Orthotics

What are orthotics?

If you walk down the foot care aisle in your local store, you’re likely to find a wall full of inserts that promise to relieve pain and improve performance. While marginally effective, these inserts aren’t designed to match your feet or to address your specific needs.

Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are pads and inserts that the doctors at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center design to meet your unique needs. The podiatrists take the time to study your feet, your gait, and review your issues before recommending orthotics that can help solve a myriad of foot issues.

While orthotics are great for solving foot problems, many people turn to them to avoid problems and improve performance, especially athletes who need a little extra support in their endeavors.

What conditions can orthotics correct?

The biggest advantage of custom orthotics is that your doctor at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center can shape them to your problem, which might include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot deformities
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Injuries
• Tendonitis

Indeed, because of their versatility, orthotics are a multi-purpose tool that can help, if not solve, many different foot, heel, and ankle problems.

What’s the procedure for getting orthotics?

The decision to get orthotics typically comes after a thorough evaluation by your doctor at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center. After reviewing your symptoms and problems, studying your gait and, if necessary, ordering advanced imaging, your doctor can prescribe the best orthotic solution.

Orthotics can be designed to slip into dress shoes and heels, and they also come in sturdier versions that work with athletic shoes or even work boots.

The process for getting your orthotics is simple. Your doctor first creates a mold of your feet when you come in for your appointment and sends it to a lab for custom manufacture. When your orthotics are ready, you return to pick them up and your doctor will review the fit and how to use them.

Your doctor may want to schedule a follow-up visit after you’ve used your orthotics for a few weeks to monitor how well they’re working and make any adjustments, if necessary.

To improve your foot health or performance through orthotics, call Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.