Foot Arthritis Management: 3 Invaluable Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Nearly half of Americans aged 60 and older have some type of foot arthritis, a chronic musculoskeletal condition that causes joint inflammation, joint stiffness, and pain. Many people assume that joint injections (such as corticosteroid injections) and surgery are the only available treatments. But custom orthotics can be just as effective. 

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno regularly prescribe custom orthotics to treat various types of foot arthritis. In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, read on to discover the three top ways custom orthotics can support foot arthritis.

What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts designed to support the unique shape and structure of your feet. They look similar to the insoles and heel pads you find at the grocery or pharmacy. However, orthotics are made using three-dimensional (3D) scans of your feet, allowing them to support your gait (walking pattern) and anatomy. 

Their precision design and customized nature help take pressure off arthritic joints, so you can walk and move comfortably.

3 ways custom orthotics help ease foot arthritis

Let’s take a closer look at three ways custom orthotics make it easier to live with foot arthritis:

1. Improved foot alignment and pain relief

Each of your feet contains 33 joints that help you keep your balance and move comfortably. But over time, arthritis can cause misalignments, exacerbating inflammation and pain. 

Custom orthotics help realign your feet, making it easier to move. And because they’re designed to support the arch of your foot and evenly distribute your weight, many people find they relieve pressure on arthritic joints.

2. Increased mobility and stability

Certain types of foot arthritis, like osteoarthritis (OA) and gout, can affect mobility, making it difficult to stand or walk for extended periods. Taking regular breaks to sit and rest can help alleviate pain, but if you lead an active lifestyle, that’s not always an option. 

Because custom orthotics help to distribute your body weight evenly, they can take pressure off your most painful joints. Research shows they can also improve balance and stability, making moving easier without risking a fall. That means more time doing what you love, whether hiking trails or playing with your grandkids at the local park.

3. Lasting joint protection

Arthritis is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. There’s no way to prevent joint damage altogether, but custom orthotics can help slow the process. Because orthotics support proper foot mechanics and absorb the shock your bones and joints experience step after step, they reduce general wear-and-tear. This means you can keep doing the things you enjoy without having to worry about ongoing deterioration.

See if custom orthotics are right for you!

If you’ve been diagnosed with foot arthritis, don’t wait to explore the benefits of custom orthotics. After discussing your symptoms and completing a podiatric exam, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for these affordable medical devices. Contact Mayfair Foot Care today to get started. Call our office in Commack, New York, to schedule an appointment or book your visit online.