Orthotics
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Sports Arena Podiatry Group
Podiatrists & Podiatric Surgeons located in San Diego, CA, Coronado, CA & Chula Vista, CA
Orthotics are prescriptions for your feet. These custom-made devices sit inside your shoes to help relieve pressure, decrease shock, redistribute weight, and correct abnormal movements. At Sports Arena Podiatry Group in San Diego, Coronado, and Chula Vista, California, the team of highly experienced podiatrists uses state-of-the-art technology to design the ideal orthotics for you. Call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today to learn more.
Orthotics Q & A
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are prescription medical equipment that fits inside your shoes. They’re made specifically for your foot and your particular issues.
Orthotics are often one component of an overall recovery plan when you have foot or ankle problems.
When do I need foot orthotics?
Sports Arena Podiatry Group may recommend orthotics if the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues in your feet and ankles aren't functioning optimally, which often leads to pain or other issues.
Some common reasons you might need orthotics include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Chronic heel pain
- Ankle instability
- Ankle pain
- Tendonitis
- Bunions
- Hammertoe
- Neuromas
- Bursitis
- Diabetic foot complications, like ulcers
Orthotics are often used toward the end of your treatment as you get back to normal function. With orthotics, you can maintain full mobility without risking further foot and ankle damage.
What are the different choices in orthotics?
There is a large variety of orthotics available, with different materials and fabrication processes depending on the foot issue and your particular needs.
The two general categories for custom orthotics are:
Functional
Functional orthotics help with abnormal foot movements. If you have any biomechanical foot issue that causes pain or other symptoms, such as flatfoot, a functional orthotic can reposition your foot and prevent you from lapsing into the abnormal movement.
Functional orthotics are usually hard or semi-rigid and have excellent durability.
Accommodative
Accommodative orthotics protect your foot and allow you to resume normal movement even with problems like diabetic foot ulcers. This type of orthotic prevents you from walking on an already damaged area so you have the chance to heal fully.
Accommodative orthotics are usually soft but firm enough to lend support where needed.
Sports Arena Podiatry Group can recommend the exact type of orthotics that suit your situation.
Can I swap orthotics between shoes?
Generally, orthotics fit one pair of shoes but you may be able to use them in other shoes of the same style. You can't move custom orthotics from a tennis shoe to a high heel, though.
When you see Sports Arena Podiatry Group to discuss orthotics, they'll help you decide which shoes to make the orthotics for.
Learn more about orthotics by calling the Sports Arena Podiatry Group office nearest you or booking an appointment online today.
