Custom orthotics are an incredible tool for people with foot, leg, or lower back pain that stems from structural or support problems in the feet. While over-the-counter orthotics are available at your local drugstore, these are not recommended by most orthopedic doctors. Because everyone’s feet are different, cookie-cutter orthotics will likely do you no good.
Your doctor at Baylis & Brown Orthopedics can prescribe you one of two kinds of custom orthotics — accommodative or functional. So, let’s talk about how your doctor determines the best orthotics for you and how these two options compare.
Determining if Orthotics Are Right for You
While orthotics are a great treatment option, they are not the solution to every foot problem. That’s why it is important to ensure that your specific issue can be addressed through this treatment.
Your doctor will start out by thoroughly evaluating your medical history and symptoms. It is important to assess whether any chronic conditions or injuries may be causing your symptoms. It is also important to evaluate the way you stand and walk, as well as perform a physical evaluation of your feet. All of this information will help your doctor determine if you have an injury or structural abnormality that could be addressed with orthotics.
Some people experience pain in the legs or lower back, fully expecting the problem to arise from anywhere but the feet. However, when you stand and walk off balance (many times without even being aware), symptoms can develop in other parts of the body that also get impacted by an irregular posture or walking style. In some cases, doctors also take a look at the shoes a patient wears. By seeing where the shoes are worn down, it is possible to detect if you have a posture or walking irregularity.
All of this information can help your doctor determine if fixing the way you walk or stand is possible through custom orthotics.
Types of Orthotics
Based on the results of your assessment, your doctor will recommend either functional or accommodative orthotics.
Functional Orthotics
Typically, functional orthotics are made of plastic or a similar material. It’s firmer than other types of orthotics and is used to give your feet (and whole body) proper alignment.
Sometimes, your doctor will recommend functional orthotics comprised of plastic and graphite. This type of orthotics treats abnormal motion and is often recommended if you have a foot injury or condition like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.
Accommodative Orthotics
Accommodative orthotics provide support. Generally, they’re recommended for people who wouldn’t benefit from foot repositioning. They have a good stance and balance, however, certain areas of the foot are becoming damaged because of lack of support through the shoes you wear.
This kind of orthotics is ideal for people who need support to alleviate pressure on certain parts of the foot. For instance, a physician may recommend accommodative orthotics to diabetic patients to prevent ulcers. Accommodative orthotics are generally softer than functional orthotics.
Why Choose Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics take into consideration the intricate uniqueness and details of your feet and stance – which likely won’t get addressed by mass-produced, cookie-cutter orthotics. Custom orthotics require a detailed measuring and impression process, which is necessary for a lab to create the orthotics. As such, the orthotics will fit your feet only and will address all of the issues you are experiencing.
Custom orthotics tend to last much longer than store-bought ones and are often covered by insurance.
Custom Orthotics in Plantation, Florida
At Baylis & Brown Orthopedics, our expert physicians understand how important it is to understand, diagnose, and treat the unique, underlying causes of symptoms. That’s why we offer custom treatment plans that center around you. We are proud to offer custom orthotics to patients suffering from symptoms related to the feet.
Book an appointment with Baylis & Brown Orthopedics, serving Plantation and the surrounding region, by contacting us at (954) 476-8800. You may also contact us via our appointment request form.
