Custom Orthotics in Denver, CO
Before you reach for those “one-size-fits-most” orthotics at your local drugstore, you might want to think again. These orthotics aren’t made from the highest quality materials and they aren’t designed with your specific needs in mind. Some of these premanufactured orthotics can cause further problems for your feet. This is why your best bet is to turn to our podiatrist for custom-made orthotics. These orthotics are not just made to fit your feet but also provide your feet with exactly what they need to function optimally, even if you’re dealing with preexisting foot problems.
When your feet hurt or if you are suffering foot issues, it can keep you from enjoying your life. Your podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to treat your feet.
What Are Orthotics and How Do They Work?
Orthotics are medical devices prescribed by a podiatrist to treat a foot condition or issue. You wear them inside your shoes. Orthotics perform many functions including reducing stress and pressure on your feet, improving gait and posture, realigning bones, tendons, and ligaments, and other functions.
How Orthotics Are Made
Orthotics can be made using several methods, but it all begins with a thorough examination and measurement of your feet and an analysis of your gait. A 3D scan or plaster cast can then be made of your foot. These are sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians create your orthotics.
How Orthotics Can Help You
Custom orthotics are an excellent choice to treat foot, toe, and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, heel pain, hammertoe, bunions, lateral ankle instability, and more. They can also help relieve foot symptoms caused by diabetes and arthritis.
The Purpose of Custom Orthotics
The custom orthotics that Dr. Florin Costache creates for you can offer your feet a variety of benefits including:
- A reduction in the foot, ankle, leg, back, and hip pain
- Ample support, particularly for the heels and arches of the feet
- Improved foot mechanics
- Alleviating pressure spots and distributing weight more evenly throughout the feet
- Improving foot alignment
- Preventing deformities and foot problems from getting worse
Who Can Benefit From Custom Orthotics?
Most people can benefit from custom orthotics, not just athletes (even though athletes should strongly consider how orthotics could improve the health and function of their feet and ankles). Certain health conditions, in particular, could benefit from orthotics. These conditions include:
- Bunions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Diabetic feet
- Plantar fasciitis
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Obesity
If you spend more than five hours a day standing, custom orthotics can help take the pressure off certain parts of your feet and can prevent soreness, aching, pain, and discomfort after a long day. Children, teens, adults, and seniors can all benefit from orthotics for different reasons.
When You Should See a Podiatrist for Orthotics
You should see a podiatrist for custom orthotics if you have a chronic disease affecting your feet like diabetes or arthritis. You should also visit a podiatrist for orthotics if:
- You experience chronic foot, ankle, or toe pain
- You play sports or do activities which involve a significant amount of foot stress
- You spend a lot of time on your feet and stand or walk on hard surfaces for long periods
Orthotics as a Long-Term Treatment
The average length of time an orthotic can last is about 2 to 3 years. If you wear your orthotics constantly, you may need them replaced after 1 year. If you wear your orthotics only occasionally, they may last 5 years.
Orthotics and Insurance
Custom orthotics are a prescription, just like medication, and they are prescribed by your podiatrist. As a prescription, they are covered by most insurances as a treatment for foot issues and conditions.
Want To Know More?
To find out more about custom orthotics and how they can help you, talk with the experts. Call Dr. Florin Costache and Dr. Lorry Melnick at Cherry Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Denver, CO. You can reach them in the office by calling (303) 355-1695, so call today.
