How Custom Orthotics Can Get Rid Of Heel Pain

Heel pain affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that can interfere with everyday activities such as walking, running, and even standing. Custom orthotics can help to relieve that pain by re-aligning the bones of your feet and ankles.

What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics are bio-medical devices that adjust the alignment of your foot and ankles to work together more efficiently. They are similar to insoles but designed and engineered to provide the optimal level of support and comfort to restore your functioning and relieve pain.

Will I need to wear my custom orthotics all the time?

If you want the best results, you’ll wear your orthotics all the time: at work, at play, and home. Custom orthotics will fit into most shoes and can be used for any activity, including high-impact sports like running. It is important to recognize, however, that they are less effective in shoes that don’t offer as much support, such as flats, sandals, and high heels; for maximum effectiveness, minimize your use of these shoes and opt for more supportive footwear.

How do custom orthotics help with heel pain?

There are several ways custom orthotics help to relieve heel pain. First, they give you additional cushioning and support, relieving pressure on the heel for immediate relief. They also redistribute pressure across the foot, so it’s not concentrated in the heel area. Finally, they correct any imbalances or abnormalities in the structure of your feet that could be the source of the pain.

Is there anything I need to know before getting custom orthotics?

Before you get custom orthotics, you should investigate the source of the pain you’re experiencing. Many things can cause heel pain; not all are centred on the foot itself. Some may be easily resolved with new footwear, while others may require surgical intervention or another treatment.

You should also know that custom orthotics can take time to get used to: usually a few weeks, but it could take up to a month. You may experience some discomfort initially, but once you start experiencing their benefits, you’ll soon become accustomed to always using them.

Finally, your custom orthotics will fit into most shoes, but occasionally you’ll need to get an additional pair made for specialty footwear such as skates, clogs, or dance shoes.

How are custom orthotics made?

First, your chiropractor or podiatrists will assess the biomechanical functioning of your feet and ankles and ask you questions about your pain, such as where and when it occurs. Considering your activity level and occupation, they will recommend the type of orthotics that will work best for you.

One of several technologies, such as foam moulding or 3D scanning, will be used to make a mould of your foot. The results are then sent to a lab where the custom orthotics will be made. Your orthotics will be ready for fitting in about four weeks.

How long do custom orthotics last?

Custom orthotics typically last between one and five years. You can extend their life to the top end of that range with proper care, including regular cleaning. Replace your orthotics when they get damaged or start to break down or if your heel pain returns. It may be possible to refurbish your orthotics by replacing the top layer instead of getting new ones. Take them with you when you meet with your foot care provider to see if this is possible.

Can custom orthotics help with other conditions besides heel pain?

Yes! Many problems originating in the foot appear as pain elsewhere in the body, such as the knees or back. Custom orthotics are helpful for many other conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Flat feet
• Bunions
• Over- and under-pronation
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Achilles tendonitis
• Sciatica
• Unequal leg length

Orthotics may not help with your particular pain. Getting a proper diagnosis of the source of the problem is crucial to finding the right treatment.

Where can I get custom orthotics?

You can get prescriptions for custom orthotics from chiropodists, podiatrists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and family doctors. While these healthcare providers can all prescribe orthotics, not all of them also dispense them; if you want to work with the same professional through the entire process, look for a clinic or facility that can diagnose your condition, fit you for orthotics, and support you after you pick them up.

Some extended benefit plans will require a prescription from a medical doctor before covering the cost of custom orthotics. If this is the case with your benefits plan, see a family doctor and get the prescription before you go to your preferred provider.

Conclusion
Custom orthotics can be an effective treatment option for heel pain as well as some knee, hip, and back conditions. They provide additional support and cushioning to the foot, help correct imbalances in foot structure, and promote proper foot and ankle function. Working with a qualified professional who can diagnose the problem, fit you for your orthotics, and monitor your progress on an ongoing basis helps ensure you’ll get the most out of your custom orthotics.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre is highly experienced at diagnosing problems of the feet, knees, hips and lower back. In a single visit, we will assess your condition, determine whether custom orthotics are right for you, and take an impression of your feet. After that, you only have to wait for your new custom orthotics to arrive. Stop living with the pain that’s limiting you from enjoying life to the fullest. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We have locations in Richmond Hill and Newmarket within easy reach of anywhere in the GTA. Come see us, and let’s get you moving again!