Foot deformities and other chronic podiatric conditions can cause considerable pain and dysfunction for patients. Fortunately, here at Podiatry Associates in Mississauga, East Toronto, Whitby, and Brantford, ON, surgery and lengthy recovery are not the norm. Our foot specialists offer a number of treatments to address podiatric issues, including the use of customized orthotics to improve function, ease pain, and accommodate deformities. Could orthotics help you?
What is an orthotic?
Orthotics are custom-fabricated shoe inserts that are available from the podiatrists here at our offices in Mississauga, East Toronto, Whitby, and Brantford. Designed to cushion, protect, and balance your feet, orthotics present a wonderful alternative to more invasive interventions, such as surgery. Made according to your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and foot structure, orthotics fit inside your shoes to deliver comfort and stability.
What kinds of orthotics are there?
Of course, we’ve all seen shoe inserts and insoles sold at the local pharmacy or supermarket. Sometimes termed “kiosk-generated products,” these inserts provide limited benefits, especially when it comes to more specific concerns, such as bunions. Consequently, most podiatric issues are much better addressed through the high-quality materials, expert design, and individualized manufacturing process involved with orthotics.
In general, orthotics are either accommodative or functional. Accommodative orthotics are made of softer materials to cushion, support, and protect feet that are marred with ulcerations, corns, calluses, and deformities (either acquired or congenital). Functional orthotics, on the other hand, typically provide more support for athletes and people who spend a significant amount of time on their feet.
What conditions do orthotics treat?
Orthotics are an exceptionally versatile treatment. Conditions they can improve include:
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
- Bunions
- Corns and calluses
- Diabetic ulcers
- Gait imbalances, such as overpronation
- Charcot foot
- Hammertoes
- Flat feet, or fallen arches
- High arches
- Shin splints
- Lower back pain
- Knee pain
- Hallux rigidus, or stiff big toe
- Limb deformities
- Uneven foot or limb length
Do you qualify for custom-made orthotics?
To qualify you for treatment, your podiatrist will do a complete foot and ankle examination and some imaging (X-rays or another kind). Also, they may perform a video or computer gait analysis to determine precisely how you place your feet on the ground and whether your weight and pressure are evenly distributed. Proper balance often alleviates many foot and ankle problems, including chronic pain.
Custom-molding of your orthotics follows. Your inserts will be made for your feet and your feet alone, much like eyeglass lenses are fabricated according to your specific prescription.
Learn more about orthotics
Call one of four offices (Mississauga, East Toronto, Whitby, and Brantford) to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists: Contact us by calling (905) 568-3800 for the Mississauga office, (416) 694-4166 for the East Toronto office, (905) 433-0200 for the Whitby office, or (519) 751-2900 for the Brantford office.
