Our staff at Foot & Ankle Clinic of the Virginias wants you to be able to do your favorite activities, without having to endure foot or ankle pain. We probably aren’t going out too far on a limb to assume that you want this too! Fortunately, our medical specialists can provide care to resolve many problems that arise, and then offer solutions to prevent them from recurring.
One valuable tool in both treating and preventing various medical issues for you may be a pair of custom orthotics. Before we go much further, it’s worth noting that we don’t prescribe orthotics to everyone who comes to see us. When we do, however, these devices can be quite effective. As a matter of fact, you can think about orthotics as being an investment in your health.
Many patients wonder if orthotics are really all that different than the shoe inserts sold at stores and nationwide pharmacy chains. Whereas off-the-shelf inserts may provide a certain degree of additional arch support and extra cushioning, they are not intended to actually correct medical conditions.
When we prescribe orthotic devices, they are used to address a problem you are experiencing. Further, these are customized to work with your unique foot structure and gait pattern, something a mass-produced insert is unable to do.
We understand that the upfront cost of orthotics, when compared to store-bought inserts, might seem like a lot, but this is where “investment” comes into play. Orthotics can address issues that, left untreated, will become bigger problems later. Offloading pressure on the front of the foot, for example, can prevent a bunion from worsening to the point that surgery becomes a necessary option. So not only will it cost you less in the long run (by not needing surgery), but there’s also the simple fact you are saving yourself from a lot of pain. Quality of life should always be a consideration, and orthotics can allow you to perform your favorite activities.
In addition to bunions, we can use orthotics to treat a variety of other ailments. If you have foot arches that are either too low or too high, are experiencing pain in the ball of your foot (metatarsalgia), or suffer from heel pain (plantar fasciitis), we may recommend orthotics as part of your treatment. If you are diabetic, we may prescribe orthotic devices to ensure equitable distribution of pressure (to prevent dangerous foot ulcers).
If you would like more information—or are experiencing foot pain and need to schedule an appointment for any of our seven offices—call us at (800) 456-8637 today.
