Our Idaho Podiatrists Highlight Some of the Primary Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Your feet serve as the foundation for your entire body's alignment. When foot problems develop, the effect ripples upward, causing discomfort in your ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Many people don't realize that addressing foot mechanics can resolve pain throughout their body. 

At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle in Caldwell and Meridian, our skilled podiatrists prescribe custom orthotics that provide better stability and comfort—a terrific solution to prevent injuries, alleviate pain, and promote natural healing. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of custom foot orthotics.   

Understanding How Orthotics May Help You benefits of custom orthotics | Idaho podiatrist

Custom orthotics offer precise support that generic insoles simply can't match. These medical devices are crafted using detailed measurements and impressions of your feet, ensuring optimal alignment and pressure distribution.

There are two types of orthotic insoles our foot doctors might recommend.

Accommodative

Made from materials like foam and silicone, these full-length inserts cushion and support your feet in many ways. 

Benefits: 

  • Pressure relief. Dispersing weight across your entire foot helps prevent hot spots and pressure points that can lead to blisters and ulcers, which is particularly important for patients with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.
  • Enhanced comfort. Since customized options follow your unique foot pathology and structure, the cushioning effect makes every step more enjoyable while protecting sensitive areas from friction and impact.
  • Wound prevention. By offloading pressure from vulnerable areas, accommodative orthotics play a crucial role in preventing diabetic foot ulcers. The devices create a protective environment that allows existing wounds to heal while preventing new ones from developing.
  • Joint protection. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that “there are more than 100 forms of arthritis, many of which affect the foot and ankle.” Why? Because the foot has 28 bones and more than 30 joints. Cushioning orthotics help reduce stress during walking and standing so you can maintain mobility while minimizing discomfort.
  • Foot deformity management. These orthotics provide specialized support for various foot deformities, including bunions and hammertoes. This may prevent further progression of these conditions while making daily activities more manageable.

Functional

These are rigid or semi-rigid devices crafted from materials like plastic or graphite. These medical devices focus on controlling abnormal motion and correcting biomechanical issues in your feet. 

Benefits: 

  • Motion control. A custom-designed functional orthotic corrects movement during walking and running. Our Idaho podiatrists might recommend them to address overpronation and supination, lessening the strain on your feet, ankles, and lower legs while promoting proper alignment throughout your kinetic chain.
  • Injury prevention. These devices often help prevent common overuse injuries by controlling excessive foot motion and providing consistent support for tendons and ligaments. This is a useful solution for people who experience shin splints, plantar fasciitis and heel pain, or Achilles tendonitis.
  • Sports performance. Athletes benefit from the stability and support that functional orthotics provide during high-impact activities. The rigid structure helps maintain proper form during quick movements and direction changes, potentially improving performance while reducing the risk of sports-related injuries.
  • Lower body alignment. These insoles' rigid structure offers better alignment for your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Many patients report a noticeable improvement after experiencing chronic pain for so long in these other areas. 
  • Long-term durability. Made from materials like carbon fiber and polypropylene, functional orthotics maintain their supportive properties even with regular use. While the initial investment may be higher than accommodative orthotics, their durability makes them cost-effective for active individuals seeking long-term solutions.

What to Expect From Your Custom Orthotic Consultation With Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle

Another essential benefit of our custom orthotics is they can truly help everyone. Whether you’re a professional who spends long hours standing at work, an active individual trying to avoid further injury, or the parent of a child with a developmental foot condition, our Idaho podiatrists provide quality, personalized care.  

Your examination begins with a thorough assessment of your specific medical conditions, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of your foot structure and walking pattern. This is vital to ensure the devices are the right fit for your unique foot pathology. 

If we agree that custom orthotics can benefit you, they’re manufactured to specifically match the contours of your feet and how you move. Professional fitting and regular adjustments assure that your custom insoles continue to provide optimal support as your needs change. This level of ongoing care simply isn't available with over-the-counter options. And instead of buying temporary relief with retail inserts, your insurance may pay for our prescription long-term solutions. That’s another benefit of choosing orthotic devices made especially for your needs. 

We’ve had numerous patients achieve great success with custom orthotics to address different conditions. In about two weeks, you can, too. 

Are You Searching for Custom Foot Orthotics in the Caldwell or Meridian, Idaho Area?

If you're searching for custom foot orthotics you owe it to yourself to speak with our experienced doctors as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208-855-5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!