Foot Pain and Orthotics

The majority of Americans (77%) say they have experienced foot pain and 83% of adults with chronic foot pain report the pain has restricted their day-to-day activities.[1] Foot pain can have a profound effect on one’s quality of life. If your muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, or bones are not in an optimal functional position and are causing pain, discomfort, and fatigue, foot orthotics may be right for you.

The feet take a lot of daily abuse from walking, running, jumping, and climbing, so naturally, they are subject to many different types of problems – from injuries to inflammation and disease. A person will walk an estimated 150,000 miles in their lifetime, roughly the equivalent of walking around the world six times.[2] When foot pain causes you to change the way you walk, it changes the way the bones of all those other joints move with each other. Cartilage in the joints can wear down, ligaments and tendons can be stressed beyond their normal range and arthritis can set in.[3] As a result, foot pain can quickly lead to back pain.

Foot pain caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis may be relieved through the use of shoe orthotics. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of a thick ligament called the plantar fascia, which runs along the sole of the foot, from the bottom of the heel bone to the toes. People with inflammatory forms of arthritis, as well as those with fibromyalgia, are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.[4] Bursitis occurs when bursae – small, fluid-filled sacs – become inflamed. Bursitis often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion, on the foot in may occur near the heel or base of the big toe.[5] Orthotic insoles can help mitigate the pain and discomfort caused by these conditions.[6]

Orthotics are prescription medical devices that you wear inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues such as problems with how you walk, stand, or run.[7] Foot orthotics are used to optimize the amplitude of the arches of the feet as well as vertically aligning the ankle.[8] Many studies have shown the efficacy of customized foot orthotic therapy. Indeed, recent investigations have demonstrated that custom-fit orthotics may restrict undesirable motion of the foot and ankle, enhancing joint mechanoreceptors to detect perturbations and providing structural support for detecting and controlling postural sway in ankle- injured subjects.[9]

Foot orthotics can be made from different materials, and may be rigid, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, or accommodative, depending on your diagnosis and specific needs. Due to this variety in options and the individualized experience of your foot pain, it’s important to consult the expert care of a podiatrist.

Dr. Arti C. Amin of Corona Foot and Ankle is a board-certified Podiatrist who specializes in conservative and surgical management of the foot and ankle, and has been in practice for over 18 years. During an appointment, our office will take X-rays and 3D images of your foot using our innovative technology. This advanced technology allows us to provide unsurpassed patient care that was not possible even just a few years ago.[10] We will also take a complete physical assessment and do a thorough examination that may include watching you walk and noting how your feet, ankles, legs, and hips move.

Visit Corona Foot and Ankle if you’re experiencing any aches, pains, symptoms or have any questions about the health of your feet. Dr. Amin can determine or diagnose any problem and recommend a treatment plan that works for you. Don’t let foot pain limit your lifestyle, come see if foot orthotics are right for you.

[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-reveals-majority-of-americans-suffer-from-foot-pain-259775741.html

[2] https://www.scpod.org/contact-us/press/press-releases/feet-facts/

[3] https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/that-pain-in-your-back-could-be-linked-to-your-fee

[4] https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/foot-heel-and-toe-pain/causes/foot-injury.php

[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353242

[6] https://www.orthofeet.com/blogs/news/how-orthotic-insoles-can-help-plantar-fasciitis

[7] https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-are-shoe-orthotics#1

[8] Irwin RE. The origin and relief of common pain. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 1998; 11(2):89-130.

[9] Meeker WC, Mootz RD, Haldeman S. Back to basics: The state of chiropractic research. Topics in Clinical Chiropractic. 2002; 9(1):1-13.

[10] http://coronafootandankle.com/