Common foot problems like bunions, flat feet, neuromas, and plantar fasciitis can all benefit immensely from the use of orthotics. These custom shoe inserts and supports are a specialty of experienced podiatrist Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM PC, and his team in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. If you have pain in your feet, visit Dr. Isaacson for a prompt and accurate diagnosis and a range of effective treatments, including custom-made orthotics. Call today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Orthotics Q & A
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are custom-designed supports for your feet that follow the contours of each individual foot with accommodations for any pressure points and foot abnormalities. Orthotics also help you walk better if you have mobility issues because of a structural abnormality or misalignment in your foot.
You can buy corrective footpads and arch support insoles over the counter, and they can be helpful in relieving some symptoms. However, as they aren’t designed to your unique specifications, they do have limits to their usefulness. For instance, they won’t correct the underlying cause of your foot problem in the way a prescription orthotic would.
What are prescription orthotics?
Prescription orthotics are more durable than over-the-counter versions and provide more support. Prescription orthotics are better because they fit the precise contours of your foot and can provide the adjustment needed to address the cause of your foot problem. Prescription ankle braces and orthopedic shoes are also available.
If Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM PC, thinks orthotics could help your condition, you get X-rays to have a look at the internal structures of your feet, as well as an examination of the way you walk and the movement of your body. Fitting and construction of prescription orthotics use innovative technology that scans your foot, providing your podiatrist and the orthotic laboratory with a computerized analysis of your foot.
Using this information, the design of the orthotics can address your unique foot structure and the style of your walk. Technicians can also make orthotics using a mold made from a plaster cast of your foot.
What conditions do orthotics treat?
Orthotics are an effective treatment option for many common foot conditions, including:
- Bursitis
- Calluses
- Diabetic ulcers
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Post-surgical pain
- Flat feet
- Arch pain
- Bunions
- Shin splints
- Runner’s knee
- Knee pain
- Hammertoes
- Morton’s neuroma
Orthotics can also be a useful interim measure for children while their skeletons are still growing, or if you’re waiting for foot surgery and the operation has to be delayed for any reason.
What kinds of orthotics are there?
There are several different types of orthotics, including:
- Arch supports
- Insoles
- Heel pads
- Foot cushions
There are also two main orthotic classifications:
Accommodative orthotics
Accommodative orthotics are soft, providing extra support, shock absorbency, and cushioning. This provides improved comfort for your feet and reduced distress when you have problems like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic ulcers.
Functional orthotics
Functional orthotics are more rigid than accommodative orthotics and treat conditions related to the motion of your foot and ankle.
The shape, size, and material of your orthotics depends on the kind of support and adjustment your feet need.
For custom orthotics, contact Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM PC, today over the phone or use the online booking tool.
