Orthotics Specialists in Midtown Manhattan NYC

Orthotics

We fit patients for custom foot orthotics. Custom foot orthotics are superior to what we all see in the drugstore or online because they are made specifically for your individual foot. Yes, there are common foot pathologies that certain orthotic types may be beneficial. But having an orthotic produced based on a 3-D image or a mold of your foot is far superior to any store-bought insert.

Orthotics act to balance your feet and legs while controlling your foot while walking and standing. We modify the orthotics to correct deformities and control the foot and prevent motions that cause pain.

Most people try the over-the-counter versions of orthotics first but often end up needing a more customized approach to get lasting relief. A good podiatry doctor does a full biomechanic evaluation to determine the type of orthotics that will work best for your individual symptoms. Biomechanics is a science that studies how your body moves during walking, running, and sports activities and is an integral component of a good sports medicine podiatric exam.

Common Reasons to Use Orthotics

A flat foot is one of the most common conditions in which orthotics are prescribed, but orthotics can be beneficial to many other problems. Pediatric patients and adults can benefit from custom orthotics, whether it to treat kids with in-toe walking and a flat foot or adults with a heel or big toe pain. We have many different orthotics to treat your specific condition and foot. A good podiatry doctor does a full biomechanic evaluation to determine the type of orthotics that will work best for your individual symptoms. Biomechanics is a science that studies how your body moves during walking, running, and sports activities and is an integral component of a good sports medicine podiatric exam.

Your New York podiatrist may recommend orthotics to address other issues as well. Correcting problems early can help prevent more serious back and lower body issues later in life, especially when you have:

• Shin splints
• Flat foot
• Achilles tendon and posterior tibial tendon problems
• Runner’s knee
• Back pain due to your feet and legs being out of alignment
• Knee pain when your feet and legs aren’t balanced
• General foot pain from standing on hard surfaces all-day

There are many over-the-counter orthotic options available, but they are no substitute for custom orthotics made to order from a 3-D image or a mold of your foot.

When to See a Podiatrist in New York

If you have serious foot pain, schedule an appointment with the highest-rated podiatry doctor in NYC. After evaluating your general health and looking for the cause of your foot pain, your doctor will examine the biomechanics of your body with a special focus on the lower extremities. A good podiatrist in midtown NYC will never prescribe a custom orthotic without a full biomechanical exam.

Good podiatry doctors will perform a thorough gait (walking) evaluation and examine all joints in the sitting (off-weigh bearing) position. Once this information is gathered, your podiatric doctor makes a 3D image of each foot. Using these images and measurements of your feet, a custom-fitted set of orthotics can be created then modified to correct your foot problems.

Details About Orthotics

Custom orthotics are designed to control your foot and promote healthy foot mechanics. This, in turn, prevents pain and compensation at other joints leading to arthritis. Most store-bought orthotics and insoles only act to cushion your feet as you stand. They do not provide the control or structure to really make a difference to our foot function. They are often soft and prone to breaking down quickly.  Most individuals in need of orthotics would benefit from more than just store-bought arch support so visit your podiatry doctor to find out more about an orthotic device that can benefit you.

For real relief from your symptoms, a podiatry doctor can tell you if you need custom orthotics. These functional devices are created for the specific purpose of helping change and correct your foot problems. Custom orthotics provide much more than just arch support. They realign your feet and ankles to rebalance your gait and standing position. They also help control overpronation, which is a major cause of foot pain.

Orthotics create optimal weight distribution, which takes the pressure off any sore spots on your feet. Shoe inserts do provide some shock absorption, but that is not the main reason to use them. Orthotics goals also function to prevent more serious problems in the years ahead.

Over-the-Counter Options

In some cases, your podiatric doctor may suggest an over-the-counter orthotic. Generally, over-the-counter devices are for more mild foot problems and can also help if custom orthotics are not an option for you due to financial or insurance purposes. If your podiatric doctor suggests over-the-counter orthotics, the number of options can be a little overwhelming. It isn’t easy to know what’s best for your situation. Follow these tips to make the correct choice:

• Try them on: Put them in your shoes and try them out. Walk around in them a bit and notice your comfort level. If they aren’t comfortable now, they’re not going to be after you break them in.
• Bring all your shoes: If an insert doesn’t fit well, it does you no good. Please bring all of the shoes you plan to wear the inserts in and choose what works best for all of them. The insert should fit the contours of your shoe.
• Fit your purpose: You need a different type if you’re running a marathon versus if you stand at work all day. Make sure they match your needs.
• Consider your health: If you have diabetes or have circulation issues, an over-the-counter option may not be best for you. You have an increased risk of infection and foot ulcers, so your inserts should fit perfectly.

 Please visit an NYC foot doctor for complete guidance in determining what orthotic would benefit you best. This information is only meant to guide rather than to be relied upon without a doctor’s consultation.

Prescription Orthotics

Prescription orthotics provide different functions. Your podiatrist in NYC makes a thorough evaluation of your lower extremity and the way you walk and run to determine which is best for you. The orthotics device you receive has to fit your feet exactly and address your specific issues. Two of the most common types are:

• Functional Orthotics: These orthotics, made of semi-rigid material like graphite or plastic, are designed to control abnormal motion of your feet. They may also be used to treat foot pain caused by weight distribution. They treat injuries such as tendinitis or shin splints and overpronation, and many other foot problems.
• Accommodative Orthotics: These orthotics are softer to give greater support and cushioning. They’re used to treat painful diabetic foot ulcers, calluses, and other foot conditions that cause pain and decreased mobility.

Prescription orthotics are usually more expensive than the over-the-counter types, but the investment is justifiable because these devices are specifically designed for you. They’re made of the best materials and should last for years. Orthotic devices often are covered by insurance as well.

Do you have any questions about Orthotics, Supports, Insoles? Would you like to schedule an appointment with an internationally recognized, top-rated NYC podiatrist and foot doctor at Podiatry Manhattan Specialists?  Please contact our office for a consultation.