Did you know that approximately 77% of Americans experience foot pain at some point in their lives, yet many don't seek treatment until the pain becomes debilitating? Whether it's caused by flat feet, heel pain, or other conditions, the right solution can often be found in custom orthotics designed specifically for your needs.
At Martin Foot and Ankle, we provide excellent foot and ankle care across Pennsylvania. Our team builds strong doctor-patient relationships and offers education on managing and preventing foot issues. We specialize in custom orthotics to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. If you’re dealing with foot or heel pain, schedule an appointment today and take the next step toward comfort and wellness.
Custom orthotics can be life-changing for those with foot pain—read on to learn more about how they work and how they might help you.
What Are Custom Orthotics and How Do They Work?
Custom orthotics, also referred to as prescription orthotics, are medical-grade devices designed to fit the unique shape and needs of your feet. Unlike generic shoe inserts or over-the-counter insoles, they are tailored to address specific foot and ankle conditions or biomechanical issues. A podiatrist can prescribe the right orthotic to fix any issues with how you walk that are caused by the shape of your feet.
Using advanced technology like 3D scanning, custom orthotics are made from different materials, such as EVA foam or carbon fiber, ensuring durability and effectiveness. They work by providing good arch support, correcting abnormal motion, redistributing pressure, and stabilizing the foot’s structure. This helps reduce foot pain, alleviates severe foot pain, and improves mobility for people who often feel pain when they wear shoes or stand for long periods.
Conditions That Benefit from Orthotics
- High Arch (Cavus Foot) Reconstruction
Cavus foot, marked by abnormally high arches, can lead to pain and instability. We specialize in treatments such as soft tissue release, bone realignment, and custom orthotics, all designed to improve foot mechanics, alleviate pain, and enhance overall comfort.
- Neuromas
Neuromas are benign nerve tissue growths that often develop between the toes, causing sharp pain, burning, and numbness. Treatments like shoe modifications, corticosteroid injections, and custom orthotics can ease discomfort.
- Bunions
Bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, resulting in pain, swelling, and shoe fit issues. Whether through non-surgical options like orthotics, padding, and footwear adjustments or surgical correction to realign the toe joint, our expert team offers comprehensive care for bunions to alleviate pain and improve foot aesthetics and function.
- Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain, often felt with the first steps in the morning. Treatments like stretching exercises, orthotics, night splints, injections, and advanced therapies promote healing, restoring your comfort and mobility.
- Achilles Tendonitis
Symptoms often include stiffness, swelling, and tenderness at the back of the ankle. Our treatment plans focused on reducing strain, promoting healing, and enhancing mobility. Through physical therapy, orthotics, and lifestyle modifications, we aim to alleviate your pain and prevent future injuries, helping you return to your daily activities with confidence.
- Adult-Acquired Flat Foot
Adult-acquired flat foot can cause pain and difficulty with daily activities like walking. We offer treatments like custom orthotics, physical therapy, and, if needed, surgery to restore foot alignment and function through personalized care plans using advanced technology to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A condition where the tibial nerve is compressed in the ankle, causing pain, numbness, and tingling. Our podiatrists create personalized treatment plans, including physical therapy, custom orthotics, and surgery.
How Surgery Helps
- Joint Replacement
Joint replacement surgery is a procedure to replace damaged joints with artificial implants. Our experienced surgeons specialize in performing joint replacement procedures for severe joint conditions affecting the foot. Using advanced techniques and careful planning, we aim to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and help patients regain their quality of life.
- Ankle Surgery
For complex ankle conditions, surgery may be needed to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Our skilled surgeons perform procedures ranging from bone spur removal to ankle arthroscopy. We know surgery can be overwhelming, so we provide full pre- and post-operative care to support you throughout.
- Ankle Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy at Martin Foot and Ankle diagnoses and treats ankle joint conditions with precision and minimal downtime. A small camera is inserted through a tiny incision, allowing our surgeons to view and treat injuries. It can remove damaged tissue, repair ligaments or tendons, and smooth cartilage. This procedure offers smaller incisions, less scarring, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
- Talar Dome Injuries
Talar dome injuries are caused by sudden impact or repetitive strain, leading to pain, swelling, and limited ankle movement. If untreated, they can result in chronic pain and joint instability. Using advanced imaging, our specialists assess the injury and recommend treatments like physical therapy, immobilization, or surgery for severe cases. Our surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy to repair damage and aid recovery.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the ankle, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot. Our experienced team of podiatrists creates treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, including options like physical therapy, custom orthotics, or surgery for more severe cases.
Additional Tips for Foot Pain Relief
Foot pain can be tough, but simple steps can help. While severe cases need proper diagnosis and medical help, everyday habits can relieve and prevent discomfort. Here are quick tips to keep your feet healthy and pain-free!
- Flat Feet or Fallen Arches: Orthotics provide crucial arch support, improving foot alignment and reducing strain. Custom-made orthotics can prevent discomfort and help stabilize your feet, making them a great solution if your foot hurts after wearing high-heeled shoes or poorly fitting footwear.
- Arthritis and Joint Pain: By redistributing pressure and stabilizing the foot structure, orthotics help reduce swelling, ease pain, and enhance movement. For severe pain or issues like rheumatoid arthritis, the right treatment, like orthotics, can be highly effective and even save money by preventing further complications.
- Diabetic Foot and Foot Injury: Orthotics promote blood flow, prevent pressure sores, and help maintain foot health, reducing risks tied to chronic problems. Diabetic foot care combines them with healthy habits like a relaxing foot soak and wearing well-fitting shoes for maximum benefit.
- Heel Fractures: Injuries or heel fractures can worsen without the right treatment. Orthotics stabilize broken bones, reduce swelling, and aid recovery. If you're dealing with plantar fasciitis or other causes of foot pain, custom-made orthotics can be highly effective.
Start Your Path to Healthier Feet
Custom orthotics offer a personalized solution to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall foot health. Martin Foot and Ankle specializes in creating orthotics tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Don’t wait to address your foot discomfort—schedule an appointment with Martin Foot and Ankle today. Our expert team is here to provide you with high-quality, custom orthotics that support your feet and improve your quality of life. Contact us now to take the first step toward pain-free living.
