April is National Foot Awareness Month so it’s an ideal time to think about your foot health and foot care. One important aspect of foot care is prevention of foot and ankle problems, which can be done not only through diligent foot inspections, stretching, and wearing proper shoes, but also through the use of orthotics. Orthotics are inserts that are placed inside of a shoe to provide more support and treat any abnormal foot structure that can cause a variety of problems.

There are several types of orthotics:

  • Generic orthotics are those that you can find at a pharmacy or general store. There are heel cushions, arch supports, pads, and insoles.
  • Custom orthotics are molded to fit your specific foot shape and movement.
  • Ankle foot orthotics are used to help stabilize the ankle to treat balance problems.

Custom orthotics can:

  • Relieve pain and pressure through extra cushioning for conditions like warts, calluses, corns, and plantar fasciitis.
  • Provide support for patients with arch problems.
  • Treat abnormal foot structures to improve overall foot function and prevent conditions like bunions, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, flatfoot and high arches.
  • Prevent dangerous infections for diabetics who often suffer from peripheral neuropathy.
  • Stabilize the ankle to prevent falls for older patients and those who have balance problems.
  • Treat podiatric issues without drastic measures like surgery.

In order to fully experience the benefits of custom orthotics, it is important to have an experienced podiatrist examine your foot structure and movement. Dr. Russell Samofal of Podiatry Center of New Jersey located in Wayne, NJ, has extensive training in all aspects of foot and ankle care. Using state-of-the-art technology and his knowledge of podiatric issues, Dr. Samofal can provide you with an orthotic that is fitted specifically to your foot function so that you can find relief and prevent further problems. Whether you are suffering from heel pain, bunions, sports injuries, diabetic foot problems or ankle instability, the first step is to schedule an appointment with us! Please contact us or call us at (973) 925-4111 today!