Foot pain can make even basic tasks difficult. Thankfully, custom orthotics can help relieve discomfort in your feet so that you can move easily. These customized shoe inserts consist of cushioned, durable materials that provide extra support. Here are several common conditions that podiatrists help treat with orthotics. 

What Issues Can Custom Orthotics Help Relieve?

1. Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a fibrous, dense tissue band that runs from the base of the toes to the heel. Walking and other foot movements cause the bands to stretch and contract; however, excessive stretching and pressure on the plantar fascia causes painful inflammation and small tears. Running and jumping also stress the plantar fascia, as does wearing footwear that doesn't provide enough support.

Plantar fasciitis pain frequently affects the heels and arches due to the overextension of the muscles. Often, discomfort increases after you finish exercising. Custom orthotics relieve pain by providing support for your arches and heels, helping cushion the feet as you move.

2. Morton’s Neuroma

When you wear tight-fitting shoes regularly, such as high heels, the pressure can compress and inflame the nerves between the toes. The footwear crowds and puts pressure on the toes, eventually leading to Morton’s neuroma. This is a benign condition where nerve tumors or growths form, causing pain and gait abnormalities. Arch support from custom orthotics takes pressure off metatarsal pads—the balls of your feet—to help relieve the pain of Morton’s neuroma.

3. Diabetic Foot Pain

When you have diabetes, the condition can eventually lead to nerve damage in the feet. This is known as diabetic neuropathy, and it can result in tingling and numbness, as well as loss of feeling and decreased blood flow. When you cannot feel your feet, you have a higher likelihood of cutting them accidentally, which increases your risk of infections and ulcers. 

Custom orthotics relieve pressure that contributes to and worsens ulcers because it provides extra support to your arches, heels, and metatarsal pads. This support is especially helpful for overweight individuals with Type 2 diabetes because they experience more pressure on the feet.

If you think custom orthotics will benefit your feet, contact St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM. Featuring convenient locations in St. Peters and Florissant, MO, this podiatry center provides a range of foot care services to residents throughout St. Charles County, including treatments for sprained ankles, ingrown toenails, and bunions. Call (636) 720-0190 to make an appointment, and visit the website for more information about their services.