What Conditions Are Custom Orthotics Prescribed For?

If you think of the feet as the foundation of the body, it's clear to see why conditions originating there can impact a number of other places in the body. Something as minor as low arches can lead to serious conditions such as arthritis.

Thankfully, the invention of custom insoles that fit into regular shoes and force your feet to operate in a particular way (orthotics) has meant that some of these detrimental conditions can have a better chance of being treated.

If you think you might need custom orthotics over generic insoles, read this article to determine the types of conditions that custom orthotics, like Upstep, can be used to treat.

Incorrect Arches

There are essentially three different types of incorrect arch development that can lead to many different secondary conditions and chronic pain that can be mediated with the use of certain orthotics.

1. High arches put extra stress on the other foot muscles and can lead to knee pain and shin splints.
2. Low arches or flat feet can cause anything from pain in the ankles and heels to total changes in your gait.
3. Arches that roll inward negate the foot's natural cushioning and can lead to excessive pain in the feet and back.

Foot Deformities

With the feet receiving so much stress throughout the course of any given day, they can be subject to the development of a number of different deformities that can have varying benefits from the use of orthotics.

1. Bunions form at the base of the big toe and can be extremely painful or even lead to further foot deformities, such as hammer toes.
2. Heel Spurs are extra bits of bone that grow at the base of the heel and can cause inflammation.

Stress-Induced Foot Conditions

Aside from potentially causing external deformities, excessive stress can also lead to a number of inflamed or painful conditions that may benefit from the use of custom orthotics.

1. Injuries are the most commonly treated foot conditions and can vary in severity and healing time, which can be aided to different extents with custom orthotics.
2. Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue that runs under your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes) and causes varying degrees of foot pain. Upstep provides custom orthotics to treat plantar fasciitis.
3. Bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that surround your joints and can lead to pain and swelling.

» Curious about custom orthotics? Browse Upstep's range of custom orthotics to get started

Should You Get Custom Orthotics?

If you experience any kind of pain throughout your feet, legs, and back, its cause might be rooted in foot issues. Consulting with a foot doctor (podiatrist) can give you more insight into a diagnosis and treatment plan. At Upstep, the team of podiatrists assist in diagnosing your foot pain and are also available to answer any questions you have - at no additional cost.

Although orthotics aren't a universal answer, they can assist in the treatment with regular use. Upstep has excellent reviews of customers who have reduced their foot pain and have noticed other ailments subsided too.

» Any questions? Please visit Upstep's website for additional information