Orthotics and Heel Pain

Heel pain can cause discomfort throughout the day and affect your ability to carry out regular daily activities. A common cause of heel pain is a foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. One way to treat this condition is with custom orthotics, which are devices worn inside the shoes. Dr. Barry Noble, Dr. Mark Bradley, Dr. Marilyn Bradley, and Dr. William Jacob, the experienced foot specialists at The Podiatry Associates in Whitby, Brantford, and Mississauga, ON, treat heel pain and can fit you for custom orthotics.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition associated with pain at the bottom of the heel and sometimes in the arch. Running along the bottom of the foot is a thick band of tissues called the plantar fascia. These tissues connect the heel bone to the toes and provide shock absorption for the foot. Constant pressure or strain on these tissues can cause them to become swollen or inflamed, which can lead to heel pain and discomfort. One method for treating plantar fasciitis is wearing custom orthotics in the shoes.

How Orthotics Help

Orthotics are devices that are placed inside the shoes to correct a wide range of foot issues, including irregular step patterns. Orthotics help position the feet and ankles so they are in proper alignment with one another. It is possible to obtain over-the-counter orthotics, but custom orthotics deliver better results since they are tailored to each patient’s unique foot structure. We offer custom orthotics at our offices in Whitby, Brantford, and Mississauga, ON, for the treatment of heel pain.

Orthotics help with heel pain and other foot problems in several ways, including:

  • Providing added cushioning
  • Alleviating pain and discomfort
  • Providing more arch support
  • Improving stability and balance
  • Reducing strain on the feet and ankles
  • Improving alignment in the feet and lower extremities

Several types of custom orthotics are available, including semi-rigid, rigid, and soft orthotics. Semi-Rigid custom orthotics provide additional arch support, which is beneficial to individuals with flat feet. Rigid orthotics help correct irregular step patterns by improving foot positioning when walking. Custom soft orthotics provide added cushioning and support and are helpful to patients with arthritis in the feet or ankles. One of our foot specialists can recommend the right type of custom orthotic for your heel pain.

Custom orthotics can provide relief from chronic heel pain and discomfort. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Barry Noble, Dr. Marilyn Bradley, Dr. Mark Bradley, and Dr. Will Jacob for help treating your heel pain by calling The Podiatry Associates in Mississauga, ON, at  (905) 568-3800. We are also located in Whitby, ON, at (905) 433-0200, and Brantford, ON, at (519) 751-2900.