7 Key Benefits of Using Prescription Orthotics
Is chronic foot pain knocking you off your feet? We get it. We also understand the temptation to solve the problem yourself or, worse, push through the pain. But turning to the wrong places for help could do more harm than good, especially if you opt for store-bought orthotics.
That's why we recommend heading to our office instead. Dr. Kelly Geoghan custom makes orthotics to fit your feet perfectly and address your needs.
Here's a closer look at how orthotics work and how they can benefit you.
What are orthotics?
Prescription orthotics are shoe inserts that are designed specifically for your feet. We recommend them to treat a variety of foot conditions or problems, including:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- High arches
- Flat feet
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Hammertoe
- Peripheral neuropathy or other diabetic foot care issues
- Sever's disease and other pediatric foot care problems
- Sports injuries involving the feet and ankles
Orthotics can also help address chronic back and lower body pain. We may even prescribe them to correct or perfect your foot, ankle, and leg function, which makes them popular among athletes.
Depending on your needs, we recommend a specific type of orthotic.
Functional orthotics, used to correct and control movement, are usually rigid and made from composite carbon.
On the other hand, accommodative orthotics address everything from slow-healing wounds to plantar fasciitis. We can customize accommodative orthotics to be soft and cushioning or a combination of soft and rigid to cradle and support your feet.
Here are a few other key benefits of custom orthotics.
1. More comfort
Foot pain is one of the most common complaints we get from our patients — and orthotics are usually the first place we start. We design prescription orthotics to provide support and cushioning to the painful areas of your feet, which can significantly help reduce discomfort and pain.
2. Protection from injury
Orthotics custom-made for your feet effectively distribute the pressure of your body weight and the force of your steps more evenly across your feet, reducing the risk of developing foot injuries like plantar fasciitis or shin splints.
3. Enhanced athletic performance
Many athletes underestimate the importance of proper foot mechanics. So, if you're an athlete, you might consider getting a pair of prescription orthotics to improve your performance by providing additional support and stability to your feet during physical activity.
4. Better posture
Poor posture is one of the most overlooked threats to your health. If you're a chronic sloucher, you could wind up with a slew of problems, from back pain to poor digestion. You may not realize that better posture isn't just about straightening your back — you can build a healthier posture from the ground up (literally). We prescribe orthotics to correct any imbalances or abnormalities in your foot structure, which can help improve your overall posture.
5. Less back pain
With your foot problems under control and your posture in check, you could also experience less back pain. Talk to us about all the symptoms you're experiencing from head to toe, and we'll recommend the perfect type of orthotic.
6. Better quality of life
When you can't get from point A to point B (or even take your first steps in the morning) because of foot pain, you know you have a serious problem. Orthotics help you take back your life and get back to the activities you once enjoyed without invasive procedures or downtime.
7. Personalized treatment
We personalize everything from our water bottles to our phone cases — why wouldn't we want the same for our aching feet? Prescription orthotics are customized to fit your feet and address your specific foot conditions, so you're getting a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Want to learn more about how orthotics can help you? Call or click to schedule an appointment with our expert at our Lutherville, Maryland, office today.