Upstep Answers
Our team answers your questions about the causes and treatment of various podiatric conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, foot pain, and the use of custom orthotics.
Recent Answers
Does Medicare Cover Custom Orthotics? A Simple Explanation
Are you a Medicare recipient grappling with foot discomfort? Custom-fitted orthotics might be your path to relief. These specialized shoe inserts can significantly alleviate foot and gait problems, offering a new lease on comfort and mobility. Let's dive into how Medicare might make this journey more affordable for you. How to Get Medicare Coverage for Orthotics Under Medicare Part B, which primarily covers outpatient services like doctor's visits and preventive screenings, you might find a benefit that's particularly relevant to your foot health: the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. This is where custom orthotics come into play. If a qualified medical practitioner prescribes custom orthotics for a medical condition covered under your Medicare Part B plan, you could be in luck. Here's a step-by-step guide to securing your Medicare coverage for orthotics: Obtain a prescription: Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. They can assess your condition and, if necessary, prescribe custom orthotics to help you.Verify eligibility: Not all medical conditions are covered, so make sure to check with your healthcare provider and insurance plan to understand the specific requirements for coverage.Choose a Medicare-enrolled supplier: Pick a supplier enrolled in Medicare and accepting Medicare assignments, like Upstep. This way, you can fully benefit from your Medicare coverage. Experience the Benefits of Upstep's Custom Orthotics If you're on the lookout for a reliable supplier that's covered by Medicare, Upstep's custom orthotics might be a game-changer for you. They're expertly designed to help correct walking imbalances—basically, they help improve how you walk. This can lead to improved support, pain relief, better balance and stability, and even injury prevention. Navigating the Medicare maze doesn't have to be a daunting task, especially when it comes to securing comfort for your feet. With custom orthotics and Medicare's potential coverage, you can stride toward a future of enhanced mobility and a more active life. Why not take that first step with Upstep today?
Asked 3 months ago
Does Medicaid Cover Custom Orthotics? A Simple Explanation
Experiencing persistent foot pain? You're not alone. Millions of Americans are dealing with foot-related issues that hinder their mobility, and custom orthotics can offer a life-changing solution. However, the cost—ranging from $300 to $800—can be quite a hurdle. Fortunately, Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources, might be your golden ticket. How to Get Insurance Coverage for Custom Orthotics Navigating Medicaid's coverage for custom orthotics can be challenging. After all, Medicaid's benefits aren't uniform across all states; some cover orthotic devices as an optional benefit, while others do not. Even those that do might require you to shoulder a portion of the cost, either as a flat fee or a percentage. However, don't let this deter you. There's a path to getting coverage for custom orthotics with Medicaid, and we're here to guide you through it. Verify your Medicaid eligibility and benefits: Start by understanding the ins and outs of your coverage. Contact your local Medicaid agency or visit their website for this information. You can also review the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) document, which lays out the details of your plan's features and costs.Secure a diagnosis and a prescription for custom orthotics from a healthcare professional: Typically, your healthcare provider needs to prove that the orthotics are medically necessary. Ensure you have a diagnosis and prescription ready.Choose a supplier that accepts Medicaid: Not all orthotics providers accept Medicaid, so it's crucial to find one that does.Keep track of your orthotics-related receipts and documentation: In case you need to make a claim later, a well-documented paper trail will be your best friend. » Learn how to ensure your orthotics are covered by insurance Get Upstep Orthotics with Medicaid If you're exploring options for high-quality, affordable custom orthotics covered by Medicaid, the Upstep Normal Everyday Activity Custom Orthotics might catch your attention. These inserts, designed by expert podiatrists, are created with the goal of correcting potential gait imbalances, which is just a fancy way of saying they help improve how you walk. They work to alleviate pressure, reduce pain, and improve both your posture and overall foot mechanics.
Asked 3 months ago
Can Knee Arthritis Cause Calf Pain?
