feet 

Flat feet can cause back, ankle, or foot pain. Orthotics can help to support the feet and promote proper foot positioning.

Hammer toes

Hammer toes often occur as a side effect of bunions on the big toe. They cause second-toe pain and deformities on the ball of the foot. Orthotics can provide additional support to the feet and reduce the likelihood that hammer toes will worsen.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are conditions where excess bone grows on the back or bottom of the heel. Orthotics can support the foot and reduce inflammation.

High arches

Very high arches can stress muscles in the feet and lead to several conditions, such as shin splints, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis. Orthotics can help prevent a person’s feet from rolling excessively inward or outward.

Injuries

People who’ve experienced trauma to their feet and ankles may require extra support during the healing process with orthotics.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Doctors may sometimes recommend orthotics to support the heel and foot.