By Melissa J. Lockwood, DPM, Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C.
We don’t usually pay much attention to our feet — until they hurt! When you think about it, it’s pretty amazing that the entire body is supported by two anatomical structures that are only about 12 by 5 inches! The feet are one of the most complex parts of the body, made up of 26 bones and over 100 muscles. We depend on our feet for living a healthy lifestyle, so they certainly deserve some special attention.
Foot pain can be caused by many different things, such as high arches, low arches, plantar fasciitis, neuromas, abnormal gait, pressure, bunions, or just being on your feet all day. Many people are not aware of a simple solution that can help with all sorts of painful conditions — custom orthotics. In fact, just sliding a pair into your shoes is often all it takes to ease symptoms and restore comfort so you can forget about your feet and focus on your fun!
By making an impression of your foot, we are able to custom-make orthotics to fit the contours of your unique feet and address your specific needs. They can distribute weight evenly, redirect pressure, provide support and cushion, hold your foot in proper alignment, and more —whatever it takes to relieve your pain.
While store-bought inserts can give you some added comfort, custom orthotics not only provide the cushion you’re looking for, but also the support and corrective capabilities you need to address structural and biomechanical issues.
For example, if your foot rolls too far inward when you walk because of low arches, custom orthotics can be used to provide arch support as well as hold your foot in proper alignment so you step correctly, making you less vulnerable to injury and helping you to prevent foot pain. Store-bought inserts can’t correct and protect like that!
Only custom orthotics treat the source of your pain rather than just the symptoms. We like to think of custom orthotics as your foot’s best friend! They’re supportive, help make you feel better, and are always there when you need them most.
If you are struggling with foot pain, come see us so we can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine if custom orthotics could help.
For more information regarding foot pain or any foot problem, please contact Dr. Lockwood at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates at 309-661-9975 or www.heartlandfootandankle.com. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine if custom orthotics could help. Their office is located at 10 Heartland Dr. in Bloomington.