Feet

Foot Orthotics and Shoes

There is clear medical evidence that foot orthotics and (where indicated) custom fabricated orthopedic shoes, are effective in treating and preventing foot problems. Often times these foot issues lead to common injuries like knee pain, shin splits, and pain along the bottom of the foot.

Medical Conditions Treated with Foot Orthotics

Medical conditions that are treated with inserts and/or orthotic shoes can be very specific or simply be based on pain an individual perceives in their foot. Some of the most common conditions are:

PLANTAR FASCIITIS (PF)

This condition is one of the more common foot injuries treated by podiatrists. It is a very painful and often caused by abnormal foot mechanics or overuse.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)

This disease attacks all of the joints in the body resulting in inflammation, cartilage damage, bone breakdown, and dislocation of the joint itself. Many patients with RA will recognize the symptoms in their feet first.

POSTERIOR TIBIAL TENDON DYSFUNCTION (PTTD)

The posterior tibial tendon is one of the key support structures of the foot, helping the foot to function while walking. PTTD is a condition caused by changes in the tendon, impairing its ability to support the arch. This results in flattening of the foot. This condition is the primary causes of flat feet in adults identified as Adult Acquired Flatfoot (AAF).

DIABETES

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-accident related foot amputations. Having diabetes can lead to nerve damage and circulatory issues often referred to as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). See our special section covering Diabetic Foot Care.

GENERALIZED FOOT PAIN

There are a variety of other painful foot conditions that can be treated with orthotics. They include general foot fatigue, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, and bunions.

CUSTOM OFFERINGS AT GREEN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS

The patients that join our Team Green family and acquire properly designed and fitted foot orthoses and/or shoes, are able to stay active, remain healthier, experience a higher quality of life, and in many instances avoid long term complications.

The treatment consists of a physical examination and “in the case of orthotics” a casting of an individual’s feet is performed. These casts create molds which are then used to fabricate the custom orthotics. The style is selected based on the needs of the individual. The orthotics can be made to wear in custom shoes, dress shoes, athletic shoes, or casual shoes.