Orthotics

Have you ever experienced sore feet?

As you age your feet will often change. Changes in the shape of your feet, the support of your ligaments, and complications from previous injuries can all cause strain and pain. This is why an orthotic is a good idea to provide extra support and relief for your feet. Contact us today at Forza Physiotherapy and Wellness in San Antonio, TX to learn more about how we can help relieve your foot pain.

What are the Causes of Foot Pain?

Problems with your feet can be caused by several conditions directly related to the feet. General ailments and diseases that affect the body as a whole can also lead to foot pain. The following are several examples of conditions or diseases that can be the cause of foot pain. These conditions can all be treated with physical therapy.

Plantar Fasciitis

This is a painful condition along the sole of the foot; and in particular, the area that connects the heel bone to the toes. This is due to thick tissues along the bottom of the feet becoming tightened or inflamed. Pain can occur in the heel or the arch of the foot. It can be caused by obesity, age, and standing for long periods of time on your feet.

Heel Spurs

This is a bony protrusion on the heel that is usually made of some sort of calcium build-up. While the actual spurs are not painful they can poke the tissues in the heel and potentially cause severe pain. Many of the same risk factors that cause plantar fasciitis can also cause heel spurs.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a debilitating joint disease that can affect the joints throughout the foot. Stiffness and swelling in the joints can eventually lead to permanent damage. This can affect the way you stand or walk.

Metatarsalgia

This is a painful disorder that affects the joints and bones along the ball of the foot. This condition is often caused by ill-fitting footwear or restrictive footwear. Orthotics are usually recommended to help reduce pain caused by metatarsalgia.

Other potentially treatable conditions include patellofemoral knee pain, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, and bunions, as well as numerous systemic pathologies that (like diabetes) affect the function of the lower limbs. Physical therapy services can provide treatment to relieve pain and improve whatever condition you’re suffering from.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are devices that are individually created to uniquely fit your feet. They resemble insoles but are specifically crafted and made of materials that will last longer than prefabricated orthotics. They are sometimes referred to as prescription glasses for each of your feet. There are generally three types of orthotics.

Therapeutic

If the shape of your feet is irregular, these types of orthotics can assist heel support, forward movement, and general stability.

Accommodative

These are created to help you relieve the stress on joints that is often caused by conditions such as arthritis.

Functional

These will help your feet to move in a more desirable way or bear weight in a way that will help you move and walk better.

Forza Physiotherapy and Wellness provides functional orthotics by Foot Levelers. Although orthotics are more expensive than off-the-shelf devices, they last much longer and provide more support or correction. Orthotic inserts will improve how your feet and lower legs feel and function. Quality orthotics can alleviate pressure, eliminate pain, and promote stability. It’s important to receive orthotics that are created to fit the exact shape of your foot in order to receive the maximum benefits.

How Can Physical Therapy Services Help?

Physical therapists at Forza Physiotherapy and Wellness in San Antonio, TX are specifically trained in musculoskeletal movement. They have extensive knowledge of gait analysis and biomechanics of the lower extremities. They can provide you with orthotics that uniquely fit the contours of your feet, giving you the maximum amount of function, support, and comfort.

After you have received your orthotics it will likely be necessary to provide an ongoing assessment of how your orthotics are working. Fine tuning may be needed to provide the best results possible. Contact us today to learn how our orthotics can benefit you. We will have you feeling your absolute best and light on your feet!