Here is a look at the different types of shoe modifications that can be used to improve stability and support.Ĭushioned (Sach) heel: This cushion is a wedge of compressible rubber that is inserted into the heel to absorb impact during the heel strike. For example, heel wedges can be made to promote inversion (turning inward) while resisting eversion (turning outward), and vice versa. Shoe modifications can be made to reduce pressure on sensitive areas by redistributing weight to areas that are pain-free. Additional types of materials used to create orthotics include rubber, metal, leather, and plastics. Athletes benefit most from this type of orthotic material. Semi-rigid orthotic devices are a combination of soft, compressible materials that are reinforced by more rigid materials. These devices are effective if a person has arthritis or a foot deformity that causes a loss of protective fatty tissue on the bottom of the foot. Soft orthotic devices are typically made of soft, compressible materials such as silicone or foam. Devices made of these materials are usually used to control motion of the joints in the foot.
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Rigid orthotic devices are typically made of plastic or carbon fiber. Orthotics also differ in the materials they are made from. These types of orthotics can be used by anyone, and are used to relieve mild foot pain and to correct minor foot problems. There are also orthotics that combine both functional and accommodative features.Įxamples of accommodative orthotics are braces, splints, casts, gait plates, and night bars. Functional orthotics are used to correct various foot deformities while supporting the rear foot and the mid-foot regions. They also help with shock absorption while you are walking or in motion. They are usually made of materials such as plastic polymer and are good for reducing foot pronation (foot flattening). Functional orthotics are designed to support abnormal foot biomechanics. However, there are several types of orthotics. Generally, foot specialists group orthotics into two categories: functional orthotics and accommodative orthotics. Get information on new foot and ankle orthotics here. These custom-made devices cost more than those bought over-the-counter, but they are sometimes more supportive and last longer. If you are an athlete, you may want to consider having a custom-made device prescribed by your doctor, especially if you are a runner. The insert provides additional cushioning to your feet and ankles, which can prevent or reduce soreness and inflammation. Before starting work, you may want to consider purchasing a shoe insert. Aligning and supporting the body, including the feet and anklesįor example, if you are about to begin a new job as a valet attendant, your job is going to entail a great deal of running.
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Improving the overall health of the foot and ankle.
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They also ease problems in other parts of the body, such as the back and hips. They help restore your ability to walk, run, and jump by reducing pain and swelling, and they increase the stability of unstable joints and provide better arch support. If you are suffering from one of these conditions, you may want to discuss orthotics first with your podiatrist. Still, the purpose of all orthotics is to permit the healing of various foot conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, among others. Mass-produced, “one-size-fits-all” orthotics cost less, but do not always properly correct the problem in the buyer’s foot, and they sometimes do more harm than good. The two should not be confused, however, since there is a great difference is quality and effectiveness.