Every aspect of your life may be affected by foot pain: From how long you are able to stand at work, whether you enjoy going for daily walks or exercising. In Houston, the majority of residents with chronic foot pain have biomechanical issues such as flat feet, high arches or gait. Fortunately, custom orthotics in Houston patients rely on providing a proven solution for long-term pain relief and improved mobility.
Trusted clinics in Houston, such as DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center, design custom orthotics to realign the foot, relieve pressure on sensitive areas, and support overall foot function. If you have diabetes complications, ingrown toenails, or have wounds that have not healed correctly, custom orthotics can help you with your recovery, comfort and healing.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts or foot beds that are made for your feet; unlike store-bought insoles that are generic, custom insoles are molded specifically to fit your foot shape, walking style, and any medical needs you may have as determined by a podiatrist who examines the way you stand, walk, or move in order to determine the proper type of orthotic to give you the best support and cushioning based on what is appropriate for each person's unique situation.
Custom orthotic devices can help distribute weight more evenly across the surface of the foot; reduce the amount of stress being placed on joint structures while walking; and discourage the development of abnormal movements which can lead to pain and/or injuries.
Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Houston Patients
1. Pain Relief and Improved Mobility
One reason why so many individuals turn to custom orthotics Houston specialists is to alleviate pain associated with heel, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and arch discomfort. Custom orthotics help to correct alignment problems, which decreases the amount of stress on muscles and ligaments while walking, allowing individuals to walk longer and with less pain.
2. Support for Diabetic Foot Health
Individuals who suffer from diabetes and/or neuropathy often experience nerve damage and reduced blood flow to the feet creating a higher risk of developing ulcers (open sores) and infections. A thorough foot examination performed by a Houston diabetes foot specialist can help identify early deterioration of the foot that may lead to future complications. Using custom orthotics can provide a buffer for sensitive areas of the foot by reducing the amount of pressure and friction experienced on those parts of the foot which decreases the chances of developing sores and/or wounds.
While comfort is important to individuals that suffer from diabetes, wearing custom orthotics is an important part of the prevention and management of serious medical problems that could result in hospitalization or surgical intervention.
3. Assistance for Wound Care and Healing
Patients treated by a Wound care specialist in Cypress benefit from customized orthotic devices that are designed to relieve the stress on the areas of the body that are prone to develop wounds, such as ulcers or sores. Orthotics also help to create a quicker healing process and reduce the likelihood of developing new wounds by eliminating the possibility of creating additional damage to the affected tissues through the constant repetition of stress on them.
4. Prevention of Ingrown Toenail Complications
Improper biomechanics of the foot and/or wearing shoes with tight shoelaces can affect how well the nails grow and are sometimes the cause of developing ingrown nails. After the patient has undergone ingrown toenail surgical procedures in Houston, the use of custom orthotics can improve the position of the foot in relation to the leg, as well as reduce any force on the toes, thus creating a more efficient healing process and reducing risk of future infections.
Conditions Treated with Custom Orthotics
Orthotics, which are custom made, have been prescribed to patients dealing with:
Plantar fasciitis
Flat feet or high arches
Achilles tendonitis
Bunions and hammertoes
Diabetic foot ulcers
Chronic ankle instability
Post-surgical recovery
Every orthotic is designed for individual requirements; hence they are significantly better than regular shoe inserts.
How the Custom Orthotics Process Works
Comprehensive Foot Exam
Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your feet, including an assessment of your walking style (gait), as well as how much pressure you place on your feet. He or she will also assess your feet for underlying conditions such as diabetes.
Digital Scanning or Casting
You will have a 3-D image/scanning or casting taken of your foot so that the exact shape and position of your foot can be captured.
Orthotic Design and Fabrication
The orthotics will be custom made to meet your needs based on the results of your evaluation. The orthotic will be made from a range of materials (e.g., shock absorption, cushioning, firm or rigid) to achieve maximum result.
Fitting and Adjustment
After the orthotics are produced they will be fitted and adjusted to ensure the best possible fit and function.
Why Houston Patients Choose Custom Orthotics
Houston's active residents experience a range of foot stress, whether due to working long hours or playing sports. Custom orthotics provide Houston residents with something more than just pain relief; they give an accurate representation of the source of the pain and allow for proper treatment.
Those who have diabetes, require wound care or are recovering from ingrown toenail surgery can use custom orthotics as a source of protection and support everyday. Additionally, when used together with routine podiatric care, custom orthotics will help prevent complications and help maintain overall foot health.
Long-Term Foot Health Starts with Proper Support
Disregarding foot pain can cause progressive debilitating conditions and lead to decreased quality of life. The combination of professional care from a podiatrist and adequate orthotic support will enable patients to walk, work and exercise with confidence again.
Investing in custom orthotics equates to your long-term health care investment. They provide proper posture, protect at-risk areas of the foot and help reduce the possibility of developing chronic injuries. Custom orthotics will be an essential part of your treatment plan, whether you need assistance from a wound care expert in the Cypress area or a complete diabetic foot exam in Houston foot clinic.
Conclusion
Foot pain should not be taken lightly, however, with modern medical care and custom-made orthotics provided by the practitioners in Houston, TX., foot pain can be treated successfully. A custom orthotic will relieve pain, promote healing when there is an open sore, help to prevent complications associated with diabetes, and improve the outcome of procedures (i.e., surgery on an ingrown toenail).
At DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center, we are able to provide individuals with the proper evaluation and individualized treatment plan to achieve comfort and restore mobility. If you have a foot problem (i.e., pain or a medical condition), contact your podiatrist and schedule an evaluation so you can obtain the best-fitting custom orthotic to start walking without pain towards a healthier tomorrow!
