Do You Need Orthotics?

When it comes to foot care, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Pain can have many different causes and patients have many different needs, so what works for one person may not be appropriate for another. That said, when it comes to alleviating foot pain, custom orthotics are one of the most important and most effective treatment tools we have available at our office. There’s a good chance they will help you, too.

What Do Custom Orthotics Do?

Why are orthotics so versatile? Here’s the short answer:. Faulty biomechanics and inefficient foot structures are among the most common underlying causes of foot pain, from aching heels to swelling bunions and more. When feet aren’t properly positioned to handle daily stresses, injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and even nerves can occur. Because custom orthotics are designed to correct biomechanics and accommodate flaws like flat feet, they remove the fundamental cause of many forms of foot pain, rather than simply treating the symptoms. More than that, though, they can actually relieve pain throughout your body, because they realign not just your feet but your whole skeletal system.

Do You Need Custom Orthotics?

So, the million-dollar question: do you need orthotics for your foot pain? That question can only be addressed after a visit with an experienced podiatrist like Dr. Matt Wettstein.

When you visit, we’ll evaluate your condition thoroughly to see if there is a biomechanical component to your problem. If there is, we might recommend a custom orthotic device, or you may only require an appropriate prefabricated insert (similar to what you might find in a drug store). Either way, we want you to make an appointment with us first, so we can determine what level of support you need, evaluate your options, and help you make the right decision. The wrong insert can do more harm than good, so it’s essential to get it right the first time!