If you’ve been struggling with persistent foot or ankle pain, custom orthotics could be the solution. Every foot is different and our feet take some real abuse. Over time, you can expeience foot pain for many different reasons. From broken bones (26 in each foot), to joint injury (the human foot has 33 joints) to muscles, tendons, and ligaments (over 100) in each foot. Whether the pain is caused by injury, overuse, or genetics, feet can require profssional help to get them back to feeling good.
Foot Specialists Can Diagnose the Issue
Because the human foot is very complicated, you want a foot and ankle specialist, like Dr. Laha or Dr. Hall at Kansas City Foot Specialists, who has experience and can tell a lot about your feet just by examining them. Sometimes, custom orthotics are all that’s needed to make the pain go away.
Foot pain is more than an inconvenience. It can limit your mobility, affect your posture, and hinder your overall quality of life. Understanding the role of custom orthotics and how they differ from over-the-counter products is key to making an informed decision about your foot health.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are specialized shoe inserts designed to support, align, and improve the function of your feet. Unlike over-the-counter foot cushions or pads, which provide temporary comfort, custom orthotics are prescription devices tailored to your unique foot structure and needs.
While store-bought inserts may relieve minor aches, they can’t address the underlying causes of chronic pain or biomechanical issues. Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are crafted after a thorough evaluation by a podiatrist, ensuring they address the specific areas of concern in your feet and ankles.
How Custom Orthotics Help Alleviate Pain
Custom orthotics can significantly reduce pain and discomfort by redistributing pressure across your feet and improving their alignment. This can alleviate stress on joints, tendons, and ligaments, providing relief from various conditions.
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a podiatrist, who will examine your gait, foot structure, and symptoms. From there, a mold or digital scan of your feet is taken to create orthotics that fit perfectly, offering optimal support and correction.
Common Problems Addressed by Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics can help with a wide range of foot and ankle issues, including:
Plantar Fasciitis: This common condition, characterized by heel pain, benefits from orthotics that provide arch support and reduce tension on the plantar fascia.
Flat Feet: Orthotics can help lift and support the arches, preventing overpronation and reducing strain on other parts of the body.
High Arches: People with high arches often experience excess pressure on the balls of their feet and heels, which custom orthotics can distribute more evenly.
Bunions: Orthotics can reduce pain and prevent worsening of bunions by realigning the foot and relieving pressure points.
Arthritis: Foot and ankle arthritis can cause pain and stiffness, which custom orthotics can help alleviate by cushioning and supporting affected joints.
Diabetic Foot Issues: People with diabetes may need orthotics to prevent ulcers and support their feet properly, reducing the risk of complications.
When to Consider Custom Orthotics
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consult a podiatrist about custom orthotics:
Persistent Foot or Ankle Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter solutions warrants a professional evaluation.
Frequent Injuries: Recurring problems, such as sprains or tendonitis, may indicate biomechanical issues that orthotics can address.
Poor Footwear Fit: If your shoes are uncomfortable or your feet frequently feel fatigued, orthotics can provide the proper support.
Balance or Gait Issues: Difficulty walking or maintaining balance may stem from improper foot alignment, which orthotics can correct.
Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis often benefit from the targeted support custom orthotics provide.
The Kansas City Foot Specialists Difference
When it comes to foot pain and custom orthotics, you want a team with unmatched expertise. At Kansas City Foot Specialists, Drs. Laha and Hall specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. Their years of experience mean they’ve seen it all, from the most common ailments to rare and complex issues.
Drs. Laha and Hall take a personalized approach to each patient. They understand that no two feet are the same and use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the root cause of your pain. Whether you need custom orthotics or another treatment, they will guide you toward the solution that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Kansas City’s Only On-Site Foot Surgery Center
At Kansas City Foot Specialists, we are foot and ankle experts. Because some conditions require surgery to repair, we have an on-site foot surgery center. In fact, it’s the only on-site foot surgery center in Kansas City. The Surgery Center of Blue Valley was created by Dr. Laha to provide a state-of-the-art foot surgery facility for our patients. This Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a boutique surgery center where podiatrists perform foot and ankle surgery exclusively. Having our own podiatry surgery center allows us to provide the best equipment and a dedicated staff to treat all foot problems that require surgery.
