Orthotics is a special device that is used to treat any kind of bone dislocation, strain, or neuromuscular issues on human body parts like a foot, leg, or back. The orthotics are a special type of shoe or heel inserted plate that doctors recommend for some specific problems only on the mentioned body parts. In case you don't know anything about the orthotics, then you are exactly in the right place. Orthotics can be a part of a selective treatment plan that allows the doctor to specifically target on one place and get the injury recovered as soon as possible. Most importantly orthotics helps in treating problems like pain and discomfort on the feet or the lower legs. Some of the problems that the orthotics help in giving relief are as follows: correcting any misplaced bone on the foot, helping the foot, or the ankle to work better if there's an injury or pain, orthotics also provides extra support to the ankle, and most importantly it reduces the chances of getting any further injuries. To know a little bit more about orthotics, you must read this article now.
What is an Orthotics?
An orthotics is something more than just a heel, pad, or even a shoe that you can buy at any medical stores. Orthotics are made according to your leg or your back. Medical professionals keep the measurements of your body and customize them especially for you. As everyone's body is different and one single size of orthotics won’t fit everyone, hence orthotics is supremely customized shoe or heel that is made particularly for you to treat any kind of feet disorders. Your doctor will only suggest you to get an orthotics after any off-the-shelf device or any other treatments that has proven ineffective, such as home exercise or strong medication.
When Does A Podiatrist Suggest You an Orthotics?
A podiatrist is someone you pay visit when you are facing any kind of problems or issues on your lower leg or particularly on your feet and ankle. In case you are suffering from any kind of foot and heel pain, then the first thing you should do is to visit a professional and well-qualified podiatrist where they will ask you some routine questions to identify your problem and suggest you required treatment accordingly. They can advise you for orthotics also. They will ask you questions like what the symptoms are you are facing if there's something that is triggering the pain or any treatment is providing any relief to understand your condition a little better. He or she might also ask you questions regarding how long you are facing the difficulties. After the questions are done asking, they will examine you physically to further notice any weak or strong spot on your leg. Based on the examination, they will decide if you need an orthotics or not.
What Are the Common Conditions in which Orthotics Is Used For?
Before suggesting anything, the doctor will tell you to undergo some tests to make sure that the thing they are suggesting to you will be the right fit for your problem. You might have to undergo tests like X-ray, bone scan or MRI. All these tests will help the doctor to identify your problems. Some basic problems that can be treated with orthotics are as follows:
- Arthritis - orthotics can help in providing relief in severe arthritis issues.
- Back pain - orthotics can provide comfort in back pains.
- Bunions - they are like painful big bumps that can occur at the end of your toes and make the pain and create difficulties in walking.
Several other problems can get cured by using an orthotics, however these are some basic issues that you should be aware before using them by consulting a podiatrist.