When your podiatrist suggests orthotics for you, know that they have a good reason. Beyond improving the comfort and mechanics of the feet, orthotics may help with back pain, balance, posture, and more. Dr. Joseph A. Stuto and Dr. Joseph C. Stuto from Stuto Foot Specialists Podiatry are at your feet's service. If orthotics are recommended by your podiatrist in Brooklyn Heights, NY, not only will they provide benefits when you have a specific foot issue, but you may find after wearing them that problems in other areas of your body are improved.
What are the types of orthotics for the feet?
When it comes to adult feet, there are three main types of orthotics that your podiatrist in Brooklyn Heights, NY may recommend. These types are rigid, soft, and semi-rigid. Below is a description of each:
- Rigid: These are designed to restrict and control certain abnormal foot movements that may cause pain. They also provide stability and are typically used for walking or dress shoes. Rigid orthotics are generally made of plastic or carbon fiber.
- Soft: Made from soft, compressible materials like foam or gel, these are appropriate for those with foot deformities such as hammertoes or bunions that need pressure relief.
- Semi-rigid: Also designed to provide stability, this type of orthotic is commonly suggested for those with flat feet. These are made from a combination of soft and rigid materials. They provide the cushioning of soft orthotics combined with a certain amount of motion control.
How can orthotics benefit me?
Orthotics can do wonders for both feet and the body, whether dealing with an injury to the foot or not. Here's how:
- Foot pain: Orthotics can be made to take pressure off of any area of the foot that needs pressure relief. Orthotics help to distribute your body weight more evenly so that one area of your foot is not overworked.
- Faster healing: Structures that are overworked in the feet, such as tendons or ligaments, can relax and heal.
- Correct leg asymmetry: Some people have been diagnosed with a leg length discrepancy. Orthotics may solve this problem by using only an orthotic in the shoe of the shorter leg, or different thicknesses of orthotics for both shoes, evening out the different lengths of your legs.
- Back pain: Correcting posture and gait with orthotics causes your spine to be straighter and may lead to decreased back pain.
- Improved balance: Confidence and comfort when standing will likely improve when wearing orthotics and body weight will be distributed more evenly, inevitably leading to improved balance.
- Shock absorption and support: The right type of orthotic provides greater support and shock absorption than shoes alone, and may prevent injuries to your feet.
Contact us
If you need a podiatrist in Brooklyn Heights, NY, schedule a consultation with one of the Drs. Stuto at Stuto Foot Specialists Podiatry by calling (718) 624-7537.