Orthotics

Foot pain can make even simple tasks like walking and standing feel like chores. If you struggle with chronic foot pain or instability, Stephanie Parks, DPM, Justin Ward, DPM, and the team at Bosque Foot and Ankle in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can create custom-made orthotics to cushion and support your feet. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about orthotics.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts that align and support the feet and ankles. These custom-made devices mold to the shape of your feet, accommodating their unique structure and providing targeted support to address specific biomechanical issues.

By promoting proper alignment, orthotics help distribute pressure evenly across the feet, reducing strain on joints and muscles. This personalized support can relieve pain and discomfort from various foot conditions and improve your overall foot function.

Which foot problems can orthotics address? 

Orthotics can help relieve pain and improve function for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Morton’s neuroma
• Shin splints
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Heel spurs
• Flat feet
• Diabetic foot problems

Whether used for daily comfort or chronic foot conditions, orthotics can significantly relieve discomfort and improve foot health.

What are the benefits of orthotics?

Orthotics have many benefits for people of all ages, activity levels, and lifestyles, offering personalized solutions to address a wide range of foot and lower limb issues. Benefits of orthotics include:

• Improved posture
• Reduced muscle tension
• Even weight distribution
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Relieved pain
• Improved stability and support
• Enhanced shock absorption
• Enhanced circulation
• Improved gait (how you walk)
• Increased shoe comfort

Custom-made orthotics can also relieve knee, hip, and lower back pain, reducing muscle fatigue and improving your quality of life.

Do store-bought orthotics work well?

Store-bought orthotics can be effective for people with mild foot problems or occasional discomfort. However, they can’t match the precision and personalized support that custom-made orthotics provide. 

Custom orthotics consider your unique foot anatomy, gait pattern, and specific biomechanical needs, offering a higher degree of correction for more complex foot conditions.

What is the process like for getting orthotics?

The Bosque Foot and Ankle team can create your custom-made orthotics in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Consultation and assessment

The podiatry team at Bosque Foot and Ankle discusses your medical history, symptoms, and any existing foot conditions.

Step 2: Gait analysis

Next, they perform a gait analysis to observe how you walk and identify any abnormalities in your stride, foot positioning, or weight distribution.

Step 3: Impressions or scans

To create custom orthotics, the podiatry team may take impressions of your feet using molds or advanced technology like 3D scanning to capture precise measurements.

Step 4: Fitting and adjustments

Once the orthotics are ready, you have a fitting appointment with the podiatry team. They ensure that the orthotics fit well in your shoes and make any necessary adjustments to optimize comfort and effectiveness.

Call Bosque Foot and Ankle or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about the benefits of custom-made orthotics.