You may have heard about custom orthotics and how they can really help you achieve freedom from pain and discomfort. There are brand name orthotics at the checkout line, every shoe store has inserts, and you may even have a runner friend who loves their orthotics for their active lifestyle. But how do you know if you really need custom orthotics? One way to tell is by looking at your feet! Here are a few things to check for:
- Pronated Feet – “Pronated feet” is just a fancy way of saying that you have falling arches. If your arches flatten out when you put weight on your feet, you’ve got them! With pronated feet, you may have misalignment that can cause foot, ankle, knee and back pain that could be treated with custom orthotics.
- Supinated Feet – The best way to check for this is looking at your shoes. If you have really defined, high arches and your shoes all seem to be worn on the outside rather than evenly across, you may have supinated feet. Custom orthotics can help to level out your gait so you are more comfortable during routine activities.
- High Arches – If you put your foot down and the middle of your foot doesn’t touch the ground, there is a pretty good chance you have high arches. While this doesn’t seem overwhelming, you may also experience foot fatigue because you never get the right kind of support from your shoes. Custom orthotics can provide the support you need.
At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we can check for these foot issues, as well as fit you for custom orthotics that provide the support, cushion, and improved function you’ve been looking for. Contact us today if you are experiencing foot, knee, ankle, or back pain, and we’ll be happy to help address your concerns. We look forward to working with you.