Get Custom Orthotics Near You in Overland Park at Cotton Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates
As winter approaches, ensuring your feet stay comfortable and healthy becomes crucial. Cold temperatures, wet conditions, and walking on snow and ice can take a toll on anyone’s feet. For those who have flat feet, high arches, or plantar fasciitis, a Kansas City winter is especially punishing.
Fortunately, custom orthotic solutions offer relief and support during winter weather conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore how advanced orthotics help wearers achieve better foot health while decreasing the risk of incurring an injury. Additionally, we’ll provide information on how to get custom orthotics near you that have been specially designed to your specific foot shape.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts designed to provide support, stability, and comfort to the wearer’s feet. Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom orthotics are individually created to fit the unique foot shape of the wearer and address their specific issues or medical conditions. The following breaks down why custom orthotics are essential for maintaining good foot health, especially during winter:
#1 – Improved Foot Comfort
The number one reason why most people seek out custom orthotics is because they have a foot condition that makes wearing shoes painful or uncomfortable. Cold weather can exacerbate foot discomfort and pain, especially when low temperatures are accompanied by difficult walking conditions.
Custom orthotics are designed to distribute your body weight evenly and increase stability, reducing pressure on sensitive areas and discomfort. They are specially designed to provide cushioning and support where your feet need it most, ensuring you stay comfortable, even in chilly conditions.
#2 – Enhanced Arch Support
People with cavus feet have arches that are higher than normal. The condition is typically caused by genetics and can lead to developing painful foot conditions that make it difficult to walk, stand, or exercise.
Finding footwear that provides the appropriate amount of support for high arches is difficult, which is why many individuals with cavus feet turn to advanced orthotics as a solution. Custom orthotics are tailored to your unique arch shape, providing the right level of support to prevent arch-related issues like pain and discomfort. This extra support is invaluable when navigating icy sidewalks or snowy terrain.
#3 – Stability and Balance
The shape and condition of a person’s feet directly impacts their balance. For example, flat feet or those with neurological disorders often suffer from balance issues due to the shape of their foot or a lack of neurological feedback when walking. This means they are at a greater risk of falls and injuries when walking on icy or snowy terrain.
Custom orthotics enhance stability and balance by correcting gait abnormalities and properly aligning your feet. This customized solution reduces the risk of slips and falls, which is a common concern during the winter months.
#4 – Accommodates Footwear Changes
Certain shoes are designed to deliver specific benefits to the user. Running shoes, for example, are intended to provide maximum support and absorb the shock of the wearer’s heels hitting the ground while jogging. Dress shoes are aesthetically driven, meaning they look great, but aren’t ideal for long walks or uneven surfaces.
Winter boots are often bulkier and less accommodating than regular shoes because they prioritize keeping the feet and ankle area insulated. Although the wearer’s feet will remain warm and dry, winter boots aren’t exactly comfortable to walk in. However, custom orthotics can be designed to fit comfortably inside winter footwear, ensuring that you maintain proper foot support and balance, even when walking in thick snow.
#6 – Tailored to Your Lifestyle
People with foot conditions hail from all walks of life. Some lead active lifestyles while others get minimal exercise. Regardless of the life you lead, custom orthotics can be designed with your lifestyle and activity level in mind.
Whether you’re an active winter sports enthusiast or casually walking through your neighborhood, custom orthotics can be crafted to suit your specific needs and activities. Think of them as the solution that will enable you to do the things you love, even if it’s as simple as building a snowman with your kids or taking a brisk morning walk to get your daily steps in.
#7 – Promotes Long-Term Foot Health
Walking or exercising while afflicted with a foot condition is not only painful, but it can lead to a serious injury down the road. Custom orthotics is an investment in your long-term foot health and mobility, reducing the risk of chronic pain, complications, and injury.
Looking for Custom Orthotics Near You? Contact Cotton Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates
If you’re considering custom orthotics, it’s essential to consult with an experienced certified orthotist. As one of the leading providers of orthotics and prosthetics near you in Overland Park, Dan Cotton of Cotton Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates has 25 years of experience fitting and creating advanced orthotic solutions.
During your initial consultation, Dan Cotton will assess your foot health and collect some information about your mobility goals and challenges you wish to overcome. He will then create a customized orthotic solution that addresses your specific needs.
Don’t overlook the importance of maintaining your foot health this winter.Custom orthotic solutions offer tailored support and comfort, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable and pain-free during the cold weather season.
To schedule a consultation, call Cotton Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates at (913) 338-2672 or use our contact form to send us an email.
