Custom Orthotics - Sarasota Podiatrist

 

Custom Orthotics - Sarasota Podiatrist

What Are Orthotics? 

Orthotics are custom made devices manufactured from many types of materials. They fit inside your own shoes and are worn on a full time basis. Orthotics gently and constantly help to control the way your feet function. There are many types of orthotic devices. Advances in technology enable your podiatrist to prescribe a device specific to the activities that you participate in the most. From walking to running, or aerobics to basketball, orthotics can help you perform at peak efficiency. Professional orthotics are made from impressions of your feet. The devices are custom made for your feet only. Just as contact lenses or glasses improve vision, orthotics will help your podiatrist improve your foot function.

Biomechanical Orthotics

Biomechanics involves the study of the body in motion. Biomechanical orthotics are prescription inserts made from neutral foot position casts. The prescribing practitioner sends the casts and clinical information to a professional orthotics laboratory, where an evaluation specialist reviews the casts and prescription. A staff doctor oversees the evaluation in the form of a "second opinion." Then a production clinician takes responsibility for fabrication and quality control of the individual prescription. The fabricated orthotics are sent to the doctor to dispense with instructions to the patient. Orthotic treatment may be combined with other forms of treatment, such as injections, medications, physical therapy or surgery.

Is There More Than One Type Of Orthotic? 

Because we are born with different foot types, and because we engage in different occupations and activities, there are specific types of orthotics for individual patients. Orthotics may be used with children, adults, athletes, elderly patients and, very often, with patients following surgery or injury. Orthotics may be rigid, semi-rigid or soft (flexible).

How Long Will I Need To Wear Orthotics and How Long Do They Last? 

Orthotics may require a gradual break-in period. They are worn in 95% of all walking or standing activities. You may need to wear orthotics indefinitely, depending on how your foot function responds. Orthotics have a variable life span, depending upon your activities. You may need periodic changes in your prescription as your foot function changes.

Will I Need More Than One Pair of Orthotics? 

There are patients who may need one pair for work and one pair for recreation. Women who wear different heel heights may require an additional pair. Your podiatrist may recommend more than one pair, depending on your individual need

What are braces for? 

Some patients have conditions that require more than just an orthotic device. The braces used in our practice support both the foot and ankle. If your doctor diagnoses you with a problem that effects structures of both the foot and ankle, the recommendation of an ankle-foot orthosis (brace) may be made to you. 

Visit our website: http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com

Kinesio Taping - Certified Physical Therapist in Howell, NJ

 

Kinesio Taping - Certified Physical Therapist in Howell, NJ

 

http://www.footdoctorsnj.com

 

At Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, our mission is to provide top quality medical care to our patients in an upbeat and motivating environment. In addition to relocating to a state of the art office that has been designed from the ground up with the needs of our patients in mind, we have added to our continuum of care with a physical therapy specializing in rehabilitation of the foot and ankle.  Many rehabilitation centers offer a gym type atmosphere, but at our uniquely designed lower extremity physical therapy center, we focus on providing personal one-to-one care with specific treatments and modalities designated by our doctors and physical therapists working together.  It is our objective to fully involve our patients in the rehabilitation process by keeping constant interaction every step of the way.  We believe this is imperative in achieving a successful outcome in treatment for our patients, both physically and mentally.

 

Meet the Physical Therapist

 

Valerie Gregory joined Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center in October 2007. Val continues to broaden her knowledge in physical therapy through continuing education courses focused on orthopedic and lower extremity rehabilitation. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, kickboxing, and traveling.

 

Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist in Howell, NJ

 

Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist in Howell, NJ

 

Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refers to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotic are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure.

 

Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.

 

Rigid Orthotics

Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

 

Soft Orthotics

Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Like rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

 

Semi-Rigid Orthotics

Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.

 

Visit our website: http://www.footdoctorsnj.com