The public hears a great deal about orthotics and there are many claims about their value Orthotics can be a useful tool for the treatment of many foot conditions. A true functional (custom-made) orthotic can be formed from a 3D scan of a person’s foot. Orthotic devices are most helpful in correcting pronation and hyperpronation and in helping prevent the formation of painful bunion deformities, hammertoes and neuromas. These foot deformities are the result of continued wear and tear on the feet because of underlying abnormalities. People who suffer pain from heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are often helped dramatically with orthotics as a part of their treatment regimen. Orthotics prove to be very useful in de-weighting an irritated area and thus avoiding ulcer formation. This is critically important in a vascularly impaired or diabetic patient. Of course orthotics are not a cure-all and must be used as a part of a multifaceted treatment plan.
The modern orthotic device can be made of many materials and can be fabricated to fit into women’s dress shoes. There are even special orthotic devices to accommodate the needs of diabetic patients to prevent them from having irritation in shoe gear. Athletic devices are especially fabricated to withstand the extreme pressure the athlete places on his or her feet. Orthotics for the pediatric patient can correct problems before they become painful and permanent. The podiatrist is the person to recommend the exact type of orthotic device a person requires.
Orthotics do have their limitations and certainly are not a panacea for all foot pathology. Once a deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe has developed, the orthotic device can only help reduce irritation and relieve some weight-bearing stress on the deformity. No orthotic can cure a bunion or hammertoe. Only surgical intervention can cure a bunion. Over-the-counter orthotics provide padding and cushioning but unless the devices are custom-made they have little value in preventing the formation of serious foot deformities and can be harmful to the diabetic whose foot care is of paramount importance. Without proper biomechanical control, athletes can develop knee and back problems from over-the-counter devices. We at Livingston Foot Care specialists have doctors who are board certified in podiatric orthopedics. Each patient’s individual orthotic needs are thoroughly evaluated by our doctors.