December Newsletter: Custom Orthotics Could Be What You Need to Fight Foot Pain

Woman holds her foot

Custom Orthotics Could Be What You Need to Fight Foot Pain

Sore, aching feet are a common problem in the U.S. In fact, 51 percent of adults surveyed by the American Podiatric Medical Association reported struggling with daily activities due to foot pain. Custom orthotics can ease pain and make walking and standing much more comfortable.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts that cushion, align, and support your feet. The inserts are available in both over-the-counter and custom varieties.

What Is the Difference Between Drugstore and Custom Orthotics?

Over-the-counter orthotics use a one-size-fits-all approach to relieving foot pain. While the shoe inserts may be helpful for some people, they might actually worsen pain for others. Custom orthotics are designed by your chiropractor to address your specific foot issues. The inserts are made from a physical or digital impression of your foot to ensure a perfect fit.

Who Can Benefit from Orthotics?

Orthotics relieve pain caused by a variety of foot conditions, including:

  • Overpronation. Overpronation occurs when the inside of your foot turns too far inward when you walk. In addition to causing pain in your feet, overpronation may also disrupt the natural alignment of the bones in your legs, hips, and back, triggering pain in these areas. If you overpronate when you walk, you may be more likely to develop Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and other foot conditions. Orthotics align and support the foot, preventing this inward turn.
  • Arch Issues. Both low and high arches can cause foot pain. Arch problems may also affect the alignment of your spine and legs and cause pain in your knees, hips, or back. In addition to supporting the arches, orthotics reduce pain by distributing pressure equally over the surface of the foot.
  • Arthritis. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause pain and swelling in the joints in the feet. Orthotics cushion sore feet and make walking less painful.
  • Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, occurs when the band of connective tissue that connects the heels to the toes becomes inflamed. Every year, about 10% of the U.S. population develops plantar fasciitis, according to Medscape. Wearing orthotics reduces stress and inflammation in the fascia and helps it heal.
  • Overuse. Foot pain is more common in people who stand for hours, run, or play sports. Orthotics decrease pressure, offer extra cushioning, and prevent your feet from moving too much in your shoes.
  • Aging. The layer of fat covering the bottoms of your feet thins with age. Without that natural cushion, walking and standing can become painful. Orthotics support and cushion your foot, relieving and preventing soreness.
  • Other Conditions. Orthotics are also helpful in decreasing pain caused by bunions, bursitis, hammertoes, heel spurs, sprains, and diabetes.

What Are the Type of Custom Orthotics?

Your chiropractor will recommend a type of orthotic depending on your foot condition. Orthotic types include:

  • Rigid Orthotics. These orthotics are made of inflexible materials, like plastic carbon fibers or stainless steel. Rigid orthotics are ideal if your foot pain is caused by abnormal foot motion. The orthotics align the foot and reduce motion. They can be helpful for plantar fasciitis and arch pain and may also reduce pain in the legs, hips, and back.
  • Semi-Rigid Orthotics. Semi-rigid orthotics consist of a hard inner core covered by a softer material. These orthotics offer support and cushioning, while also improving balance. They're a good choice if you run or walk for exercise and are also helpful for flatfoot, plantar fasciitis, overpronation, hammertoe and foot alignment issues in children. Semi-rigid orthotics may offer a good option if you find rigid orthotics uncomfortable.
  • Soft Orthotics. Ideal for cushioning, soft orthotics feature several layers of foam. In addition to improving comfort and absorbing shock, they also reduce pressure that can cause blisters and calluses. These orthotics can be helpful for people who have age-related foot pain, diabetes, bunions, and arthritis.
  • Heel Cups. Heel cups only cover the heel portion of shoes. They ease pain caused by Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and other conditions.

Ready to ease your foot pain with orthotics? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.

