How Custom Orthotics Can Help Your Feet and Joints

Everybody knows foot issues can cause a lot of pain in the feet and ankles. But many don’t know that many of those issues can cause problems in other parts of your body, too. 

Even a seemingly minor foot problem can make everyday activities, like walking or standing, extremely difficult and uncomfortable. Fortunately, custom orthotics can help. 

At Forward Foot & Ankle, our team offers one-of-a-kind custom orthotics to help patients in Midtown Manhattan and Staten Island, New York, relieve pain in their feet, knees, and other body parts. Here’s how custom orthotics work and how they could help you.

Quick facts about custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that are molded to your unique foot shape. Each orthotic is custom crafted and designed to correct underlying problems affecting your feet, ankles, and other body parts.

The first step in getting our custom orthotics is to have your feet evaluated so we can determine what issues are causing your symptoms. Then, we take measurements of your feet using techniques designed for the highest levels of accuracy and precision.

Those measurements are sent to a lab specializing in custom orthotics, using computer-aided design combined with advanced craftsmanship to ensure your orthotics are effective and comfortable. 

Each orthotic is made using the highest quality materials, so they last a long time and are easy to care for. Plus, orthotics can be created for many different shoe types, including athletic and dress shoes for women and men.

How custom orthotics “work”

Most of us take our feet for granted (especially if they’re not causing pain), but they are complex parts of our anatomy. Each foot contains 26 bones, hundreds of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and dozens of joints. 

Many foot problems are caused by uneven pressure or strain on one or more components. Custom orthotics are designed to address uneven or unequal strain while providing support, cushioning, and shock absorption. Their custom design makes them an ideal solution for an array of common — and not-so-common — complaints, including:

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of a strong band of tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot. By relieving pressure, custom orthotics help relieve pain and inflammation while promoting faster healing. 

Bunions

Bunions form at the base of the big toe when the big toe joint is pushed out of its normal alignment. Custom orthotics relieve pressure on the bunion while providing gentle support for the toe joint.

Neuroma

A neuroma is a thickened area of nerve tissue that causes pain with every step. Custom orthotics relieve pressure on neuromas, so you can walk and stand comfortably.

Flat feet or arch problems

Flat feet happen when the natural curved arch of your foot is flattened out, altering your gait and the alignment of your legs. Custom orthotics provide the support your feet need while reducing the strain on your legs and knees.

Arthritis

Arthritis happens when joints become inflamed, and repetitive pressure on an arthritic joint can hasten joint damage. Custom orthotics help protect painful joints from slowing inflammation and help you walk comfortably.

Diabetes-related foot problems

Diabetes affects your circulation and nerves, often leading to foot sores that are more prone to infection. Custom orthotics are often prescribed for people with diabetes to provide extra cushioning in areas prone to friction and reduce pressure on the foot joints.

Lower back and knee pain

Foot problems tend to change how you walk: If your feet are sore, you tend to walk or stand in the way that relieves your symptoms. While that might feel better for your feet, it also throws off your balance and puts a lot of excess strain on your knees, hips, and back. 

Custom orthotics can be used to reestablish normal alignment from your feet up to your lower back while providing added shock absorption for your knees and hips. 

Call 718-317-5215 or book an appointment online with the team at Forward Foot & Ankle today.