Orthotics have been around for some time. Doctors have used them to correct skeletal anomalies and manage pain associated with certain conditions. It is advisable to visit orthotics Ajax specialists if you are experiencing a lot of back, heel, or foot pain.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are special devices that are externally applied to modify or support your skeletal and neuromuscular system. They can be defined as doctor-prescribed special heels or shoe inserts that have been customized just for you. Your doctor may prescribe them to treat back, foot, or leg problems. Medical specialists use them to correct foot deformities and support the ankle, among other uses.
Orthotics help in decreasing the risk of further injury. Also, they help your ankle and foot function more correctly. Specialists often recommend orthotics if other treatments like physical therapy and exercises are not effective. Without the use of orthotics to realign your foot structure or gait, you may experience discomfort from issues such as:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Bunions
- Tendonitis
- Morton’s neuroma (pain or numbness in your toes)
- Back, leg, or knee pain
Uses and Benefits
Orthotics have an essential role in modern treatment options. Some of their benefits and uses include treating:
- Back Pain. You can experience back pain due to lack of cushioning or poor positioning of your feet, leading to arches that roll inward. Your doctor may recommend the use of orthotics to properly position your back and lessen the pain.
- Arthritis. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are conditions that affect your feet. They can cause a lot of pain in the feet and poor positioning. Orthotics Ajax experts may recommend the use of orthotic devices to help correct your positioning and ease the inflammation.
- Bunions. A bunion is a bump on the side of your big toe caused by foot bone abnormalities. As a result, your big toe cannot stay in a straight position. Instead, it leans towards your second toe. Over time, a bunion can cause your toes to crowd together, which can be quite painful. It can also lead to permanent deformity. While orthotics cannot cure bunions, they can help to alleviate discomfort in the toe joint and slow their advancement.
- Plantar Fasciitis. When an extensive band of tissues at the bottom of your feet are affected by inflammation, this can result in plantar fasciitis. This is the leading cause of heel pain. It occurs when there is a mechanical imbalance in the foot or due to excessive pronation. The most effective and long-term solution for this condition is functional orthotics.
Other Conditions
In addition to the conditions above, orthotics can help with:
- Flat Feet. To reduce back, ankle, or foot pain, orthotics help you maintain correct foot positioning.
- Bursitis. Special orthotics with arch and heel support reduce discomfort due to bursitis.
- Injuries. Orthotics can be useful if you have experienced trauma to your ankles or feet.
These are just a few conditions that specialists treat using orthotic devices. Orthotics Ajax doctors may also prescribe custom-made options if you have positional concerns with your legs or feet. This includes people with underdeveloped foot and leg muscles. In some cases, doctors may recommend a treatment plan that combines orthotics and medicines like Ibuprofen to reduce pain.
Sources:
https://cphealth.ca/pickering-orthotics-ajax/