The Role of an Orthotic Specialist in Treating Common Foot Conditions

Can an orthotic specialist help relieve your foot pain? What are some common foot problems that an orthotic specialist can help with? Find out here.

As many as 87 percent of people in the world suffer some kind of foot pain in their lives. A large portion of this aching and pain comes from wearing poorly fitting shoes or the wrong shoes for their daily lifestyle. Something as simple as wearing a thinner size when you have a wide foot can cause serious discomfort. 

However, you may run into some trouble finding a pair of shoes for your specific foot problems. An ankle-foot orthosis can help alleviate that pain and correct your issue altogether. 



Here's everything you need to know about an orthotic specialist, the foot problems they can treat, and how to get your own custom orthotics. 

What Is an Orthotic Specialist? 

An orthotic specialist is a healthcare professional who can make specialized accessories that help support your foot and improve your foot posture. These orthotics are most commonly shoe inserts that work with whatever footwear you currently own. 

The three different types of orthotics include rigid, semi-rigid, and accommodative. 

Rigid custom orthotics are much more durable and help to control the motion of your foot joints. Accommodative orthotics are softer and help to redistribute weight across your foot. Semi-rigid provides the best of both worlds with both soft and rigid materials. 

Your orthotic specialist may take the form of a podiatrist or a foot chiropractor. They should be able to also diagnose whatever foot problems you have and fit you with the best solution. 

Common Foot Problems

There are many foot problems that require expensive surgeries to correct. However, you can also use custom orthotics as a way to mitigate any pain and potentially eliminate the need for corrective surgery.

These are just a few common foot problems that orthotics can help with. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. It causes the tissues around your joints to become inflamed and thickened. Fluid builds up and your joints can erode away. 

This disorder cannot be cured, but you can mitigate the pain using custom orthotics. Something like a softer orthotic will help cushion your feet and prevent them from taking any violent impacts from the ground as you walk.

Flat Feet or High Arches

Another common cause of foot pain is if you have flat feet or high arches. The human foot is designed in such a way that it equally distributes your weight so that it doesn't affect your spine or your balance. 

However, flat feet and high arches throw off that balance and can cause foot pain throughout your arch, heel, and even in your ankle. It can also cause a tight Achilles tendon since you may have to compensate for the structure of your feet. 

An orthotic specialist can diagnose your issue and prescribe the right kind of footwear. They'll point you toward shoe brands that make footwear compatible with your issue and make custom orthotics to use in your current shoes. 

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can be caused by anything from flat feet, the types of shoes you wear and even how you walk. 

For example, most everyday shoes are made to be replaced within a year. With continuous wear, you'll find that the insole cushioning and the sole will have worn down. Failure to replace your shoes will result in your body taking more impact from the ground you walk on, such as concrete and tile. 

You may also find that you walk a certain way to alleviate pain from things like bunions or sores. Walking differently than you feel most comfortable will cause more strain on your back and your joints.

Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the joint of your big toe as a result of uneven pressure. The result is a bony protrusion, and your big toe pushed towards the second toe on your foot. 

While bunions aren't life-threatening, they can cause quite a bit of pain. Orthotics can alleviate that pain as well as the pressure that's making it worse. It's a good alternative to bunion surgery, which may cost upwards of $12,000. 

Plantar Fasciitis 

If you've been playing a new sport or working a new job, you may develop small tears and inflammation in your foot tissue. This is caused by too much pressure or strain on the bottom of your foot. 

One of the most common treatments is surgery. However, shoe inserts and chiropractic adjustments can help relieve this stress and force your foot into a better position. 

Joint Pain

General joint pain in your ankles, knees, and hips could be a direct result of how you walk and the shoes you wear. When your posture is off, your body has to overcompensate. This causes unnecessary strain and pressure on your joints. 

Orthotics can correct your posture and even reduce the vibrations caused by hard walking surfaces.

How an Orthotic Specialist Can Help

So what should you expect from a visit to your specialist? 

First of all, they'll get an x-ray of your feet to get a better idea of what's going on. In most cases, your specialist will prescribe a combination of orthotics and physiotherapy exercises.

They'll do some realignments on your legs to help relieve some tension and correct your posture. Most importantly, they can supply you with orthotics custom-made for your specific feet and problems. 

Visit a Foot Chiropractor Today

If you have foot pain and want to avoid surgery, it may be time to visit an orthotic specialist. They'll go the extra mile to set you up with a non-invasive treatment that's sure to help. At the very least, you can expect less pain overall. 

Fisher Chiropractic provides pain relief in the Naples area. Our services include chiropractic adjustments, cold laser therapy, custom orthotics, and more. Contact us to request an appointment and set up a visit with our specialist.