How Custom Orthotics Can Help You

Custom orthotics may help you avoid foot or leg or back pain. Your podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Clinic offer orthotics at their Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, and Eau Claire, WI, area offices.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts custom-designed for you by your Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, or Eau Claire foot doctor. The inserts keep your feet properly aligned when you wear shoes, provide arch support, add a little extra cushioning, and absorb shock.

After examing your feet, your podiatrist will watch you walk and make an impression of your feet. The impression will be used to create inserts that address your particular foot issues.

When are orthotics recommended?

Orthotics may be used to provide arch support if you have flat feet or prevent your feet from turning inward if excessive pronation in your problem. Excessive pronation affects the alignment of your entire body and can cause pain in your legs, hips and back.

Do you have diabetes? Using orthotics helps you avoid blisters by decreasing pressure on your feet. The inserts also limit foot movement inside your shoe, preventing irritation and red spots.

Orthotics improve the alignment of your feet if bunions or plantar fasciitis cause your pain. They also reduce pressure on the bones, tendons, and muscles in your feet and offer some relief if you have arthritis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or other foot conditions that cause pain.

The custom inserts may be recommended if you have gait issues caused by foot imbalances, leg length discrepancies, or injuries. Once your gait is corrected, you may notice less pain in your feet or back. Even if you don't currently have a foot condition, orthotics can keep you comfortable if you spend long hours on your feet during the day.

Heel pain, tendonitis, bursitis, and other injuries can sideline you for weeks if you run or play sports. Adding custom orthotics to your shoes may help you avoid these injuries. Since orthotics keep your feet properly aligned and balanced, you might also be less likely to turn an ankle and experience a strain or sprain.

Need care?

Would you like to find out if custom orthotics can improve your comfort? You can reach our offices in Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Rice Lake, and Eau Claire, WI, through the numbers (715) 235-4274 (Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Rice Lake) and (800) 359-4421 (Eau Claire).