Many athletes have experienced that dreaded feeling — the twinge or sometimes severe pain in their foot or ankle when they make a wrong move or experience an awkward landing.
While it's disappointing to stop a training run or sub out on the playing field, it's essential to get an injury examined as a proper diagnosis is critical to making a full recovery. The good news? Treatments are better than ever with a wide range of options possible, including orthotics.
Whether you're a child, teen, or adult, weekend warrior or elite athlete, Francine Rhinehart DPM and her highly trained staff can meet all your orthopedic needs at our office in Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas. If you have an injury or other issue or are just seeking preventive care, we use innovative, evidence-based treatments to provide the best care possible.
When people hear the word “orthotics” many likely envision the one-size-fits-all shoe inserts or heel pads sold at shoe stores, pharmacies, and sporting goods stores. In reality, orthotics are prescribed by a medical expert and custom-made specifically to fit an individual's foot. They are also known as orthopedic shoe inserts and can help treat a variety of orthopedic issues.
Orthotics are more than simple, customized shoe inserts. They come in a variety of types. For example, in some cases, they are full-shoe inserts like those typically found in athletic shoes. In other instances, the orthotic may be a smaller heel type inserted snugly into the heel area of the shoe. Ankle-foot orthotics are just what they sound like — an insert that goes inside the shoe along with an upright part that goes from the heel above and around the calf.
Orthotics can be made out of different kinds of materials depending on the issue being treated. Some people may need the strong rigid support of specialized inserts made with carbon fiber or plastic. Others would be better suited with an accommodative orthotic that is cushioning and very flexible.
Orthotics can help some people with sports injuries or other accidents involving their feet and ankles by providing extra support. The specially-designed inserts can stabilize a joint and may decrease pain during recovery.
Other treatment methods may be recommended in conjunction, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), physical therapy exercises, and more.
Orthotics can also be used to correct foot alignment. When left untreated, misalignment can lead to ankle injuries, stress on the knee, pain in the hips and back, and plantar fasciitis.
Many other problems affecting the feet and ankles, ranging from arthritis and bursitis to flat feet, heel spurs, and more may also be helped by orthotics.
If you've experienced a sports or other injury or are experiencing another type of orthopedic pain, call Dr. Rhinehart at 469-754-8960 for an appointment.
