Orthotic therapy is a comprehensive treatment approach to improve foot and ankle health, biomechanics and function. It includes both physical exercise and therapeutic aids such as stretch boards, foot rolling products and latex bands. These are used along with custom or over-the-counter inserts that support, align and/or correct foot posture. Research shows that combining these treatments increases patient outcomes.

Patients who orthotic therapy pain in the heel and/or ankle often require orthotic therapy. This can include people who work on hard surfaces and athletes whose performance may be limited by the condition.

The goal of orthotic therapy is to reduce strain on the ankle and foot muscles by addressing imbalances in the feet and legs. This can alleviate pain and prevent future problems. For example, patients with a flatfoot and overpronation (a common problem where the arch collapses and the ankle rolls inward excessively during walking or running) can benefit from a prescription orthotic designed to correct this condition and reduce overuse of the outside edge of the foot.

Understanding Orthotic Therapy: Insights from Talaria Podiatrist of Thornbury

This type of orthotic can also be useful in preventing pain and improving balance in individuals with neuromuscular conditions such as hereditary demyelinating polyneuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or spastic cerebral palsy. For these patients, an orthotic can help reduce the peak pressures on the skin that are a major risk factor for developing painful calluses and foot ulcers.

In patients with Achilles tendinopathy, a conservative management strategy is recommended, including use of foot orthotics that address excessive foot pronation and resulting calcaneal eversion. In addition, a range of orthotic tools has been shown to be effective in controlling the motion in the subtalar joint in cases of chronic Achilles tendinopathy.