Orthotics

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are commonly used to treat a variety of ailments affecting your ankle or foot. Orthotic devices can relieve common complaints and provide support to help you avoid an injury. They include foot pads, toe separators, shoe inserts, and ankle braces.

Orthotic devices come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from orthotics available at the local drugstore to orthotics specially designed for your size, shape, walking style or gait, and condition.

Although custom orthotics are more expensive than drugstore varieties, they give you greater support and correction, and last much longer as they’re fitted to your particular foot.

Why do I need orthotics?

You might benefit from orthotics for a variety of reasons, including:

• You need to support your foot or ankle
• You need to keep your foot and ankle in alignment
• You want to prevent, treat, or support a foot deformity
• You want to use your foot or ankle more than you can now

Many patients find that orthotics not only offer a tremendous amount of pain relief, but also improve their daily lives.

Do diabetics need orthotics?

If you’re diabetic, orthotics are especially important to help keep your foot healthy. If you have any signs of neuropathy, or a lack of sensation in one or both feet, wearing the right footwear and having adequate foot support is crucial.

Properly sized shoes and orthotics can help you avoid blisters, calluses, ulcers, and more severe problems. If you don’t have one already, you may benefit from a removable insole to relieve pressure and absorb shock when you walk.  

How do orthotics work?

Orthotics work in many ways, depending on the type of care or support you need. For example, a heel flare furnishes support and helps you prevent a sprain in your ankle. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, an ankle-foot brace helps alleviate pain in your ankle or heel.

What do orthotics treat?

Here’s a list of a few, common orthotic devices and the conditions they treat:

• Toe separator - for corns or calluses between the toes
• Bunion shield - for bunions or bunionettes
• Soft orthotic cushions - for a rigid, high arch
• Prefabricated heel insert - for heel pain or heel spurs (Plantar fasciitis)
• Full-length, prefabricated, soft sports inlay - for painful runner’s knee

If you’re considering orthotics, it’s important to consult Dr. Hochman first. Buying the wrong orthotics might change your gait and make your condition worse.

To find out if orthotics can help you, call or schedule a consultation online with Richard Hochman, DPM. He has more than 30 years of experience in foot care and can suggest the right orthotics for you.