Knee osteoarthritis is a disorder in which cartilage in the knee breaks down or degenerates. Degeneration of the articular cartilage, the flexible, slippery substance that ordinarily shields bones from joint friction and impact, is the hallmark of knee osteoarthritis. » Find the right cycling shoe insoles for arch support Are Knee Pain and Calf Pain Related? Yes, calf pain and knee pain are usually linked to some degree. If you have arthritis, you may experience pain the radiates from the knee to the calf. Arthritic joint discomfort is primarily caused by inflammation. Leg discomfort from arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendonitis) can affect one or more joints or other regions of the musculoskeletal system. » Are you an athlete suffering from knee arthritis? Check out the best insoles to relieve calf pain How Bad Knees Can Cause Calf Pain The most prevalent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is characterized by stiff and achy joints. Muscle spasms and leg cramps are common symptoms of severe illness. Pain, stiffness, and swelling can occur as the cartilage around the joint breaks down. Arthritic joints can also be hot and stiff. A variety of knee disorders can cause strain on the muscles and tendons that go down the calf. A Baker's cyst, a consequence of knee arthritis, is a prevalent problem that can also be one of the conditions leading to calf pain. Legs, thighs, calves, hips, buttocks, and feet may experience discomfort. Aside from discomfort, other typical symptoms in the leg muscles include heaviness, numbness, or soreness. Rest is typically beneficial.
Asked 4 months ago
The Differences Between Memory Foam vs. Gel Insoles
There are many different reasons that you might need to purchase a pair of insoles for your shoes. Perhaps you are trying to deal with some foot pain, or maybe you just feel that you need some extra support. Regardless of your reasons, you will still have to decide which material you would like your insoles to be made from. That being said, is memory foam or gel better for insoles? Read on to find out. Memory Foam Insoles ProsMemory foam insoles beat all other materials in terms of comfort and pressure relief. They mold to the shape of your feet and provide some wonderful cushioning. ConsExacerbate preexisting conditions Although this might feel like a great benefit at first, if you have any preexisting conditions, memory foam could potentially exacerbate them over time as they don't adjust the way your foot operates, only enhance it. Memory foam insoles are good if all you need is a general pair for some extra cushioning and support and don't intend to use them for high-intensity exercise. Gel Insoles ProsShock absorption Makes them perfect for use in high-intensity exercise that involves a lot of impact stress.ConsLack arch support They don't provide much arch supportNot for symptomatic treatment Gel insoles are not suitable for managing symptoms of flat feet or overpronation. Which Insole Should You Buy? Both gel and memory foam insoles are primarily used for giving some extra support or shock absorption, and so it really comes down to whether you are using them for general comfort or to help you during exercise. Make choosing even easier by checking out Upstep's collection of the best insoles for foot pain.
Asked 6 months ago
How Yoga Can Help With Shin Splint Pain Relief
Shin splints is a common overuse injury that often occurs as a result of repetitive physical activity. Shin splints refer to pain along the inner aspect of the shin bone (tibia), usually due to inflammation occurring in the muscles and tendons surrounding the bone. Physical activities that include running or jumping are often associated with the development of shin splints. Changes in the amount and duration of exercise are major contributing factors. Rest, application of ice, stretches, and orthotics can all help manage shin splints. Anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy also prove to be useful. Those with flat feet or rigid arches, as well as those exercising in worn-out shoes, are at a higher risk. Yoga targeting the lower legs will stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the tibia to help improve your symptoms while preventing reoccurrence in the future. Stretches to Prevent Shin Splints Tibialis Anterior Stretch: This stretch aims to target and stretch the tibialis anterior muscle, found on the front of your lower leg. Start by sitting on your knees with your feet together behind you.Place your hands on the floor in front of you, slightly pointing your toes behind your body.Lean forwards and slowly raise yourself up, allowing yourself to feel the weight of your body through your toes.This should elicit a stretch in the tibialis anterior muscle, and hold for 15- 30 seconds.Repeat 3-4 times. Achilles Tendon Stretch: This stretch will help stretch the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon. Start sitting on your buttocks with your legs out in front of you.Bend one knee and allow the other leg to be out in front of you with your heel on the floor.Loop a towel or belt around the foot of your outstretched leg and slowly pull back towards you. This should elicit a stretch in the calf muscle and Achilles tendon.Hold for 15 - 30 seconds and release.Repeat 3- 4 times on both legs.For the more experienced yogis, a downward-facing dog is also a great way to target these muscles. The Path to Shin Splint Relief In addition to yoga stretches targeting shin splints, orthotics play a crucial role in treating and preventing the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. It's important to choose the best insoles for shin splints, as custom orthotics help reduce the shock placed on the tibia bone and surrounding structures. Upstep's custom orthotics offer an effective and affordable solution for managing shin splints. Moreover, individuals with flat feet or rigid arches will especially benefit from the support and stability provided by custom orthotics.
Asked 6 months ago