What Are The Benefits Of Custom Orthotics?

Could getting custom-made shoe inserts improve the function of your feet?

Are you an athlete? Are you dealing with more aches and pains in your feet these days? Are you an older adult? There are many reasons to consider getting custom orthotics from our Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, FL, podiatrist Dr. Luis Perez and the team at Hollywood Podiatry Associates. Here’s what you should know about custom orthotics.

What are custom orthotics?

Chances are pretty good that you've found orthotics when walking down the foot care aisle of your local drugstore or grocery store. These cushioned foot-shaped shoe inserts provide additional support and comfort for your feet, particularly when you are standing or moving around.

Of course, over-the-counter orthotics offer a one-size-fits-most approach. Because everyone’s biomechanics and foot structures are different, these commercial orthotics can actually do more harm than good. This is why you should turn to our Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, FL, podiatrist, who can create custom orthotics designed just for you and your unique foot care needs.

What are the different types of orthotics?

Orthotics are categorized as either functional or accommodative. As you may be able to tell by the name, functional orthotics are often used to improve the function and mechanics of your feet, while accommodative orthotics are used to offer more cushioning and support for the feet and can be a great option for someone with painful foot conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. Orthotics are also made from different kinds of materials, all of which offer their own unique benefits based on the wearer’s needs. Orthotics may be soft, semi-rigid or rigid.

Who can benefit from wearing orthotics?

Most people do not have perfect biomechanics in their feet, which means that you may be prone to injuries or other foot issues down the road and not even know it. To prevent problems from happening, custom orthotics can provide cushioning, support, stabilization and shock absorption while also redistributing weight more evenly throughout the feet to improve the way your feet function. You may benefit from custom orthotics if,

• You are an athlete
• You deal with ongoing foot, leg or back pain
• You have fallen arches
• You have diabetes
• You have arthritis in your feet
• You have high or low arches
• You have flat feet
• You are standing for long periods during the day
• You have or are prone to developing plantar fasciitis
• You have a neuroma

Are you wondering if you could benefit from the custom orthotics our Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, FL, podiatrist Dr. Perez offers? If you’re ready to take the next step, call Hollywood Podiatry Associates at (954) 923-1800 to schedule an evaluation with our team to discuss orthotics.