Why You Need Those Custom Orthotics All Year Long

Orthotics are one of the most versatile and effective treatment options we have in our office. Orthotics treat different foot problems. If your feet are out of alignment, the appropriate pair of custom orthotics can often be an extremely effective, non-invasive option.

However, it’s important to remember that they only work when you’re wearing them!

Although it isn’t a perfect analogy, you can sort of think about orthotics like you would glasses or contacts. Corrective eyewear bends light so that your imperfect eyes can focus it as clearly as someone with “perfect” vision can. Take off your glasses and the world gets blurry again.

The same is mostly true with orthotics. By placing your feet in a better position, supporting your arch, and adding extra cushioning, your orthotics allow your feet to function properly despite whatever limitations they may have.

But just like glasses, they don’t fix whatever structural problem was there in the first place. So if you stop wearing them, sooner or later your pain is going to return.

To clear up a common misconception, most people do not require “special shoes,” or even plain athletic shoes, to wear orthotics—even custom orthotics.

In fact, we can make orthotics designed to fit dress shoes, work boots, and sometimes even high heels. (Though we’d still recommend that you wear those very sparingly.) In most cases, we can fit a device to the shoes you already own.

What About Sandals?

Good news! You might be surprised to hear that we can get you orthotics that work with sandals, too!

No, you’re not going to be able to use them with your flip flops—which you shouldn’t really be doing much walking in, anyway. And they may or may not be great for the pairs you already have, depending on what’s in your closet. (Sorry.)

But that being said, there are many sandal styles that can accommodate orthotic inserts—without looking matronly.

The most important thing to look for would be sandals with removable footbeds. This will probably be essential for ensuring that the sandal can accommodate a prefabricated or custom orthotic. Enclosed heels and adjustable straps may also help you feel like the orthotic is a little more secure, although they’re not necessarily required.

We can help you determine if you need to make further adjustments to your orthotics, or possibly choose a style and size of sandal, to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

While we understand this can—at first—be a somewhat frustrating process, it’s important to understand that most people don’t have to choose between supporting their feet and being comfortable and fashionable in summertime. You can have both!

Plus, getting your feet out of those closed-toed shoes can have benefits for your foot health, too. You’ll reduce your risk of developing a nasty fungal infection like athlete’s foot or fungal toenails. Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your exposed feet!

Do you need help keeping your feet pain free and out of trouble this summer? Please visit Dr. Lisa Brandy and the team at Trinity Foot Center. We are the experts when it comes to diagnosing and treating heel pain, as well as all other common ailments of the feet and ankles.

We provide a variety of high quality prefabricated and custom orthotics for our patients, and can help you find the perfect fit not only for your foot type, but for your favorite styles of footwear. That means comfort and support you can enjoy all year long, no matter the conditions.

To schedule an appointment with us, please call (972) 293-9650. You can also request an appointment online using our website contact form.