Do you suffer from pain in your feet, legs, hips, or back? You’re not alone. Millions of people experience discomfort in these areas, often caused by issues with their feet. That’s where custom foot orthotics come in. These specially designed inserts can alleviate pain and improve your overall comfort, but how effective are they really?
Let’s take a closer look.
The Basics of Custom Foot Orthotics
Orthotics are medical shoe inserts designed to correct foot issues and/or foot pain. They can be custom-made or bought over the counter.
The science behind custom foot orthotics works like this: they provide your feet with contoured surfaces so that a wider area of contact is made with the sole of your foot. Without orthotics, your entire body weight can be put on one small area of your sole, which is often what causes foot pain.
In most cases, foot orthotics are very effective at reducing pain both in the short term and in the long term.
Conditions That Can Benefit From Custom Foot Orthotics
There are a number of conditions that can benefit from custom orthotics – beyond just your feet. They can relieve foot pain, knee pain, ankle pain, hip pain, and back pain. In fact, it’s not uncommon for our patients to learn that the source of their hip and back pain is neither their hips nor their back at all – but instead, their feet!
Related Content: Does Physical Therapy Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Custom Foot Orthotics Vs. Over-the-Counter Inserts
There are two primary types of orthotics: custom and over-the-counter. Custom orthotics are designed for your specific feet. Over-the-counter are pre-made and designed around an “average” foot.
At PRO Therapy we prefer to provide the option and benefits of custom foot orthotics. We go beyond just customization – you also get an overview of your body and detailed recommended plan from a Doctor of Physical Therapy inclusive of our physical therapy suggestions. Getting custom foot orthotics begins with quick a scan of your foot and a brief consultation. This consultation can be done stand alone or part of any visit you’re already in the clinic for. This helps pinpoint further areas for improvement, as well as supplementary exercises and stretches you can do. When you purchase over the counter, the insert is not customized for you, you grab your product and go without any regard to your specific issues. Ultimately, not getting to the root of your issue.
Related Content: When are Foot Orthotics Necessary?
Customized Orthotics PRO Therapy Uses
PRO Therapy partners with Foot Levelers to provide you your customized inserts. Foot Levelers custom orthotics are a research-proven solution for plantar fasciitis, low back pain, ankle sprains/ankle instability, knee pain, and many other musculoskeletal conditions. These orthotics are custom-built to balance and support your unique feet and body, and to suit the demands of your individual lifestyle and activities.
Download Now: 10 Fast, Easy Solutions to Stop Ankle/Foot Pain and Stiffness
Our FREE guide on foot pain covers some of the main causes, as well as what you can do at home to help alleviate it.
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