You might be surprised to learn that nearly 80 percent of Americans report having experienced foot pain. While feet are constantly being used and are bound to experience the occasional bout of discomfort, prolonged pain can be the warning sign of deeper issues.

The feet are sensitive and highly individualized parts of the body. Their structure is comprised of a variety of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones that work to support the body’s entire frame. Therefore, ensuring an individual’s feet are able to properly function protects the body from future injury and disease. But what if an individual is experiencing foot, ankle, leg, or lower back pain — can custom foot orthotics actually help improve the pain?

First, it’s important to define what custom foot orthotics are. They are not the gel, foam, or plastic inserts that can be found at a local Walgreens or department shoe store. While these inserts can help provide extra cushion and support, they do not specifically fix the biomechanical issues that may be associated with an individual’s foot structure or gait. Conversely, custom foot orthotics are specially designed medical devices made to correct how an individual walks, runs, and stands.

Who Needs Custom Foot Orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics can help solve long standing pain located in the feet, ankles, legs, or lower back. These personalized inserts are tailored to fit foot deformities and ill-functioning feet in order to better support the body’s overall health.

Conditions that can be improved with custom foot orthotics include:

  • Arthritis
  • Back pain
  • Bunions
  • Bursitis
  • Diabetes
  • Flat feet
  • Hammertoes
  • Heel spurs
  • High arches
  • Injuries
  • Plantar fasciitis

Depending upon an individual’s case, two forms of orthotics are weighed to best fit the needs of the feet.

Rigid or Functional Orthotics – Made from materials like plastic or carbon fiber, these inserts are best suited for close-toed walking or dress shoes with low heels. Functional orthotics are designed to reduce foot pain and strains, including discomfort found in the legs, thighs, and back.

Soft or Accommodative Orthotics – Made from soft compression materials, accommodative orthotics work by relieving pressure off uncomfortable and sore spots from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or diabetic foot ulcers.

The use of custom orthotics can also help avoid the need for surgical procedures to fix severe foot conditions.

How Are Foot Custom Orthotics Made?

Reinhardt Chiropractic partners with Sole Supports, an innovative professional orthotic company that custom engineers inserts for individuals across the country. The process starts with Dr. Reinhardt who will review an individual’s medical history, current symptoms, and conduct a physical exam to determine if custom foot orthotics would be the best treatment plan.

If inserts would help alleviate the problem, Dr. Reinhardt will take a custom mold of the patient’s foot structure to send to Sole Supports for design and manufacturing. In addition, Dr. Reinhardt will combine physical manipulation and targeted exercises to help reduce pain and strengthen the affected area(s). The combination of orthotics and exercises should be able to reduce or eliminate the pain and discomfort associated with an individual’s foot malfunction.

Custom Foot Orthotics in Denver, CO

Upon entering our clinic, Dr. Reinhardt will conduct a full exam of your situation and overall health to determine the cause of your discomfort. Through a combination of treatments, exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and custom foot orthotics, Dr. Reinhardt and his team can help alleviate your pain and misalignment. Schedule an appointment today to start healing!