If You Have Pain In The Foot, Try Orthotics

Therapeutic shoe- inserts are called orthotics. It is the remedy for aching feet, hip, knee and back. Initially, jumping into the treatment, consultation with a doctor is necessary. But orthotic devices cannot tackle the root of the disease.

Most of the people suffer from foot or foot- related pain. In most cases, the pain is a symptom of a structural problem (bones or ligaments), rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, a bone cyst, or tarsal tunnel syndrome.

According to different studies conducted, it is reported that, about 7million people suffer from this condition.

What does orthotics do?

It actually works by stabilizing the foot, controlling abnormal movements, and adding arch support to keep the connective tissue from being stretched or pulled, and thus becoming irritated or inflamed. What it does the best is the reduction of;

1. Discomfort concerned with the heel pain.
2. Tiny tears in the connective tissue in the sole of the foot and sides of the heel.
3. Age- related diminishment of the heel pad, which acts as a natural shock absorber.

Those who are usually vulnerable are;

• Overweight people
• Athletes
• Runners
• Brisk walkers
• People with flat or highly arched feet

What is it made of?

To make an orthotic, a podiatrist (an expert of foot related issues) casts a mold of the foot in a non- weight- bearing position. Before an orthotic is being fitted, the practitioner takes a plaster cast of the foot in the following postures;

1. In a relaxed position
2. In abnormalities, such as uneven leg length
3. In exercise and physical- activity patterns

To stabilize the foot, the orthotic uses flexible plastic, with cushioning material made of thin, dense foam.

Some rigid types are paper- thin, whereas others are bulkier. Most of the orthotics fits well inside ordinary shoes.

Some doctors and physical therapists start off for any patients with inexpensive shoe- inserts. If this provides sufficient relief in the condition, it will be adequate for the painful feet.

For minor problems, the inexpensive model itself will prove to be useful. But if problem persists, custom- made orthotics has to be tried, under the supervision of a specialist.

Alternative foot fixes:

1. To provide arch support, before physical activity, wrap the foot with an elastic tape or bandage.
2. To relieve sole and heel pain, stretch the calf muscles after waking up. Te toes are to be pointed upward and the feet to be moved in circular motion.
3. Gentle massaging of the feet to get relief from aching.

Prevention:

• Worn out shoes has to be removed from the collection, as it causes foot pain.
• Replace running or walking shoes that has been worn out on the heels and toes.
• Shoes with wrinkles and clustering in the midsole indicate a loss in cushioning.
• If the stitching is threadbare or the toes are discolored, then there is a high need for a larger size of shoe.
• When selecting a new she, make sure there is enough space between the longest toe and the tip of the shoe. 
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