05 Jan All You Need to Know About Orthotics
A person’s foot is a very complicated part of their anatomy, containing 26 bones with thirty-three joints, 107 ligaments, nineteen muscles, and multiple tendons that hold the structure together to allow it to move in a variety of ways. There is no wonder why 85% of Americans will experience foot problems at some point in their life. If you have had problems with your feet, a podiatrist may have provided you with treatment known as orthotics, an increasingly common treatment which is used for a wide range of foot problems.
Orthotics, in basic terms, is a device that is designed to fit a patient’s foot to provide relief. Assessment as to whether or not orthotics is appropriate for your condition is dependent on your hobbies, daily activities, and symptoms you may be dealing with. An impression of your foot will be made and a fabricated device will be uniquely made for your feet if a podiatrist believes you need orthotics. The orthotics are custom made in about two to three weeks and will be evaluated for proper fit so its function will be of use. Patients are recommended to have their orthotics re-evaluated annually and they are replaced every two or three years. Not only does a person’s foot have the ability to change shape, but the average American takes about 10,000 steps a day, and strain on the orthotic devices can lead to the orthotics needing to be replaced.
Orthotic substitutes can be found in commercial stores. Although this may seem like a convenient way to fix a foot problem, these products may not benefit your overall situation and may even cause more pain than before. These orthotic substitutes are not specifically designed for your foot and you could just be wasting time and money as most commercial devices are made using a foam impression of a general foot. Depending on your condition, orthotics can be a very important component to your treatment, and a skilled podiatrist will make sure you receive as much information of your foot ailment and in order to treat the required areas properly.