There are many reasons why you might benefit from custom-made orthotic shoe inserts. Maybe you have an old trauma or injury that causes foot pain and aches. Maybe the shape of your feet is unusual or unique. Or, maybe chronic conditions like arthritis have caused degeneration in your feet, leading you to need more support.
Dr. Francine Rhinehart, DPM provides completely custom-molded orthotics to new and existing patients from her practice in Dallas, Texas. Here are some of the top reasons why she recommends orthotics.
Custom orthotics are just that — custom. Dr. Rhinehart takes factors including your foot shape, your symptoms, and your lifestyle into account when designing your unique, totally customized orthotic inserts.
Our team even uses biomechanical studies and foot casts to optimize your orthotics. Over-the-counter (OTC) shoe inserts are significantly less tailored, providing less-than-ideal support where you need it most.
Foot pain might not seem like a serious problem, but chronic foot pain can become extremely distracting. When your feet hurt too much to stay active and busy the way you want, it’s time to seek treatment options. And, with orthotics, you’re in much less invasive territory than podiatric surgery or other intensive interventions.
Orthotics can help with foot pain related to plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, pain in the balls of your feet or heels, and more. When your feet are repositioned through use of your orthotics, pressure and pain are relieved, and foot pain takes lots longer to become a problem.
If your feet are misaligned, shoe fit is often part of the cause. Bunions, hammertoes, and other foot deformities can be due to too-tight footwear. And, with orthotics, you may be able to effectively reposition your foot for realignment and healing, without needing to resort to more invasive surgical treatment.
Chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis can pose a threat to your feet, and, by implication, your mobility. Custom orthotic inserts are a valuable tool for protecting your feet from degeneration and injury.
You may also benefit from orthotics if you’ve suffered from repeated foot or ankle injuries in the past. That’s often the case for former athletes! Problems like overpronation of the feet, or unstable arches, contribute to your risk of reinjury. Orthotics help to correct your foot position. If you’re an active athlete, you might even find that using orthotics boosts your performance.
Orthotics aren’t one-size-fits-all. Dr. Rhinehart provides several different types of orthotics.
You might need rigid orthotics, ideal for use with dress shoes or walking shoes. Semirigid orthotics help you keep your balance while moving around, and are often a good idea for athletes. And, accommodative orthotics cushion your feet against shocks with soft materials.
Talk to Dr. Rhinehart about the right type of custom orthotic inserts for you! Orthotics don’t have to be bulky, old-fashioned, medical-styled, or matronly. Dr. Rhinehart suggests keeping heel height at two inches or less, but, otherwise, you can use your custom orthotics with fashionable footwear.
To learn more about how custom orthotic inserts could benefit your foot health and comfort, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rhinehart now. Request an appointment online, or call to book.
