Everything you Need to Know about Prescription Orthotics

Everything you Need to Know about Prescription Orthotics

Everything you Need to Know about Prescription Orthotics

Foot conditions like arthritis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet result in inflammation and pain in your lower legs, feet, and lower back. When pain becomes unbearable, prescription orthotics can be an effective remedy. Orthotics are shoe inserts that provide proper foot alignment, support, and cushening. They also help avoid exacerbating injuries during high-impact sports like basketball, running, or football.

If you are suffering from a chronic foot condition, foot orthotics are a great way to relieve and prevent symptoms. This blog provides an introduction to everything you need to know when making a prescription orthotics purchase:

Factors to consider before ordering prescription orthotics

  1. Perfect fit: Poorly fitting over-the-counter orthotics do not function adequately. You must find a shoe insert that matches the natural contours of your feet and provides comfort during a wide range of activities. Remember, Podiatrists are the foot care experts and should be your first choice for prescription orthotics.

  2. Footwear: You must find orthotics that fit with your regular footwear. Orthotics aren't a good fit for fashionable slip-on and dress wear. They work best with shoes that accommodate them appropriately.

  3. Medical condition: People who have arthritis, bunions, and other orthopedic conditions should seek professional medical advice before choosing the right orthotic. For example, diabetic patients will benefit from a flexible and softer design. 

  4. Durability: Even if you are wearing them for a short period, over-the-counter orthotics, although inexpensive, are not as durable as custom-made prescription ones. 

Types of foot orthotics

The different foot orthotics include:

Foot orthotics

These devices fit inside a shoe and support the foot by redistributing ground impact and realigning foot joints while running, walking, and standing. These can be widely used to treat inflammation and reduce the risks of biomechanical deformities. 

Flat foot orthotics

They're commonly used for children/adults who suffer from flat feet since their feet, knees; the low back can become fatigued and painful. However, if your child is 5 or 6 years old and the arches have failed to fully develop, you may need to invest in special flat foot orthotics. 

Drop foot orthotics

Drop Foot is a medical condition where the patient cannot raise the foot using the ankle joint. It's difficult for these individuals to walk as their toes drag on the ground, which can lead to trips and falls. Foot braces or custom drop foot orthotics provide a  comfortable and firmer grip to increase mobility.  

Ankle foot orthotics (AFOs)

It's a custom brace that protects the ankle and foot. They limit motion and keep the ankle and the feet in a neutral position. You can use AFOs to support weak limbs, position a limb with contracted muscles, and protect your lower leg and ankle after a fracture.

Orthotics for ball of the foot

The ball of the foot lies between your toes and arches. It helps distribute your body weight across the foot but can result in pain and swelling when there is misalignment. 

Ball of foot orthotics is for people who suffer from ball-of-foot pain caused by excessive pressure in that area. It separates and lifts the long bones of the arches, which transfers stress away from the ball of the foot.

Accent on Feet 

We provide prescription orthotics solutions for foot-related orthopedic issues. Accent on Feet is a leader in Minimally Invasive foot surgery for the last 39 years and has been providing both ambulatory and surgical care. Visit our clinic for the best foot pain bunions treatment in Toronto! You don’t need a referral from a doctor to schedule a visit. You can book an appointment by calling us at (416) 635-8637 or 1-866-535-8637 (toll-free). Save time by bringing along a completed copy of the new patient form.

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