Are Custom Orthotics Right for Me?

Are you an athlete putting tons miles upon miles on your feet or a diabetic with a need for special cushioning and protection inside your shoes? Whatever your podiatric health and lifestyle, custom orthotics may be for you. Prescribed and designed by Dr. Dennis Fassman in Westbury, NY, orthotics support and comfort your feet for optimal health and function.

Types of orthotics

Also called shoe inserts, orthotics may be purchased over-the-counter or more preferably, custom-made by your podiatrist. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) says that orthotics correct biomechanical imbalances. In other words, they fix problems with how you place your feet on the ground as you walk, run, jump, dance, or simply stand still. These inserts are called functional orthotics.

Additionally, orthotics prescribed by your Westbury podiatrist support and protect your feet if you have acquired congenital deformities or special health issues such as diabetic sores. These inserts are called accommodative orthotics.

Your foot doctor's choice of materials depends on your specific needs and preference. Inserts may be soft, rigid, or semi-rigid. In general, soft orthotics provide support and cushioning. Rigid orthotics protect and change how you put your feet on the ground. Semi-rigid inserts provide the support you need along with a reasonable degree of flexibility. These inserts are often best for runners.

Constructing orthotics

Dr. Fassman uses orthotics for people who have a variety of podiatric health problems such as:

• Bunions
• Plantar fasciitis
• Flat feet, or fallen arches
• Gait issues, such as overpronation
• Tendinitis
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Hammertoes
• Differences in leg length
• Lower back and/or knee pain

If you're perceiving a problem, come to our office for a consultation. Your foot doctor will examine your feet and ankles, perform an X-ray screening, analyze your gait, and make a plaster casting of your feet. These impressions help him design your orthotics specific to your foot structure and need for protection, accommodation, cushioning, and balance.

Dr. Fassman uses only quality materials in his orthotics. So, expect inserts that fit well, perform their tasks, and last.

Learn more about orthotics

Come see Dr. Dennis Fassman in his Westbury office. He'll explain in detail how customized shoe orthotics could help you have pain-free, functional feet and a happier life. Call us for an appointment: (516) 333-5566.