Orthotics Specialist

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are custom-made medical shoe inserts. They can help your feet in a number of ways, including:

• Relieving pain
• Providing support
• Correcting structural issues

Foot problems often result from some kind of misalignment. Your feet contain many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones which are meant to work together. Orthotics can correct misalignments between these structures, allowing them to work properly.

Don’t confuse orthotics for the shoe inserts you can buy at the pharmacy. You may find them more comfortable and supportive than the insoles that come with your shoes, but there’s a limit to what they can do. Though over-the-counter inserts can provide some support and pain relief, only orthotics are custom-made to fit your foot’s unique shape and correct your specific foot problems.

How can orthotics help my foot condition?

Orthotics feature excellent arch support. They also cushion your feet and absorb the shock of impact, reducing the likelihood of putting excess stress on your foot, which is the underlying cause of overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

One key aspect of treatment with orthotics, and what separates them from standard shoe inserts, is that they also realign your feet. They keep your foot structures in the right place and relieve pressure on your tendons and ligaments. Orthotics can relieve the pain you may associate with walking, standing, and other activities that require being on your feet.

Dr. Abdelmalak may recommend orthotics as part of your treatment plan to correct a wide range of conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Arch pain
• Achilles tendonitis
• Diabetic foot complications
• Flat feet
• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Corns and calluses
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Differences in leg length

Orthotics may be just one part of your treatment plan at Mountain View Foot & Ankle Care. However, in many cases, foot conditions dramatically improve simply by changing your footwear, including wearing orthotics in your shoes.

How are orthotics made?

Dr. Abdelmalak first takes a 3D digital scan of your foot to design your orthotics. He uses this detailed scan to analyze your foot problems. He can also anticipate and prevent potential foot problems by analyzing biomechanical issues, including how you distribute your weight on your feet.

Depending on your foot problems and activity level, he may recommend rigid, semi-rigid, or soft orthotics. An orthotics lab uses the 3D scan to manufacture your orthotics, and you can expect to receive them a few weeks after your initial appointment.

Schedule an orthotics consultation at Mountain View Foot & Ankle Care online or over the phone.