Custom Orthotics
Custom Orthotics
Have you ever experienced sore or painful feet? As you age your feet will often change. Changes in the shape of your feet, the support of your ligaments, and complications from previous injuries can all cause strain and pain. This is why a custom orthotic is a good idea to provide extra support and relief for your feet. Call Dynamic Health Physical Therapy and Wellness today to learn more about how we can help relieve your foot pain.
What are the Causes of Foot Pain?
Problems with your feet can be caused by several conditions directly related to the feet. General ailments and diseases that affect the body as a whole can also lead to foot pain. The following are several examples of conditions or diseases that can be the cause of foot pain. These conditions can all be treated with physical therapy.
- Arthritis – Arthritis is a debilitating joint disease that can affect the joints throughout the foot. Stiffness and swelling in the joints can eventually lead to permanent damage. This can affect the way you stand or walk. Orthotics and manual physical therapy treatment would be recommended.
- Metatarsalgia – This is a painful disorder that affects the joints and bones along with the ball of the foot. This condition is often caused by ill-fitting footwear or restrictive footwear. Orthotics and manual physical therapy treatment are recommended to help reduce pain caused by metatarsalgia.
- Morten’s Neuroma – This is a benign neuroma(or inflammation abnormal growth of a nerve) in the branch of the plantar nerve. Most commonly of the second and third intermetatarsal spaces (between 2nd−3rd and 3rd−4th metatarsal heads), which results in the entrapment of the affected nerve. The main symptoms are pain and/or numbness. Orthotics, as well as manual physical therapy treatment, would be very helpful.
- Hallux Valgus or a bunion is a deformity of the joint connecting the big toe to the foot. The big toe often bends towards the other toes and the joint becomes painful. Orthotics and manual physical therapy are very helpful as well.
- Also pronation, shin splints, low back pain, hip pain, knee pain, flat feet, IT band syndrome.
- Plantar Fasciitis – This is a painful condition along the sole of the foot; and in particular, the area that connects the heel bone to the toes. This is due to thick tissues along the bottom of the feet becoming tightened or inflamed. Pain can occur in the heel or the arch of the foot. Orthotics and manual physical therapy treatment would be very important.
- Heel Spurs – This is a bony protrusion on the heel that is usually made of some sort of calcium build-up. While the actual spurs are not painful they can poke the tissues in the heel and potentially cause severe pain. Many of the same risk factors that cause plantar fasciitis can also cause heel spurs. Orthotics and manual physical therapy would be indicated and helpful.
- Diabetes – Diabetes can lead to foot problems because of restricted blood flow and nerve damage. When nerves are damaged through diabetes this is referred to as neuropathy. When the muscles in the foot no longer function together properly this can cause unequal pressure on the foot. Unequal pressure can result in sores, infections, and even amputation in extreme cases. Proper footwear can help prevent foot problems related to diabetes.
Other potentially treatable conditions include patellofemoral knee pain, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, hip pain, and low back pain. A painful condition could be felt in the knees, hips, or back due to poor foot biomechanics that creates imbalances in the rest of the body. Many times with a correction of foot biomechanics through properly manufactured orthotics and correct manual physical therapy treatment these problems can be rectified. Good physical therapy services can provide treatment to relieve pain and improve whatever condition you’re suffering from.