orthotics

Many painful foot and ankle problems are caused or made worse by the biomechanics of the way we walk. From bunions to heel spurs, our strides and how we bear the weight of our bodies can play a huge role in our foot health. That is why correcting or altering how we use our feet through the use of orthotics often provides patients with long-term relief from foot problems and can help return the spring to their step.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are molded inserts that are placed inside shoes to alter the way we walk, correct minor deformities, or keep joints appropriately aligned. You can purchase one-size-fits-most orthotic inserts at any drug store, but these store-bought inserts are not designed to address the specific problem you are experiencing and may not fit in a way that can effectively address the issue.

Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are specially formed to fit the shape and contours of your feet – your arches in particular – and are designed to provide optimal effectiveness for your specific foot or ankle problem. A scanner is most often used to obtain a precise image of your feet, and the orthotics are then molded accordingly.

Most corrective custom orthotics are made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer shell covered with soft material. They are designed to fit inside shoes and can be trimmed by the toes if they are too long without impacting their functioning.

Why Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are often used to treat the following conditions that can’t be fully resolved with over-the-counter inserts:

  • Heel spurs
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Diabetic nerve pain
  • Hammertoes
  • Bunions/calluses/corns
  • Arch pains
  • Sciatica
  • Shin splints
  • Arthritis

If you are considering orthotics as an option for treating your foot or ankle problems, here are six reasons you should consider custom orthotics over the store-bought kind:

  • More comfortable
  • More effective pain reduction
  • Greater foot support
  • Better athletic performance
  • Superior relief from issues caused by collapsed or high arches
  • More durable and longer-lasting than over-the-counter inserts

Call JAWS podiatry Today to Schedule an Appointment

At JAWS podiatry in Hollywood, Florida, we use cutting-edge technology to design and craft personalized orthotics that are thoroughly tested for flexibility, comfort, and functionality. Our top-quality orthotics are just one of the ways we help people throughout South Florida with foot and ankle problems.

If you’d like to learn more about custom orthotics or the other innovative and effective treatments we provide, please call JAWSpodiatry today at (954) 922-7333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

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