Sydney custom orthotics: How can they help you with foot pain?

Foot pain is one of the common problems faced by people every day. According to a recent study, foot pain is more prevalent among adults over 18 years, and almost 17 to 24% of people reported foot pain in their adulthood.

Have you ever faced this problem and tried everything for it, and the problem is still there? Then, it may be time to give a chance to Sydney custom orthotics, as these may be the best solution for your foot pain that you are looking for!

Foot pain, including heel pain, will decrease the person's ability to perform daily chores smoothly. Along with that, it also causes problems of imbalance and walking patterns that not just affect the quality of work but also impact their daily life.

Custom foot orthotics are highly recommended by podiatrists that can help to relieve your foot pain. So, if you want to learn more about custom foot orthotics and how they can help with foot pain, stick to the article and learn some interesting facts.

What are custom orthotics?

Foot Orthotics are shoe inserts that support the foot's natural arch and assist in relieving foot pain. Custom orthotics are specially made for people according to their foot size to support and comfort their foot pain. They are designed in such a way that they can match the contours of your feet properly and help you in the way you move.

Unlike other shoe inserts, custom orthotics are usually designed after a podiatrist has thoroughly examined your feet, ankles, and legs so that the designed orthotic can accommodate your unique foot structure and pathology.

Custom orthotics are divided into two categories: functional orthotics designed to treat foot pain due to abnormal motion. It can also treat injuries and is crafted with semi-rigid material like plastic or graphite. In contrast, accommodative orthotics are softer and provide cushioning and support that can help treat diabetic foot ulcers and other foot problems.

What are the three types of orthotics?

Orthotics are a specific type of insole worn in the shoe that can help provide the support required for particular conditions. There are three types of orthotics: soft, rigid, and semi-rigid.

In soft orthotics, there is an extra cushioning that can be helpful to offload wounds in patients with diabetes. Moreover, semi-rigid insoles can stabilize patients with flat feet while performing daily activities. However, rigid orthotics are the best recommendation for patients with neurological illnesses as they have limited control over their feet.

Podiatrists recommend using orthotics to treat various foot problems like plantar fasciitis, foot pain, heel spur, big toe problem, tendinitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and ankle and heel pain. One can contact their podiatrist about the type of insoles that suits them better, and they can provide them with proper orthotics.

Does custom-made orthotics really work?

Custom-made Orthotics are suitable to treat some conditions, but one must remember that it's just a part of the treatment, not a complete solution to a foot problem. So, it's required to wear suitable footwear and avoid wearing poorly fitting shoes, as orthotics are only good if the shoes are good enough. Along with wearing orthotics, exercise is necessary as it's part of a treatment protocol to improve foot condition.

Orthotic treatment with proper exercise can help reduce pain, improve foot function, encourage joint mobility, correct foot deformities, and ultimately reduce the risk of injury reoccurrence.

Which type of custom orthotics is best for foot pain?

To decide the best custom-made orthotics for you, one should talk to their podiatrist as they will examine your feet and perform a biomechanical assessment. Furthermore, based on your foot's condition podiatrist will prescribe soft, rigid, or semi-rigid orthotics for you.

Every orthotic will have a different degree of flexibility and stiffness of the shell, which is designed based on the patient's weight and activity. Usually, a thick and soft top cover will be used that won't make the shoe too tight and will help promote the foot's natural motion.  

How long do custom orthotics last?

Unlike other insoles that wear out in months or even weeks, these orthotics typically last for many years and help relieve foot pain. But unfortunately, even these orthotics don't last forever, especially if the patient has to wear them daily. So even if the orthotics are of the best quality, you have to replace them with a new one at some point.

One should look for the comforts and check if orthotics lose the ability to support and protect your feet, then they must be replaced. A typical custom orthotic lasts for almost 2-3 years on average, but it depends on the patient's condition.

Some people replace their orthotics yearly, while others replace them after five years or more. Before replacing it, one should identify the early warning signs and visit a podiatrist for a checkup to upgrade your orthotics.

What other conditions can be treated using orthotics?

Custom orthotics can help treat various conditions, but one should be patient while using them as it will take time to treat your condition.

Here are some complex medical conditions in which custom orthotics can provide some relief.

·         Osteoarthritis (a condition in which the cushioning cartilage of the joints wear out)

·         Morton's neuroma (nerve damage usually near the third and fourth toes)

·         Heel spurs (bone growth on heel bone)

·         Foot pain due to metatarsal bone fractures

Moreover, it can help treat pain in bursitis, diabetes foot ulcers, flat feet, hammer toes, high arches, injuries, plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and much more. If you have any foot-related condition or pain determined by your podiatrist, orthotics are suitable for you.

Do podiatrists recommend orthotics?

Based on your foot disease condition, a podiatrist recommends the appropriate orthotics. Along with orthotics, the podiatrist will also prescribe some exercises that one should do to relieve foot pain and even treat foot ulcers and other conditions.

When to see a podiatrist?

You can schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you have any severe pain or discomfort in your feet. They will examine your feet' health and how you walk, listen to your concerns, and prescribe appropriate solutions for your problem.

After reviewing, the podiatrist will determine whether the shoe inserts be helpful for you or not. However, if orthotics are needed, your podiatrist will take a three-dimensional image of each foot. These images will be used to design your orthotics to improve your foot movement and help you move comfortably.

Where can you find custom orthotics in Sydney?

If you are looking a custom orthotics in Sydney, consult podiatrists at Bondi Podiatry. At Bondi Podiatry, our podiatrists attend to people of all ages and provide solutions to various foot and leg problems, including foot pain. So, don't wait any longer and book your appointment with podiatrists today.