By John O‘Dea, M.S.

If you have feet problems and your “dogs are barking,” you‘re not alone. At some point, 75% of adults suffer from some sort of foot problem. Aching feet and other related problems can interfere with work, exercise, and even the simple task of walking. A possible solution to foot problems such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, neuromas, high arches, flat feet, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, knee pain and back pain can be alleviated by using orthotics. Orthotics help alleviate aches and pains from the ground up by correcting foot imbalances that cause problems throughout the body, not just with your feet.

Orthotics are custom-made arch supports designed to replace normal shoe inserts. They rebalance foot strike and control abnormal foot motion. A podiatrist analyzes your gait pattern to determine whether an abnormality exists and then takes a mold of your feet. Orthotics are manufactured from leather, plastic or other materials around the mold. The podiatrist later checks the fit and makes adjustments as needed. A break-in period is normal as your feet adjust.

There are a few practical considerations to remember with orthotics. Usually your shoes will have to be sized a half size larger to fit your orthotics. When purchasing running shoes, you may not need shoes with as much motion control as before. A neutral shoe might work perfectly because the orthotic is now stabilizing the feet. So, if you suffer from “barking dogs,” see a podiatrist to determine if orthotics could be a solution.

For additional information please contact NIFS at 317.274.3432.