Sources:

Medscape: Plantar Fasciitis, 1/22/2019

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/86143-overview

American Podiatric Medical Association: Public Opinion Research on Foot Health and Care: Findings from a Survey of 1,000 US Adults, 3/2014

https://www.apma.org/files/APMA2014TodaysPodiatristSurveyAllFindings.pdf

Medscape: Plantar Fasciitis, 1/22/2019

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/86143-overview

Healthline: Orthotics: Are They the Answer to Your Foot, Leg, or Back Pain? 3/19/2019

https://www.healthline.com/health/bone-health/orthotics#takeaway

Office Hours

Monday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

7:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

  • "Regular visits with Dr. Roeder have significantly reduced the frequency of migraines I have suffered and the amount of neck and shoulder pain I have lived with for years. Because of Dr. Roeder I am able to focus on my busy life again"
    S.L., San Diego
  • "This was my first encounter with a chiropractor and found the experience to be delightful, gratifying and well worth it! Instead of being given a bunch of pills and told to come back next week, the manipulation for my back and side injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome, responded very well to the treatments. Thank you, Dr. Roeder for a job well done"
    W.B., San Diego
  • "I came in originally for neck pain, but getting adjusted helped lower my blood pressure & my insulin levels too.Dr. Roeder is so thorough in her care-I never knew how much better I could feel.I no longer have to take blood pressure medicine now."
    A.W., San Diego
  • "Since meeting Dr. Roeder at a health seminar, she has changed my life, drastically-improving my health 100%. I had a wide range of symptoms, including chronic fatigue, constant and severe headaches, body aches, nausea, difficulty concentrating and I felt extremely tired and weak. She diagnosed me with having Fibromyalgia and Candida. She put me on an anti-inflammatory diet and started me on chiropractic treatment and instructed me on strength exercises. I have lost 40 lbs and feel fantastic! Whenever I eat something that sets off a symptom, I can identify the food source now. I know how to eat well and stay away from foods that cause inflammation. Had it not been for Dr. Roeder's expert care, I believe I would still be suffering from all those symptoms-- instead I feel fantastic!"
    M.O., Spring Valley
  • "My son was diagnosed at a very young age with Hyperkyphosis. The doctor told us that surgery would be his only option but we needed to wait until he got older.My husband and I were heartbroken to think about such a major surgery for our little boy.We wanted to help him anyway we could without doing surgery. We are so thrilled to say that after seeing Dr. Roeder my son's back has made a major improvement.That there is a stronger chance that he may not need surgery after all.My son is three now and he is a very active little boy and you can't even tell that he had ever had a bad back.He is able to do what all little boys do:run, jump and climb!Taking my son to Dr. Roeder was the best decision that me and my husband have made as parents.I am so happy that Dr. Roeder is part of our lives.In fact all of my extended family members are patients of her too!Thank you so much Dr. Roeder for all of your help.You have been such a positive part of our lives.You are part of our family."
    G.C., San Diego
  • "My daughter has been diagnosed with Von Willabrand's and Precocious Puberty at age 7. She had her first period at age 8, and it was for three days. The doctors said that her hormone levels were off and there wasn't any truly safe treatment. After talking to Dr. Roeder, she started chiropractic care to help her body cope better with this disorder and hopefully change her hormones. Now my daughter and I have been told by doctors at Children's Hospital that it looks like she won't be starting her period until two years from now-this will be the normal time when she should start! They told us to keep up the good work of whatever we have been doing because it seems to be working."
    J.H., San Diego
  • "I got treated for a neck and back injury that appeared to be chronic following a major car accident. I had been to chiropractors before but without much success.After seeing Dr. Roeder now though, my mobility and general feeling of well-being has greatly improved."
    C.H., San Diego
  • "Dr. Roeder was recommended by a friend and I am completely satisfied. I was having low back pain also some neck pain. My back feels better than it has in years. I feel Dr. Roeder is complete in recommending exercising and treatment!"
    M.L., San Diego
  • "I just wanted to say thank you for making me 'new' again. Also, for helping us through our tough times. You always have been nice to us and helpful when we were in your office-it was just like a second home! Every time I walked through the door I felt calm and relaxed. You always asked us how we were doing and how we have been. I thought that was very thoughtful and caring of you-especially considering that awful car accident we had been in. None of my doctors before had been as courteous as you. You have really made a bad experience into a great experience in a blink of an eye. I always loved that EVERYONE was always smiling! I wish that when I grow up I can be like you, always making people happy and feel better! Well, I think that you just made another patient happy because of your wonderful 'magic.' Oh and I know I already said this but I think I am speaking for everyone when I say: Thank you Dr. Roeder!"
    J.F., San Diego (pediatric patient)