Find the Best Custom Orthotics in Kansas City That Will Provide Comfort and Mobility
What do arthritis, bursitis, bunions, and high arches all have in common? They can all cause foot pain and discomfort when wearing shoes. This means the simple act of walking through the grocery store can be utterly agonizing.
When foot discomfort and pain impact a person’s daily life, it can affect their mobility, mood, and overall well-being. Wearing footwear that doesn’t accommodate medical conditions may potentially make them worse.
So, what’s the solution? Orthotics! These are devices designed to support and align the feet, which can help mitigate the symptoms associated with various issues. However, when choosing between custom orthotics (also known as advanced orthotics) and store-bought options, understanding the differences in quality and functionality is crucial.
There are seven main advantages of custom orthotics, so investing in personalized support can make a substantial difference in foot comfort and overall health. If your feet hurt when performing normal daily activities, It may be time for you to arrange an appointment with an orthotist.
Custom Orthotics Are Tailored to Your Unique Foot Anatomy
When shopping for suits and evening gowns, there’s a huge difference between what a person buys off the rack and how these items fit after they’ve been tailored. Footwear and orthotics follow the same line of logic.
Whereas store-bought orthotics provide an approximate solution, custom orthotics are designed to fit your exact foot shape and size, including any abnormalities caused by medical conditions.
Further, custom orthotics factor in your specific biomechanical needs and your unique walking gait. This personalized approach ensures a precise fit that addresses the unique contours and characteristics of each foot.
Targeted Support for Foot Conditions
Unlike store-bought orthotics, custom orthotics can be designed to target and alleviate specific foot conditions. For example, a person with plantar fasciitis can have orthotics crafted to provide cushion in the exact areas of the foot that require it, thus, reducing their pain levels. Using this tailored approach, advanced orthotics are far more effective in addressing specific medical conditions compared to orthotics found at your local pharmacy.
Enhanced Comfort and Reduced Fatigue
Some off-the-rack orthotic solutions manage to provide a level of comfort and relief to wearers, despite their feet being different. However, these store-bought inserts will never outperform custom orthotics because they aren’t an exact fit and don’t use the same quality of materials.
Orthotics made especially for you provide optimal support, help distribute pressure more evenly, minimize strain on specific areas, and prevent excessive wear on joints. These benefits can be particularly helpful for individuals who spend extended periods on their feet.
Improved Biomechanical Alignment
Biomechanical alignment is when the joints, muscles, and other aspects of the musculoskeletal system are ideally aligned, promoting overall function. Custom orthotics are designed to improve alignment by correcting issues such as overpronation or supination. This enhanced alignment not only reduces the risk of injuries, but also promotes a more comfortable gait.
Long-Term Durability and Quality Materials
Custom orthotics are more expensive compared to store-bought versions, and there’s a good reason for that. In addition to providing a higher level of comfort and function to wearers, custom orthotics are designed to be more durable than their store-bought counterparts. This means wearers can count on them as a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix.
Seamless Integration into Footwear
When discussing orthotics, it can be easy to forget that the solution must fit into footwear as well as it contours the wearer’s foot. Many store-bought orthotics fall short in this area, which usually results in discomfort and gait issues. When you invest in custom orthotics, wearers can feel confident in knowing that they will enjoy consistent support no matter what shoes they’re wearing, promoting continuous foot health without sacrificing personal style.
Professional Assessment and Ongoing Adjustments
When a person buys store-bought orthotics, there’s no expert on hand to guide them through the selection process. Further, if the orthotic solution doesn’t quite fit right, there’s no way to get it adjusted. Essentially, buyers of store-bought orthotics must rely on luck that the solution fits and won’t aggravate their foot condition when it begins to degrade.
By comparison, the process of obtaining custom orthotics involves a professional assessment by a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. This expert evaluation ensures that the advanced orthotics address the specific needs of the individual. Additionally, should any adjustments be necessary over time, your orthotist can make modifications to ensure continued support and comfort. This is important to keep in mind as you begin your search for custom orthotics in Kansas City.
Looking for Custom Orthotics Near You? Contact Cotton Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates
Store-bought orthotics have their advantages. They’re accessible, inexpensive, and can provide comfort to wearers with minor foot issues. However, store-bought options pale in comparison to custom orthotics, especially for those who have serious medical conditions that cause foot pain, gait and balance issues, nerve damage, and foot abnormalities.
Investing in personalized support not only provides immediate relief, but also contributes to long-term foot health and overall well-being.
Searching for custom orthotics near you in the Kansas City area? Contact Daniel Cotton of Cotton Orthotics and Prosthetic Associates. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Dan Cotton is well versed in helping patients find comfort and relief using custom orthotic solutions. More importantly, he can provide adjustments if your orthotic solutions need them at a later date.
The best way to get started is with a consultation. During this initial appointment, Dan will collect some medical background information, perform an examination, and provide you with options for custom orthotics that address your pain points and promote mobility. He can also walk you through how everything works with your insurance provider to help keep your out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.
Call (913) 338-2672 to speak with our scheduling department, or send us an email using the contact form on our website.
