Your Top Orthopedic Questions Answered
If you’re considering orthopedic treatment, you likely have many questions. We’re here to cover some of the more common concerns that arise in relation to orthopedic surgery and other treatment options.
Orthotics and You: When Support Tools Help and When They Don't
The human body is complex, and researchers continue to learn more about the interconnectivity of the musculoskeletal system. It’s not uncommon for problems in one area to cause pain and poor function in another. Custom orthotics can help, and are a powerful noninvasive treatment option that provides relief for many people.
They are also an area of expertise for the team at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre. While our specialists have unparalleled surgical skills, we’re always happy when we can find a conservative solution that works for our patients. Custom orthotics are a great example.
What are custom orthotics and how do they work?
When you think about it, the soles of your feet are the last stop in terms of gravity between your body and whatever environment you are currently in. Whether you’re hiking on a trail or walking through the grocery store, your feet are taking on the full weight of your body while also facilitating and responding to the thousands of minute muscle motions necessary to keep you balanced and mobile.
The way your feet make contact with your footwear has a great deal of impact on how your entire lower body feels and functions. That’s made very clear whenever you spend a day in shoes that fit poorly.
Orthotics are devices you wear within your shoes. They work by changing the way your weight is distributed within your shoes. Custom orthotics are designed to fit the precise contouring of your feet, and offer the chance to address your unique needs.
You might be surprised to learn how many issues custom orthotics can improve
It seems unlikely that simply wearing customized devices inside your shoes could lead to impressive improvements in various conditions. But a great pair of custom orthotics can deliver astounding results.
Here are some of the conditions that orthotics can improve:
- Foot tendonitis
- High arches
- Flat feet
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Morton’s neuroma
- Sprained ankle
- Plantar fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia
- Lower back pain
- Hyperextension
These are just a few conditions that can benefit from custom orthotics.
When do orthotics fail to deliver improvements?
Custom orthotics are so effective because they are made to align with the exact contours of your feet. This custom fit is the secret to their success, although high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques are also essential.
Orthotics that are designed with a “one-size-fits-most” approach are not able to create the same results. That’s why the products sold in drugstores and big box retailers cannot match the comfort and efficacy of custom orthotics.
Over-the-counter shoe inserts can absolutely improve the cushioning and comfort of many shoes. But they are unlikely to help with the issues mentioned above, because your feet are unique, and there are even variations between one foot and the other.
It’s also a bad idea to wear custom orthotics that were designed for someone else. Even close family members don’t share your exact foot shape. Wearing someone else’s orthotics can even make matters worse, by changing the distribution of body weight in a manner that is more harmful than helpful.
It should also be noted that it takes some time to get used to the way your custom orthotics feel. Give it a few days to adjust to the feel of your orthotics. Stopping and starting treatment can delay improvement, so be sure to wear your orthotics consistently to see results.
Thinking of giving orthotics a try?
If you’re considering custom orthotics, we’d love to meet with you to discuss your treatment goals and see if orthotics are the right approach. You can book a visit to The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre offices in The Woodlands or Conroe, Texas, to get started.
We offer online and phone-based booking options, and our friendly administrative professionals are standing by to help you find a time that works for your busy schedule.
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