At Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah, we use orthotics to treat a variety of foot problems, but they can also help with both leg and back issues.
Three types of orthotics
The orthotics we use in our five Foot & Ankle Clinics fall into three broad categories. They are meant to change foot function; they are protective in nature; or they are a combination of control and protection.
What conditions can orthotics help with?
- Arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritic can cause foot pain.
- Back pain — Improper foot position, such as arches that roll inward, can cause back pain. Orthotics can correct the position.
- Bunions — Orthotics with a wide toe box can help reduce pressure on the bumps that form on the big toe called bunions.
- Bursitis — Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the heels and toes can cause bursitis pain. Orthotics with heel and arch support can reduce the discomfort.
- Diabetes — Diabetic neuropathy is when a person loses sensation in their feet. Orthotics can reduce the excess stress and pressure that is behind this.
- Flat feet — Flat feet can cause foot, ankle, and back pain, so we use orthotics to support the feet and promote proper foot positioning.
- Hammer toes — When the toe joint becomes inflamed, the toe bends with deformity. Orthotics can provide support and keep hammer toes from worsening.
- High arches — High arches can stress muscles in the feet and lead to a number of conditions, everything from shin splints to knee pain and plantar fasciitis. Orthotics can help prevent the person’s feet from rolling excessively inward or outward.
- Injuries — After a person has an injury to his or her feet, orthotics can be used to provide extra support during the healing process.
- Plantar fasciitis — Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. We may sometimes recommend orthotics to support the heel and foot.
If you’re dealing with chronic heel pain, please give us a call at any of our five locations in American Fork (801), 763-3885; Payson, (801) 765-1718; Springville (801) 491-3668; and Orem (two locations), (801) 226-2421 or (801) 765-1718.
