What Type of Orthotic Is Right For Me?

Your Alexandria podiatrist offers a wide range of custom-made orthotics.

Whether you’ve suffered an injury or you’re just getting older, there are times in which our body doesn’t seem as strong as it once Orthoticswas. With as much abuse as we put our feet through, it’s no surprise that a lot of us deal with foot or ankle problems at some point in our lives. So, how can you give your foot the proper support it needs to make even everyday walking more comfortable? Find out what types of orthotic will work best for your condition:

Orthotics come in three different forms:

Soft Orthotics: This type of orthotic is made from soft material like silicone or foam to help reduce pain while also providing support for the foot and ankle. Those with arthritis or a deformity like hammertoe could benefit from soft orthotics.

Semi-Rigid Orthotics: This orthotic offers the best of both worlds. It has both soft layers of support for ultimate comfort while also being layered with firmer material to provide ultimate strength and protection. These tend to be the most popular type of orthotics for athletes.

Rigid Orthotics: These orthotics are ideal for controlling movement in the joints of the foot and ankle. These devices are usually made from carbon fiber or plastic and help reduce pain caused by plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions.

How will orthotics help me?

If you are dealing with foot or ankle problems, orthotics can truly help reduce your symptoms and improve your condition. Orthotics can even make walking around easier on those who have chronic or severe foot problems. Since orthotics offer support and stability for the joints in the foot and ankle it can greatly reduce pain and discomfort. Orthotics can also offer optimal arch support. Some people have even seen a reduction in back and hip problems as a result of wearing orthotics.

Can I buy commercial orthotics or should I buy custom-made orthotics?

You can definitely purchase orthotics at a local drugstore; however, keep in mind that these orthotics have a one-size-fits-most approach. This means that they won’t be tailored exactly to your foot and your condition.

While some may find some relief from commercial orthotics, many people will need to consider getting custom-made orthotics in order to truly benefit from these devices. Some patients even find that the commercial orthotics cause more problems for their feet. Therefore, if you are interested in getting orthotics it might be time to speak with your Alexandria podiatrist, Dr. Angelo Pace, DPM at Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center about whether it’s time to consider customized orthotics for your foot health.