WHAT ARE ORTHOTICS?

Orthotics are prescription appliances that can be compared to eyeglasses.  Just as the eye doctor can improve vision with corrective lenses, the podiatrist can correct foot disorders with orthotics.  Some people call them “arch supports," but they are really much more.  Prescription orthotics are custom-made devices which correct your individual foot problems.  You and someone else may have a similar foot problem, but your feet are unique.  Orthotics are made of high-impact materials, such as plastic and super-strength woven fibers.  They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient and minimize stress forces that could ultimately cause pain and deformity.

            Doctors of Podiatric Medicine prescribe orthotics as conservative approaches to many foot, ankle, knee, leg, and back problems with good success.  Foot orthotics fall into three broad categories: those that primarily function to change foot function, those that provide cushioning, and those that combine function and cushioning.  Common uses for orthotics include:

1. tired or painful arches
2. heel pain: plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis
3. tendinitis in the foot, ankle, knee, and leg
4. nerve pain (neuromas)
5. pressure point relief on the soles of the feet
6. support for chronically unstable ankles
7. shin splints
8. knee pain
9. back and hip pain
10. support for arthritic deformities

            In the office, measurements of your feet are taken to evaluate joint motion and alignment.  Plaster cast impressions are taken of each foot and a prescription is written directing how your individual orthotics will be constructed.  The casts with the prescription are picked up by the orthotic laboratory which makes your orthotics.  Each foot cast goes through approximately 20 steps before the final balanced device is completed.  In 10-14 days, the orthotics are delivered to the office and we will call you so you can pick them up with the break-in instructions.  A follow-up appointment will be made with the doctor for the following month.

FACTS ABOUT ORTHOTICS

            Genuine orthotics are prescription medical devices designed to correct your particular foot problem.  Many imitations are sold by sporting goods stores, pharmacies, the Puyallup Fair, non-podiatric physicians, and shoe stores (Neovita).

To make an appointment, call (253) 631-4960

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