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The Role of Custom Orthotics In Managing Chronic Pain

Start the New Year Pain-Free By Scheduling a Fitting For Custom Orthotics In Kansas City

Chronic pain affects daily activities, quality of life, workplace productivity, and overall health. Although your pain may be localized, you can feel its presence in everything you do.

If you’re suffering from persistent foot and ankle pain, custom orthotics are an effective, non-invasive solution. Orthotics provide pain relief through targeted support, improved alignment, and reduced pressure on painful areas of your feet. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, advanced orthotics are specifically designed for your unique needs and foot shape, making them the best option in chronic foot and back pain management.

After examining the differences between common shoe inserts and custom orthotics, we’ll delve into specific medical conditions that cause chronic foot and back pain and the role of advanced orthotics in pain management.

As a leading provider of custom orthotics and prosthetics near you in Kansas City, Cotton Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates is ready to help you reclaim a pain-free life. Talk to our licensed orthotist to get started.

Custom Orthotics vs. Over-the-Counter Orthotics: What’s the Difference?

Not all orthotics are created equally when it comes to pain management. Over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics, also known as insoles or shoe inserts, are mass-produced and designed to provide basic comfort and support. Although OTC inserts are inexpensive and readily available at most pharmacies or big box stores, they are not a permanent solution for chronic foot and back pain.

Advanced orthotics, on the other hand, are specifically crafted for your specific foot shape, walking pattern, and pain issues. They are created by licensed orthotists using durable materials that can last several years. Although custom orthotics come with higher upfront costs, they are more durable and far more effective at helping you walk with less pain.

Foot and Ankle Conditions That Cause Chronic Pain

Chronic pain in the feet and ankles can stem from various conditions, often caused by misalignment, poor support, or overuse. Some medical conditions cause foot deformity, nerve pain, or inflammation. These medical conditions benefit from the customized support of advanced orthotics.

  • Plantar fasciitis: Characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, plantar fasciitis causes heel and arch pain.
  • Flat feet: This condition occurs when the arches collapse or are too low, leading to improper weight distribution and increased strain on the foot.
  • Bunions: This condition is characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe joint that causes pain and discomfort, especially when wearing tight shoes.
  • Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the feet and ankles, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  • Heel spurs: These are bony growths that develop on the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis, causing significant pain with each step.
  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon, can lead to chronic pain and limit movement.
  • Metatarsalgia: This condition causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, typically due to overuse or high-impact activities.
  • Neuromas: This type of noncancerous tumor usually forms between the toes, leading to sharp, burning pain.

Contact Cotton Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates in Overland Park to learn whether you could benefit from advanced orthotic solutions.

5 Ways Custom Orthotics Help Manage Chronic Pain

Custom orthotics are specifically crafted to provide relief and support for common foot problems. Custom orthotics work to help manage foot and ankle pain with alignment and support, shock absorption, pressure relief, and improved mobility and stability.

Alignment and Support

Custom orthotics improve alignment by evenly distributing weight and promoting proper foot posture. By supporting the arches and stabilizing the foot, custom orthotics help reduce strain on muscles and ligaments, alleviating pain not only in the feet but in related areas of the body, like the back and hips.

Shock Absorption

Impact-related stress can aggravate many foot and ankle conditions. Custom orthotics provide enhanced shock absorption to cushion each step and reduce the jarring effect that can worsen conditions like heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsalgia.

Pressure Relief

Custom orthotics are tailored to relieve pressure from painful or sensitive areas of the foot. They are especially effective for conditions like bunions, neuromas, and heel spurs. Contact Cotton Orthotic & Prosthetic Associates for custom orthotics in Kansas City that provide pain and pressure relief.

Improved Mobility and Stability

Custom orthotics provide additional stability, preventing slips, falls, or rolling of the ankle. By improving stability, orthotics make it easier for people to stay active while remaining pain-free.

Long-Term Pain Management

Whereas OTC inserts have a limited shelf life, custom orthotics are a long-term investment in pain management. When crafted by certified orthotists, advanced orthotics provide consistent relief and support, helping patients manage chronic foot and ankle conditions for years.

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief With Custom Orthotics

If you’re experiencing chronic foot or ankle pain, custom orthotics may be the solution you need to regain comfort and mobility. Designed to address your unique needs, custom orthotics provide targeted support, relieve pressure, and reduce the impact that causes discomfort, helping you manage pain in the long term.

Consult with our licensed orthotist to determine if custom orthotics are right for you. With the right support, you can step into the new year with improved comfort, less pain, and renewed quality of life. Call (913) 338-2672 to schedule an appointment.

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