What is custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts to fit your feet. They are designed to support and align your feet and ankles and to improve your overall gait. Custom orthotics treat various conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, shin splints, etc. They are made from various materials, including plastic, carbon fiber, and foam. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) inserts, custom orthotics are crafted to the exact specifications of a person’s feet, providing a tailored fit and support.
Why Custom Orthotics are Essential for the Elderly
There are several reasons why orthotics are so crucial for the elderly population.
- The elderly are more likely to experience age-related changes in the body, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. These changes can make it challenging to maintain balance and coordination, leading to falls.
- The elderly may suffer from chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. These conditions can affect the feet and ankles, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- They are more likely to have had injuries or surgeries affecting their mobility. Custom orthotics can help improve mobility and reduce pain in people with injuries or surgeries. They also help relieve pain and inflammation and improve foot and ankle circulation to improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
Custom orthotics will provide the following:
- Arch Support to help distribute pressure evenly across the foot. This can alleviate strain on the plantar fascia and reduce pain.
- Shock Absorption during activities like walking or running. This helps reduce the impact on your feet.
- Proper Foot Alignment to reduce strain and better balancing
- Reduction of Overpronation or Supination
- Prevention from re-injury
Foot Dynamics Can Help Elderly Patients
To get custom orthotics, you can visit a medical professional specializing in foot and ankle care or go directly to Foot Dynamics for less severe problems. We can assess many issues common to older people. However, for more severe issues, like treating advanced foot problems related to diabetes, a visit first to your healthcare professional will be the right choice.
Foot Dynamics has onsite medical professionals who provide FREE foot assessments. We can only do that since we own the orthotic lab at the same location. Our orthotics are guaranteed for fit and performance for 90 days.
If you are considering getting custom orthotics, contact us. We offer tele-consulting to determine whether they are right for you.
