Saturday, July 26, 2014

The Role Of Shoe Orthotics In Treating Foot And Ankle Problems

By Coleen Torres


Foot and ankle pain is a very common complaint and millions of people cannot move about comfortably. This can be caused by a myriad of reasons and podiatrists often struggle to make a firm diagnosis. This is because foot and ankle pain is often only the manifestation of disease or injury elsewhere in the body. The use of special prosthetics often helps but shoe orthotics seldom cures the underlying problem.

A very large percentage of foot and ankle complaints can be traced directly to the footwear used by the sufferers. It is important to only wear footwear that fit properly. The toes should not be cramped and there must be some sort of support for the arches. Sportsmen should make sure that they always use only the footwear designed for the specific sport in which they partake.

It is important to look after the feet and ankles. This can help to avoid pain and discomfort. It is vital to make sure that the feet is cleans and dry at all times. Podiatrists advise their clients to walk barefoot as often as they can. Regular foot massages also help to increase circulation. Exercises such as running on the toes and stretching the feet is also said to be helpful.

When considering the purchase of prosthetic devices is may be a good idea to get recommendations from a podiatrist. It is an unfortunate fact that many devices currently on the market are not up to standard. They are not scientifically designed and they can actually aggravate the existing problem and cause new problems to boot. Also, injuries to the feet and ankles should always be seen to immediately.

Another common cause of discomfort is fallen arches. People with this condition have do not have the raised bridge that people with normal feet have. This can lead to chronic pain in the feet and difficulty to stand on tippy toes. The condition cannot be cured but the use of insoles can help to support the arches and provide considerable relief from the symptoms. No prescription is necessary for these insoles.

It is not only people suffering from fallen arches that can benefit from orthopedic footwear devices. Those suffering from inflammation of the soles often experience immediate and welcome relief from pain. It is common for diabetics to struggle with circulation in the feet and a device can do much to improve the situation. Arthritis sufferers also benefit because their condition often cause inflammation and pain in the joints of the feet.

As long as good quality devices are purchased there is no risk involved in using them. It is also possible to use one device with many different pairs of shoes. They do not require a lot of maintenance but it is important to keep them dry and clean. Worn and frayed devices or devices that cause any sort of discomfort should be replaced immediately.

Footwear prosthetics seldom cure problems of the feet and ankles but they surely provide immense relief for many patients. Pain can make it difficult to walk and many sufferers are housebound. Whenever foot or ankle pain is experienced or when the feet or ankle is injured, a podiatrist should be seen without delay.




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