Orthotics and Braces
Orthotics are orthopedic devices that are used to alter or modify foot function and are designed to treat, adjust, and support various foot and ankle disorders. While orthotics are highly customized; braces are simple, often less ineffective, commercially made devices such as cushioned heel cups or insoles for shoes that are sold over the counter.
Orthotics are made using a mold of the foot and/or ankle, which duplicates any misalignments in the foot structure. Using the mold and computer technology, experts design a device that compensates for irregularities and corrects misalignments.
What are the benefits of orthotics?
Orthotics benefit people with painful foot and ankle conditions and injuries – especially those who walk or stand excessively at work and those who are overweight. In older adults, orthotics are effective in relieving foot fatigue and discomfort – especially for those with arthritis. Orthotics are used very often to treat low back pain as well as foot pain.
Since even the highest quality athletic shoes come with poor inserts, many athletes and runners have custom orthotics made. Orthotics will increase endurance, performance, and strength for amateur and professional athletes. Sports activities require a great deal of movement and put excessive pressure on the feet. Slight imbalances in the feet - not harmful or detectable under normal circumstances - make people more vulnerable to sports injuries. Orthotics reduce fatigue and promote efficient muscle function, which enhances performance. In addition, orthotic correction aligns feet to provide more dynamic propulsion.
Orthotics can:
- Provide support
- Reduce the symptoms associated with many foot problems.
- Accommodate foot deformities
- Provide better positioning
- Relieve pressure on areas of the feet
- Improve the overall function of the feet, ankles, and legs
- Relieve low back pain
Custom Orthotics at Midwest Sports Medicine
We can make custom orthotics for you in the convenience of our office - we have staff specially trained in mold making. A doctor will X-ray your feet, check for irregularities and make a cast. After a week - when your orthotic is ready - we will verify the fit, provide break-in instructions, and answer any questions you have about your new foot or ankle brace.
This procedure and the resulting orthotic is far superior to over-the-counter shoe inserts and those typically made by chiropractors – where patients step into a foam mold that makes an imprint of their foot. The problem with this method is that if the ankle/foot is misaligned, and/or the patient has an improper gait, this irregularity is captured in the mold – the patient has a mold of his irregularity.
Pediatric Orthotics
By six years of age, most children have normal arches in both feet. Many children who appear flat-footed have a normal arch but flatten it when they stand. This movement is called pronation and, if it becomes excessive, may cause painful symptoms and make the child tire easily. In this case, pediatric orthotics may be useful in improving foot issues and relieving painful symptoms.
This procedure and the resulting orthotic is far superior to over-the-counter shoe inserts and those typically made by chiropractors – where patients step into a foam mold that makes an imprint of their foot. The problem with this method is that if the ankle/foot is misaligned, and/or the patient has an improper gait, this irregularity is captured in the mold – the patient has a mold of his irregularity.
Support Braces at Midwest Sport Medicine
For support braces Midwest Sports Medicine is a much better option than a drugstore or sporting goods store because:
- We have a broad array of support/athletic braces in stock
- The braces are high quality
- Trained specialists can determine what you need and ensure a proper fit
- We’ll teach you how and when to use it
- Your insurance may pay for it