Do I Have To See A Podiatrist For Orthotics?

Post by Nick Messe

Podiatrists are medical experts who diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. These include heel pain, bunions, hammer toes, bone spurs, ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, warts, and nail fungus. These specialists are tested on both the state and national level, and are also licensed by the state where they practice. The need for podiatrists is increasing considerably around the country since the population in the United States is aging rapidly.

These foot doctors are authorized to perform certain diagnostic procedures, including laboratory tests and ultrasound, and they are also prepared to treat infections, fractures, and sprains of the ankle, heel, and foot. In addition, they prescribe various therapies for their patients, which includes orthotics, in treating their foot issues.

Orthotics, which vary widely from basic felt pads to custom-produced devices, are inserted into a shoe to correct irregular or abnormal walking patterns. They enable those who use them to stand and walk more comfortably and efficiently. Despite the fact that they are offered over-the-counter for those who have only minor foot issues, as a rule, they can't right the a variety of symptoms that a foot physician treats with prescription orthotics. That's due to the fact they are custom-tailored to fit the distinctive structure of the patient's foot.

These devices, which are made in various sizes, shapes, and materials, fit into 3 major categories. There are those utilized to alter the function of the foot, those used primarily to protect the foot, and those that are a blend of protection and functional control for patients who need both treatments.

Rigid orthotics, which are meant to control function, are mainly utilized with walking or dress shoes and are usually composed of carbon fiber, plastic, or some other firm material. They are designed from a mold or some other image supplied by the foot doctor. Considering that rigid devices control motion in two significant joints in the foot, they assist to get rid of or boost aches, foot pain, and strains in the lower back and legs.

Soft orthotics, which are meant to relieve the patient's pressure points, increase balance, absorb shock, and are utilized to treat deformed, arthritic, and diabetic feet. Created from soft, cushioned material and worn once more the sole, they extend from the heel to the toes. These soft orthotics are also designed from a plaster-cast mold or some other image taken by the podiatrist.

Semi-rigid orthotics supply the balance necessary for walking or participation in sports, and they are composed of soft material that is reinforced by far more rigid material. They are often used in treating flat feet and out-toeing and in-toeing difficulties in children. In addition, semi-rigid orthotics are also prescribed for athletes to help ease the foot pain they experience while training for and competing in sports.

About the Author

The Chesapeake Podiatry Group are specialists in eliminating foot pain Baltimore. With two offices in the Baltimore area, the focus of Chesapeake Podiatry is eliminating foot pain Baltimore - a Baltimore podiatrist with extensive expertise treating foot pain of all sorts.

©2009 www.DrGlass.org glass.dpm@gmail.com Project Lead: Nicholas Giovinco Contributing Authors: Kristen Diehl Doug Doxey Resource Consultant: Kelly Powers Producer: Nicholas Giovinco A "Hammer-Toe" deformity, describes a pathological condition of abnormal or exaggerated contracture at the metatarsal-phalangeal and inter-phalangeal joints of the toes. This is mainly due to an imbalance between the muscular flexors and extensors as well as intrinsic interossei and lumbrical muscles inside the forefoot. A hammer toe deformity could present as 1 of three morphological variations. A true hammer-toe deformity will exhibit dorsiflexion at the metatarsal-phalangeal joint and plantar flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Whereas a mallet toe solely outcomes from a plantarflexory contracture of the distal interphalangeal joint. A simultaneous mixture of these two conditions is thus recognized as a claw toe. Clinically, a hammer toe may possibly present with hypertrophic callosities on the plantar surface of the corresponding metatarsal head and the distal/plantar tip of the toe in addition to a painful corn over the proximal interphalangeal joint. A radiographic analysis of a hammer-toe deformity in the Anterior/Posterior or Dorsal/Plantar view will reveal a hallowed point or gun barrel appearance of the middle phalanx. Although conservative care may involve shoe modifications, padding, strapping, and custom orthosis surgical reconstruction may be required to alleviate painful and ...