Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot, gets hurt. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. When you put weight on your foot, it bends and pressures the plantar fascia. If the plantar fascia gets injured, it can cause pain and inflammation.
Orthotics are special insoles that you wear to help stabilize your feet, prevent injuries and support your arches. They come in a variety of forms and styles, from custom made insoles to over-the-counter inserts. Here’s everything you need to know about custom orthotics and their effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot, gets hurt. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. When you put weight on your foot, it bends and pressures the plantar fascia. If the plantar fascia gets injured, it can cause pain and inflammation.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The exact cause of plantar fasciitis is not completely understood. However, there are some risk factors that make your likelihood of developing the condition higher. They include having a flat foot, heavy foot traffic, obesity and wearing ill-fitting shoes. Certain medical conditions can also contribute. These include having a history of repetitive stress injuries (such as shin splints), stiff or painful ankles, and diabetes.
How Does Custom Orthotics Work?
Custom-fitted insoles help support your arches and prevent injury to the plantar fascia. They come in a variety of forms and styles, from hard-sole inserts to soft-cushion footbeds. The main benefit of custom orthotics is that they provide a tailored fit for your individual foot. This means that the insole will directly support your arch and feel more comfortable when you walk or stand.
Benefits of Custom Orthotics in Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Custom orthotics are highly effective at treating plantar fasciitis. In fact, studies have found them to be more effective at treating this condition than traditional medications. The reason they work better than medication is that they treat the underlying cause of the injury by supporting your arch and maintaining your heel-to-toe alignment.
How to Get Custom Orthotics for Your Feet
There are a variety of ways to get custom orthotics for your feet. You can visit a podiatrist (a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet), go to a foot doctor’s office, or order online. Once you’ve decided where to get them done, you’ll need to make an appointment. Make sure to go during normal business hours so that you don’t have to wait too long. When you get there, tell the doctor or staff that you want custom insole inserts for your shoes. They can help you choose the right pair of orthotics and get you started on the right foot.
How to Take Proper Care of Your Orthotics
Your orthotics are only as good as the care you give them. This means that you should treat them with the same care that you treat your running shoes. This includes taking them off when you’re done wearing them and washing them with mild soap and water. It’s also a good idea to replace your orthotics when you’ve worn them for a couple of months. This will help strengthen the foot muscles and improve your gait, which will make your orthotics last longer.
Conclusion
If you have a condition like plantar fasciitis, custom orthotics can help your heel and arch stay sturdy. Nose Creek Physiotherapy’s custom orthotic inserts come in a variety of forms and styles and can help you prevent heel spurs and other injuries. Give us a call today to find out how our insurance covered orthotics can help you move faster and live better.- Healing and Mobility: The Power of Massage Therapy in Injury Recovery - October 14, 2024
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