5 Unexpected Benefits of Custom Orthotics

No two people’s feet are exactly alike. That’s just one reason custom orthotics are so useful. These specially-made medical inserts slip inside your shoes, matching the exact contours of your feet to provide optimal comfort and support. 

Based on a complete evaluation of your feet, legs, ankles, and gait, custom orthotics accommodate your specific foot structure and pathology. That means less pain and more stability.

Our expert team at Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, offers custom orthotics to help you stay active. Here, we take a closer look at five benefits of orthotic shoe inserts that may surprise you.

1. Orthotics help prevent painful injuries

Many people end up using custom orthotics after an injury has set in, but these personalized shoe inserts can also protect you from future injuries. Research shows that custom orthotics lower the risk of shin splints, for example, which are a common and painful overuse injury.

These perks stem from increased ankle and foot stabilization, which in turn support your whole body. This means you’ll be able to engage in the activities you love without worrying as much about the potential of sustaining an injury.

2. Orthotics treat tendonitis

About 30% of doctor visits for musculoskeletal injuries involve tendinitis or inflammation of the tendons that support and stabilize a joint — often, the ankles or knees. By reducing strain and redistributing pressure on your knee and Achilles tendons, orthotics help relieve tendinitis discomfort and promote healing. They also lessen your odds of worsening tendon pain.

Custom orthotics also provide shock absorption, which reduces muscle stress related to tendon problems. If you’re bothered by knee or ankle tendonitis, your orthotic will raise your heel enough to shorten the affected tendon, reducing pressure and preventing overuse.

3. Orthotics can help improve your gait

Your gait is the pattern with which your feet move when you walk. Our team may recommend functional orthotics if you have an abnormal gait. 

By improving your gait, you’ll be less likely to deal with calluses, corns, stress fractures, and arthritis in the lower half of your body. This is especially true if you have high arches or flat feet, which make you more vulnerable to these conditions.

4. Orthotics keep your ankles stable

Even a simple misstep while walking can lead to an ankle injury if the joint rolls in an awkward fashion. So it’s no surprise that ankle sprains and fractures are common injuries. They’re also debilitating ones that can keep you off of your feet for weeks at a time. 

Custom orthotics stabilize your ankles through foot support, making it less likely that you’ll roll your ankles. With these devices in place, your weight will be better distributed, too, guarding against falls. All of that means a lower risk of injury, helping you avoid the possibility of needing foot and ankle surgery in the future. 

5. Orthotics are made to suit your precise needs

It may be tempting to purchase shoe inserts from a grocery store or pharmacy. But while basic inserts may provide benefits, they aren’t designed to address a broad range of intricate foot and ankle needs.

Custom orthotics are made to fit your feet precisely, with any symptoms you’re facing in mind. Our team takes three-dimensional images of your feet to create the perfect fit.

To learn more about custom orthotic benefits or get the personalized foot care you need, call Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, today, or use our convenient online booking feature to schedule an appointment at your convenience.