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Orthotic Management

Are your feet hurting you excessively? Are you wondering if a shoe insert can alleviate your pain? Depending on what the problem is, a shoe insert may not do much for you. Instead, you may need orthotics. 

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are specialized medical devices worn inside your shoes. They are designed to correct biomechanical foot problems with how you stand, walk, or run. The devices are custom-made to fit a single person and are prescribed by a doctor. They may be prescribed to treat or help with pains in the leg, back, or foot. Some specific medical conditions that can cause a doctor to prescribe orthotics are arthritis, bunions, flat feet, heel spurs, and diabetes. 

 

Orthotics and braces are integral parts of the rehabilitation process for new and chronic injuries. Getting the right fit for your brace can make a significant difference in your daily function. Over time, you can experience changes in your functional and movement capability. To determine what's best, allow our experts in our physical therapy Pearland offices to assess your device needs.

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Types of Orthotics 

Orthotics are customizable and can be made using various materials. Your prescription determines which orthotic material is used based on the condition and symptoms you have. 

 

  • Rigid or functional orthotics are made from materials, such as plastic or carbon filters. They are suited for walking shoes with closed toes and low heels. You can use them to ease aches and strains on the foot and even pains in the thighs, lower back, and legs.

  • Soft or accommodative orthotics are made from soft compression materials that provide cushioning to reduce the pressure on sore areas from conditions, such as diabetes, foot ulcers, and plantar fasciitis. 

  • Orthotics can also be useful for our sports physical therapy Houston Therapy Specialists patients. This applies to shoe types, such as ice skates, and ski boots.

  • Over the counter foot orthotics can be found at your local pharmacy and fit according to size. They feature generic foot shapes, and some specialize in "low arch" or "high arch" to provide relief for some of the pain in your feet. You may have to get another one shortly as they are not durable because of the materials used to manufacture them.  

What a Podiatrist Checks For 

When you visit our physical therapy Pasadena TX office, your doctor takes 3D images of both feet and examines you thoroughly by having you walk around while noting the movement in your hips, legs, ankles, and feet. 

 

If your podiatrist sees where orthotics are needed, accurate molds of your feet are made to obtain the right fit. When the mold is ready, it is used to design rigid or soft orthotics. The orthotics should fit the contours and curves of your shoes and feel comfortable. 

 

After your examination, you may ask, "how do orthotics work?" Your podiatrist can tell you the goal, which is typically to reduce the external and internal forces that are bothering specific areas of your foot, treat and reduce injury, or address foot pain. 

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Orthotic devices can be recommended for various reasons, some of which are:

 

  • Supporting and aligning the foot or ankle.

  • Improving the overall function of the ankle or foot.

  • Correcting, preventing, or compensating for deformities.

 

Call us now for a thorough checkup with our orthopedic Pasadena TX team and get treated by the best physical therapist Houston TX has to offer.

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