There are many patients who visit my clinic suffering from foot pain due to issues like bunions, toes that hammer toes, a pinched nerve (neuroma), or heel discomfort (plantar fasciitis). My practice offers a comprehensive evaluation as well as a thorough examination.
Together, we look at the cause of the issue, its mechanics, and a procedure for treating the particular concern or problem. A patient will usually ask whether they’ll need an orthotic device and, if they do, what type is the best for them.
I would recommend using a foot orthotic when your ligaments, muscles, tendons, joints, bones, or joints aren’t in properly aligned and are creating discomfort, pain, and fatigue. Orthotics for feet can be constructed using a variety of materials. They could be semirigid, rigid semiflexible or even accommodative, depending on the diagnostic needs and your specific requirements.
Your feet make up the unspoken humans’ greatest heroes. Each day, your feet carry the burden of running and walking, jumping, and standing being stuffed into your stinky shoes. This means that your feet can be prone to a variety of painful ailments.
If foot issues are that are never more than a second away, it’s important to be aware of your options for treatment including conservative methods such as orthotics. For expert care, custom orthotics in Waterloo can provide the support you need to improve comfort and mobility.
They are a type of shoe that can be made to accommodate the unique structure of your foot to give your foot the support and protection that it demands. While they could be only one element of your program of treatment for podiatry issues they are an incredibly versatile treatment that addresses the majority of ankle and foot problems.
Here, our expert podiatrist at Restore Life Physiotherapy takes a close look at 10 common problems with feet that could be treated with custom orthotics.
Lower or back pain that is chronic
It’s not obvious that your feet, hips, legs, and even your spine are linked with each one, relying on alignment with each other. If your ankles and feet aren’t properly aligned and aligned, your entire lower body will suffer.
Orthotics help correct problems of alignment and help restore balance for your ankles, feet, and other parts of your lower body, and ease the pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a term used to describe joint inflammation and pain. It occurs when the cushioning substance (cartilage) within your joints degrades. In cases where this problem affects your feet, orthotics assist to protect them from the stress on your feet.
Bursitis
Cartilage is not the only support system your body is equipped with. Bursae, small sacs of fluid that are filled with blood serve as cushions for connective tissues within the body, specifically around joints. If they are inflamed, the sacs could cause significant discomfort and pain to your ankles, feet, and feet.
Achilles tendonitis
The tough connective tissue that you see in between the ankle joint and lower calf muscle is called the Achilles tendon. Any sudden rise in exercise and use of an underlying foot problem and inappropriate shoes can lead to the Achilles tendon getting damaged and painful.
Arch problems
Your feet are equipped with the strength and flexibility of an arch that assists you in carrying the weight of your body and accelerates your steps. If your arch is not present or is too high the feet are subject to enormous strain as well as the remainder of your lower extremities aren’t providing enough support.
Plantar fasciitis
The toes of your heel are linked by a piece of connective tissue referred to as the plantar fascia. If it’s injured as a consequence of an injury, strain, or excessive use, tiny tears develop and pain begins to set in. Orthotics are a cushion that reduces stress on your feet, eases pain, and enables the plantar fascia to repair itself.
The Bunions and the Hammertoes
Hammertoes and bunions are both frequently encountered foot ailments. Bunions are painful bumps that form near the base of your big toe. They can result in the formation of deformities. Hammertoe is a term used to describe an abnormal bent joint in the middle of any one toe.
These two conditions particularly in the early stage can be treated with conservative methods such as the cushioning feature provided by orthotics.
Neuropathy
A common reason for foot discomfort is neuropathy which occurs when your peripheral nerves (those that extend beyond the central nervous system) have been damaged. There are a variety of health issues and triggers that could cause neuropathy. Some of them are:
- Genetic predisposition
- Advanced age
- Extra weight gain
- Infections, injuries and bruises
- Certain drugs
- Environmental toxins
- Chemotherapy agents
- Alcoholism
- Autoimmune conditions, including the lupus disease, arthritis, as well as HIV
- Disorders of the brain, such as the spina bifida syndrome and the fibromyalgia
- Liver diseases, thyroid gland, and kidneys
People who suffer from diabetes are most susceptible to developing neuropathy. While nerve damage often requires specialized treatment, custom orthotics in Victoria can help manage foot problems and provide added protection to your feet.
Pediatric foot care problems
The old saying holds: Children grow as weeds. Every day, the bodies of children change, and they start to form. If your child is suffering from an issue with their development in the foot or ankle, like severe disease, orthotics could aid in reducing the discomfort of their feet when they receive treatments.
The cause of sports injuries
If you’re an athlete in the professional ranks or just a casual jogger, you’ve likely sustained an ankle or foot injury. In the event of a serious injury, an orthotic can help in the healing and rehabilitation process and help you be able to get back on the field quickly.
Beyond the pain
They’re not just for the most extreme scenarios. A lot of our patients and especially sportspeople utilize orthotics to enhance the performance of their ankle and foot and notice a substantial improvement in their speed, balance as well and agility.If you’d like to determine what kind of orthotics would be best for your needs, request an appointment online or by phone at the Restore Life Physiotherapy office in Waterloo today.