The way in which your feet connect with the ground has a great impact on how you walk or run, and whether or not you’ll deal with pain in the process. The feet are the foundation for these types of movement, and if they strike the ground incorrectly when walking or running, it can start a chain reaction that results in problems elsewhere in the body. To address any of these potential problems—like foot pain in Glenn Dale—orthotics may be recommended to alter the way your foot makes contact with the ground and to correct any imbalances that might be interfering with your stride.

Foot orthotics are molded pieces of rubber, leather, plastic or a synthetic material that are inserted into just about any pair of shoes and worn normally with those shoes. They are available in full length, 2/3 length, and 1/2 length sizes, and range from over-the-counter to semi-customizable and fully customizable, giving individuals a wide range of options to choose from. The main purpose of orthotics is to support and stabilize the feet by correcting any imbalances of each foot and more evenly distributing bodyweight.

Orthotics are most commonly prescribed for people who are already suffering from foot and/or leg pain, but they may also be recommended to prevent problems from occurring in the future. The theory here is that by correcting any imbalances of the foot, an individual will walk and run more efficiently and therefore have a lower risk for any issues with the feet, ankles or legs. Whether or not orthotics can actually prevent injuries, however, is the matter of some debate and it’s not completely clear if they land on this promise.

Plantar fasciitis and other common conditions that may benefit from orthotics

Where orthotics are more consistently associated with benefits is in treatable painful conditions of the foot and lower body. One of the most common applications of orthotics is for plantar fasciitis, a condition that occurs when the plantar fascia ligament—which connects the back of the heel to the front of the toes—becomes inflamed or irritated. It results when this ligament is damaged, and typically leads to a stabbing or jabbing pain over the arch and under the heel of the foot.

Orthotics are popularly used to address plantar fasciitis and are generally regarded as effective for reducing pain in those that try them. For some of these patients, orthotics help to correct foot shape issues like flat feet or high arches, which may be responsible for plantar fasciitis and other foot-related issues. Other conditions that orthotics may be recommended for include shin splints, knee pain, back pain, bunions, hammertoe and calluses. In addition, individuals who are older, overweight or have diabetes or other special needs may also benefit from orthotics.

Visit CAM PT to try orthotics for your foot pain in Glenn Dale

If you’re thinking about giving orthotics a try, CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services can help. We are now are providing custom-made orthotics to patients on the spot, and using advanced technology, our providers can outfit you with custom made and fitted orthotics in one visit. First, we have patients place their feet in the ProTech UV Light Box. Then, using flexible film and molds, a custom-made pair of ProTech Light Orthotics will be provided to the patient in less than five minutes. These orthotics have the most advanced composite design of any product available, and they are generally up to 50% lighter than traditional custom orthotics. This revolutionary technology enables the most precise fit possible, transforming a flexible material into a shaped orthotic device using a light-curing process. We encourage you to come in today and walk out with your own personal custom made Light Orthotics in less than minutes! Or, to schedule an appointment for foot pain or any other problems that may be related to your feet, call us at 301-464-7390 to schedule an appointment today at any of our three clinics in Laurel, Hyattsville or Glenn Dale/Bowie MD, or click here for more information on orthotics.