Whether you know of them as “shoe inserts” or “insoles,” orthotics are used by foot doctors to address a wide range of their patients’ foot issues as well as to prevent them in the first place. Orthotics not only benefit people who have flatfoot or high arches, but also those who are in physically active occupations or sports.
Some forms of orthotics are reported to have begun about 2,000 years ago, as people would place wool in their sandals to provide extra comfort and support. Nowadays, we have podiatry technology that can capture the shape of your foot and create customized orthotics that will support your own feet perfectly.
Reasons Why You Need Custom Orthotics
Could you benefit from wearing personalized orthotics? Let’s talk about some of the main reasons why you could benefit from custom-made orthotics:
You Have Structural Issues in Your Feet
Your feet could be lacking the support they need due to their anatomy – particularly if you have high arches or flatfoot. Regular shoes are made for normal feet, but podiatrists are able to provide you with custom orthotics to give your feet the extra support they need.
You Stand for Hours Every Day
If your job or volunteer work requires you to be on your feet for much of the day, that can be bad for your feet as well as your knees, hips, back, and neck. Customized orthotic inserts or special orthotic shoes can help to relieve the stress placed on your feet, so you can continue doing everything you want to do.
Your Shoes Are Old or Worn Out
Many people are not aware of the danger of wearing old shoes with worn-out soles. If the soles or insoles have thinned out, they are no longer able to provide proper support to your feet – and may lead to overpronation (your foot rolling inward as you walk) or underpronation, or supination (your foot rolling outward). If you love your shoes, you can wear custom orthotics in them to provide full support and prevent the inward or outward rolling of your feet.
You Are Experiencing Pain in Your Foot
If you have chronic or sporadic foot pain, a customized pair of orthotics will provide surprising relief. You will likely wish you had visited a podiatrist years earlier, because you will likely feel better in your feet, knees, hips, and back.
Orthotics from Top Podiatrists in South Texas
It can be difficult to find shoes that feel comfortable and natural for your feet, especially since shoes are mass-produced. This is where custom orthotics come in.
With customized orthotics, our podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas can help address your feet’s structural issues and gait abnormalities. We will create orthotics that are specifically built for your feet, so you can feel comfortable in shoes you love.
If you would like to give custom orthotics a try, call The Podiatry Group of South Texas’ location nearest you, or fill out our online appointment request form today. We have podiatry clinics located across the San Antonio area, and we look forward to seeing you here.
