Kansas City Institute of Podiatry – Orthotics Specialists
Customized orthotics relieve your pain, improve function, and treat your foot condition so you can stay active and enjoy daily life, whether that means taking an evening walk or intensive athletic training. Dr. Jeffrey Roith and Dr. Sarah Russell are experts in orthotics, individualizing each one to meet your needs. To learn if you’re a good candidate for orthotics, call Kansas City Institute of Podiatry in Overland Park, Kansas or book an appointment online.
Orthotics, also called orthoses, refer to devices you insert into your shoe to support and improve foot function.
You may be familiar with the orthotics available in most pharmacies, such as inserts to add cushioning to your shoes and toe pads. These products may provide relief for mild foot symptoms, but they can’t achieve the therapeutic effect of customized orthotics.
Although there are many shapes and sizes of orthotics, they fall into three categories:
Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotics are made from a firm material, so they can control function or movement, helping eliminate strains, aches, and pain in your feet, legs, and lower back. They also provide stability, correct imbalances, and improve an abnormal foot position.
For rigid orthotics, your doctor makes a plaster cast or takes an image of your foot; then, it’s used to make a mold, so your orthotic fits your foot perfectly.
Soft Orthotics
These orthotics are primarily protective and are made of soft materials. They absorb shock, cushion the foot, and take pressure away from uncomfortable or sore spots. They’re also made from a mold to ensure the best fit for your foot.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics are made from layers of soft material reinforced with rigid materials. They provide balance for walking, and athletes often use them to mitigate pain while they train and compete. The doctors may prescribe semi-rigid orthotics to treat flatfoot and in- or out-toeing in children.
Dr. Roith and Dr. Russell prescribe customized orthotics to treat several foot problems. Orthotics can reduce pain and swelling, correct alignment problems, provide joint stability, or improve your overall balance.
In addition to relieving pain during athletic training, orthotics may improve movement problems in your sport or reduce leg sprains and shin splints.
A few examples of foot conditions that often benefit from orthotics include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Arthritis
- Flatfeet
- Hammertoes
- Diabetic ulcers
- Achilles tendonitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
The team at Kansas City Institute of Podiatry specializes in customized orthotics, from accurately diagnosing the problem to creating your mold and making sure your new orthotics do the job. To learn more about orthotics, call the office or book an appointment online.