Table of Contents
Custom Orthotics in the Salt Lake City area of Utah
Foot and Ankle Orthotics
Flat feet or high arches make it difficult to find comfortable shoes or even walk with ease. Structural foot and ankle issues are not only problems in and of themselves, but they can also lead to additional foot and ankle problems. The most common treatment to correct foot and ankle alignment issues is using orthotics.
The word orthotics comes from the Greek meaning “to straighten” or “align.”
Feet and ankle orthotics will modify the functional and structural characteristics of a patient’s skeletal and muscular system into the corrected alignment. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, our orthotic specialists can provide or prescribe the proper orthotic to correct your unique, specific foot or ankle issues.
Orthotics help resolve misalignment issues by providing:
- Movement assistance
- Movement restriction in a specified area
- Control, direction, and mobilization restriction for a foot or ankle
- Weight re-distribution to take the weight off the affected foot or ankle
- An aid in the rehabilitation process of broken bones or fractures after the cast has been removed
- Reshaping of the foot or ankle to reduce pain and restore proper alignment and function
Orthotics come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also made of various materials. The more common materials used in orthotics include: thermoplastics, carbon fiber, metals, elastic, EVA, fabric or a combination of similar materials.
There are various kinds of orthotics for feet and ankles, each with a specific purpose. These orthoses are called lower-limb orthoses. Within this category, there are foot orthotics, ankle-foot orthotics, and foot ankle and knee orthotics.
Foot Orthotics
Ankle-Foot Orthotics (AFO)
Watch this Video from Dr. Richard Seegmiller to Learn more about Orthotics
What Should You Do Next?
Orthotics FAQs
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are heel or shoe inserts prescribed to treat leg, foot, or back problems. Foot orthotics redistribute your weight on the foot to realign foot joints that cause pain or discomfort.
Ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs) immobilize the ankle and foot, and compensate for weakness. AFOs assist with recovery from foot or ankle fractures, surgical procedures, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Advanced Foot & Ankle Center conveniently offers custom orthotic casting on-site to make a mold of your foot. The mold is sent to a laboratory to custom-fit the orthotics to the precise shape of your foot.
What conditions do orthotics fix?
Orthotics treat or repair a variety of medical conditions and issues, including:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Flat feet
- Heel pain
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Toe walking
Flat feet, high arches, and toe walking make it challenging to find comfortable shoes and may lead to additional foot and ankle problems.
The expert podiatry team evaluates your symptoms and condition to determine an appropriate treatment plan and use orthotics to correct foot and ankle alignment issues.
How do orthotics work?
Podiatrist-designed orthotics treat or prevent abnormal motion and control the alignment of your foot. They redistribute weight and pressure on the bottom of the feet and provide cushioning. Orthotics help resolve alignment issues by:
- Assisting with movement
- Restricting certain movements
- Reshaping the foot or ankle
Orthotics offer benefits only when you wear them, as they do not permanently change your alignment. Your podiatrist typically uses orthotics as part of an overall treatment plan that includes physical therapy.
Do orthotics hurt?
It takes some time to adjust to wearing orthotics. At first, they feel stiff and may cause some soreness in the arch of your foot. Wearing your orthotics consistently is the best way to adjust to them, preventing further discomfort and injuries.
If wearing orthotics causes blisters, redness, or severe pain, call your podiatrist to adjust the orthotics.
Custom orthotics from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center provide a noninvasive treatment option for a variety of injuries and issues affecting your feet, ankles, and lower back.
What Should You Do Next?
Looking to schedule an appointment with a physician?
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Center or book an appointment online today for effective solutions to your foot pain.
