At Texas Foot and Ankle Center, we’re dedicated to finding the best solutions for your foot or ankle issues, aiming to avoid surgery whenever possible—something we’re sure you hope for too!
Of course, the ideal scenario is not having any foot problems at all, right?
Whether or not surgery can be sidestepped depends on several factors. This makes sense considering the wide array of foot and ankle injuries and conditions out there that require treatment. Moreover, each person’s feet are unique.
While most individuals have ten toes, two feet, and two ankles, these lower extremities comprise over a quarter of the body’s bones, along with numerous soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Given this complexity, it’s clear that not every solution suits every foot or ankle problem.
However, a highly adaptable treatment option that can effectively address various issues, tailored to your unique feet, is custom orthotics.
So, What Exactly are Orthotics?
In essence, they are custom shoe inserts prescribed by our podiatrists and are used to treat or potentially prevent medical conditions.
It’s important to distinguish these from over-the-counter inserts, which may offer extra cushioning or arch support but are not intended as treatment options. This is because mass-produced inserts cannot account for the individual needs of your feet.
With custom orthotics, one of our podiatrists will assess your foot structure and walking pattern to determine the precise corrections needed. These orthotics can help align your feet properly, improve natural motion, and redistribute pressure and force loads, alleviating strain on overworked areas.
Depending on your needs, the prescribed orthotics may focus on providing comfort for structural issues (accommodative) or improving foot motion (functional).
One common issue addressed with orthotics is pronation abnormality.
So, What Exactly is Pronation?
Pronation refers to the natural inward-rolling motion of the foot during the ground portion of a step. While this motion is normal, excessive pronation (overpronation) or inadequate pronation (supination) can lead to various problems.
Custom orthotics can effectively control foot motion, helping to distribute force loads evenly across the feet and mitigate issues associated with pronation abnormalities.
At Texas Foot and Ankle Center, our goal is to provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs. While orthotics can be a valuable part of our treatment approach, their necessity depends on individual circumstances.
If orthotics are recommended for you, rest assured that our team will ensure you receive a pair customized to address your concerns effectively.
Remember, store-bought inserts are not a substitute for custom orthotics and may even exacerbate existing problems. To receive the specialized care you deserve, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Dallas office and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists.
Ready to take the first step toward relieving foot and ankle pain? Contact us today at (214) 660-0777.