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You’ve known about inserts for years (hello Dr. Scholl). These inserts are available at the local drug store, big box stores, online and even at most grocery stores. It turns out that inserts, insoles and arch supports are all generally the same item, just called different terms. They are off-the-shelf products that you put in your shoes to help your feet with support and fit within your shoe wear. But the question is, are they right for you, or are they making your condition worse?
Orthotics are not the same as the aforementioned inserts. However, many companies are touting their products as “orthotics” when they are not. Some of the orthotics available at the store are made with plastic or metal materials to support the arch of the foot, so they essentially, are a step up from inserts, but they are not custom orthotics, which is what most people actually need. Custom orthotics are available at your podiatrist’s office.
Custom orthotics are made from an actual mold/impression of your feet, and they are then fabricated to precisely fit your foot and the needs of your condition, and they will last for a very long time as opposed to inserts. Your podiatrist will evaluate your feet and depending on your specific condition, you may require more than just an orthotic. You might have plantar fasciitis, flat feet, a high arch, heel spurs, bunions, and the list goes on an on. If you have any of these disorders, you may need to learn techniques to stretch your tendons, or you might need a procedure to help alleviate your pain, such as laser therapy, or minimally invasive surgery.
Consider that most of the foot problems which develop are caused by abnormal foot mechanics. That would be moments in time when under body weight, the foot might get to flat or pronate. Pronation essentially leads to unlocking of the joints and overstretch of the ligaments. It can be the cause for many painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis and tendinitis. We also see nerve pain developing from improperly supported feet. Think about braces on teeth. They keep the teeth aligned. Just like braces on teeth orthotics are designed to maintain a certain element of alignment also known as the neutral position in medical terms. So with orthotic usage, the the feet function more neutral providing greater balance, reducing strain and potential injury. Since we take tens of thousands of steps daily, every step counts from the individual engaged in everyday activities to the marathoner. It matters. For this reason an over the counter or off the shelf inserts simply cannot provide the control and support needed to achieve a better functioning foot. The correct orthotic prescription requires the expertise of a podiatrist which not only understands your condition but how to prescribe and fabricate the correct orthotic you need for it.
Mid Florida Foot, Ankle & Vein Clinic
Mid Florida Foot, Ankle & Vein Clinic provides pain-reducing, comprehensive cutting-edge treatment. Their podiatrist, Dr. Gabriel Delgado, can treat all foot problems and even performs in-office surgeries. Rest assured you’ll get patient-focused care from their highly skilled and compassionate staff.
Dr. Gabriel Delgado prides himself on taking excellent care of his patients and making them feel at home. He is bilingual and a native and current resident of Lakeland, FL with his wife and 2 kids. He is a graduate from the University of Florida with a Medical Degree from Barry University followed by residencies at the Veterans Hospital of West Palm Beach, FL and St. Luke Medical Center in Phoenix, AR. He is Board Certified in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and has received Certificates of Appreciation from the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center for his dedicated service to the veteran population.
You’re not just another patient in his office, he takes the time to listen. Earning your trust, respect and exceeding expectations by providing a compassionate and professional environment. With over 20 years of being in practice, Dr. Gabriel Delgado always strives to provide the best healthcare for his patients.
Mid Florida Foot, Ankle & Vein Clinic
Lakeland Office
203 Kerneywood St.
Lakeland, FL 33803
863-686-1641
Bartow Office
510 West Main St.
Bartow, FL 33830
863-534-3668
Reference:
1 ACFAS, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever’s Disease), 2018, Chicago, IL, https://www.acfas.org/Content.aspx?id=1483
