Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Discover How Custom Orthotics In Longmont CO Reduces Foot And Ankle Pain

By Earlene McGee


Over seventy-five percent of all adults have endured the agony of an ankle or foot injury, and in an effort to find relief have turned to over-the-counter inserts and arch supports. While those can be be helpful in some instances, personalized devices often prove more effective in relieving discomfort. Custom Orthotics in Longmont CO considers individual requirements when designing supports intended to encourage the healing process.

In general terms, orthotics is a sub-category of medical care that involves using splints, braces, or any type of external device that helps people function more normally when in motion. They are used primarily to counteract problems in the feet and lower extremities, including hips, knees, and ankles. They work by reducing strains on the injured area, help prevent re-injury, and encourage proper bone alignment.

Diabetics may develop ulcerative foot sores that heal slowly, while other people may suffer from severe calluses or problems with abnormal bone or tissue growth. Both problems show improvements when an accommodating device is created to relieve the external pressure. It not only allows people to stand in a more normal fashion, but also increases personal mobility.

In cases where pain originates from abnormal physical configuration rather than injury, a functional device may be recommended. Functional inserts provide more than a basic cushioning effect, and are generally constructed of materials that are flexible, but much more rigid than foam. They are made from a three-dimensional foot model, and are sometimes used to combat related pain in the knees or hips.

Both orthopedists and podiatrists use biomechanical examinations to produce a beneficial device, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. This type of analysis is meant to detail how a particular person moves when walking or running. All people are slightly different, and those variations must be taken into account when recovering from the effects of surgery to remove heel spurs, hammertoes, or bunions.

A personalized fit is not the only advantage of wearing specially designed inserts. Each foot can be corrected individually, unlike commercially sold products. The materials are durable, are molded to personal contours, and give ample support without added irritation to non-injured areas. They are useful in correcting flat arches, and can be helpful correcting childhood foot problems that can become a liability in adulthood.

Although the field of biometrics has not escaped controversy regarding its role in creating helpful orthotics, much criticism involves comparisons with drug-store products. Individually-fitted supports have been successfully used by doctors for decades, and have been particularly useful in restoring normal movement restricted by pain in the plantar region. They also help older people maintain balance while walking.

Falls are a leading cause of injury in the elderly population, and these devices provide the support that helps reduce the number of accidents. While not suitable for every patient, people who experience debilitating ankle or foot pain and the resulting loss of physical independence often find lasting relief by wearing these devices. They not only encourage faster healing, but provide relief and comfort from daily pain.




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