Orthoses are external medical devices that are designed to realign the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. The branch of medicine that deals with the application of orthoses are called orthotics.

Heel pain, overpronation, arch pain and misalignment of the feet and legs, resulting in abnormal gait and chronic pain in the lower back and rest of the body are some issues patients face. The correct custom made orthotics can address these issues, provide support to the feet and realign the mechanics of the feet.

Preventive measures

Podiatrists are medical professionals who deal with the treatment of disorders in the foot, ankle and in the lower extremities. Podiatrists may rely on foot and ankle surgery or custom orthoses to address the problems their patients are facing.

Deformities of the foot can cover a wide range of abnormalities in the muscles, bones and tendons of the foot. 

The main benefits of custom orthotics to treat foot deformities are shock absorption and providing cushioning. Moreover, the orthotic devices should fit the individual’s foot shape and requirements.

One disorder that can be addressed with custom orthotics is that of flat feet.

High arches in the feet are a sign of Cavus foot or flat foot. Often this condition also includes hammertoes, calluses found on the ball, heel or side of the foot and feet that are painful to walk on, along with a tendency to sprain the ankle. Custom orthotics can be the best non-surgical treatment option in such cases.

Bunions are protuberances that can be painful and form at the base of the big toe. Orthotic devices that can accommodate this foot deformity may have a wide toe box, that reduces the pressure on the toe. Also, bunion sleeves as well as toe separators are some of the interventions that may be used.

A side effect of bunions is the formation of hammertoes. Hammertoes develop on the small toe adjacent to the big toe. Custom orthotics can relieve the situation to some extent. Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from the bottom or back of the heel. One can apply custom orthotics for heel spurs to relieve the foot pain. Plantar fasciitis and bursitis are also additional conditions that benefit from custom orthoses.

Patients with diabetic neuropathy can experience loss of sensation in the feet. Issues like cuts or abrasions can quickly develop into serious foot ulcers in these patients. Custom orthotic devices can help cushion and protect the feet.

Curafoot, a leader in podiatric care, provides a wide range of services. These services aim to diagnose and treat the complications associated with foot deformities. One primary service by the Curafoot is designing custom made orthotics for flat feet and other foot disorders, Doctor consultations, foot assessment, custom-designed orthotics and specialized shoes. Treatment plans will take the patient’s best interests into consideration to provide non-surgical treatment options like custom made orthotics wherever possible.